Heating Oil Near 3-Month Lows
Heating oil futures in the U.S. fell below $2.20 per gallon, nearing the three-month low of $2.16 reached on March 13, tracking crude oil lower amid expectations of strong supply and subdued demand. Crude feedstock costs dropped sharply after OPEC+ unexpectedly raised production by 411,000 barrels per day—well above planned increases—while U.S. crude inventories surged by 6.2 million barrels, defying forecasts of a 2-million-barrel draw and signaling ample supply. Additionally, Trump’s 10% tariff on all U.S. imports has heightened recession fears, raising concerns over weaker industrial activity and consumer spending, which could dampen overall energy demand. Seasonally, heating oil consumption is also declining as the transition to milder temperatures reduces heating needs across residential and commercial sectors. Meanwhile, the latest EIA report showed a 0.264 million barrel build in distillate stockpiles last week, contrary to expectations of a 1.1 million barrel draw.