HTSC·2025-07-25 10:01Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the oil and gas sector [5]. Core Views - The demand for oil has been supported by the traditional peak season in the Northern Hemisphere, with oil prices remaining relatively high since July [1][11]. - The report indicates that the actual tightness in the oil market may be greater than the IEA's supply-demand balance suggests, highlighting the importance of OPEC+'s production adjustments and seasonal consumption trends [1][4]. - Long-term, high-dividend energy companies with the ability to increase production and reduce costs, as well as those with growing natural gas operations, are expected to present investment opportunities [4][66]. Demand Side Summary - Global oil demand growth slowed significantly in Q2 2025, dropping from 1.1 million barrels per day in Q1 to 0.55 million barrels per day in Q2 [2][17]. - China's commercial crude oil inventory saw a record quarterly increase, which is crucial for long-term energy security [2][23]. - The traditional peak season for travel and electricity demand in Q3 is expected to further tighten the market, with historical data indicating a combined increase of 900,000 barrels per day in oil demand for power generation from May to August [2][23]. Supply Side Summary - Global oil supply is projected to increase by 2.1 million barrels per day in 2025 and 1.3 million barrels per day in 2026, with OPEC+ accelerating production [3][38]. - In June, oil exports from the Gulf region surged, driven by concerns over supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions [3][43]. - OPEC+ has raised its production targets for August, indicating a significant reduction in voluntary production cuts implemented since 2023, which could lead to an oversupply in the market [3][43][66]. Key Recommendations - The report recommends investing in high-dividend energy companies with the capacity to increase production and reduce costs, specifically highlighting China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and China Petroleum [4][66]. - The forecast for Brent crude oil prices is set at $68 and $62 per barrel for 2025 and 2026, respectively, with Q3 and Q4 2025 prices expected to be $68 and $63 per barrel [4][66].