原油周报：地缘溢价仍未消退，基本面尚待回归

Market Overview - Recent crude oil prices have shown a strong fluctuation, with Brent crude futures settling at $65.88 per barrel, up $1.75 (+2.73%) from the previous week, while WTI crude futures rose to $61.07 per barrel, an increase of $1.63 (+2.74%) [6][49][53] - The market remains tense due to geopolitical factors, including potential changes in Iran and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, alongside the U.S. military presence in the Middle East [5][48][55] Supply and Demand Dynamics - The latest EIA data indicates a weekly crude oil inventory increase of 3.602 million barrels, with gasoline inventories rising by 5.977 million barrels, both exceeding expectations [6][49][73] - Despite a slight reduction in production, overall demand appears weak, suggesting a continued trend of inventory accumulation [6][49][73] Geopolitical Influences - The U.S. has increased military presence in the Middle East, raising concerns about potential military actions against Iran, which could impact oil prices significantly [5][55] - The upcoming "U.S.-Ukraine" trilateral talks are expected to influence geopolitical tensions and, consequently, crude oil prices in the near future [5][48] Market Sentiment - The recent Davos Forum highlighted significant geopolitical narratives, with discussions around U.S. inflation, energy policies, and international relations affecting market perceptions [9][52] - The divergence in market sentiment regarding U.S. actions towards Iran reflects uncertainty, with mixed signals from U.S. officials regarding military engagement [5][55] Refinery Operations - U.S. refinery utilization has decreased by 2.0% to 93.30%, remaining above historical averages, indicating stable operational conditions despite minor fluctuations [76] - The overall demand for refined products has shown mixed trends, with gasoline demand slightly declining due to seasonal adjustments and extreme weather conditions [76][78]