CNBC: Oil falls 24% in 3rd worst day on record, sinks to more than 18-year low

International benchmark Brent crude shed 14.1%, or $4.07, to trade at $24.67, its lowest level since 2003.

Oil dropped 24% to a more than 18-year low on Wednesday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to sap demand for crude, and as rising worries about a global recession lead to fears of longer-term demand destruction.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 24.4%, or $6.58, to settle at $20.37 per barrel, its lowest level since February 2002, CNBC said.

At the low of the day, the contract hit $20.06. It was WTI’s third worst day on record.

International benchmark Brent crude shed 14.1%, or $4.07, to trade at $24.67, its lowest level since 2003.

Oil is getting hit on both the supply and demand side. A slowdown in worldwide travel and business activity is weighing on demand, just as powerhouse producers Saudi Arabia and Russia prepare to ramp up production.

(c) Unian

14 comments

  1. I envision thick drops of sweat on the foreheads of those in charge in the Kremlin and Riyadh. Their reserves are dwindling and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Even if they start reducing production output, the oil price will linger far enough below a range that defines their pain level due to the Chink bat virus. And, US fracking companies are just waiting to gear up again.

  2. Its 75 cents a litre here now in the Toronto area . have not seen prices like this in 15 years .

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