Global oil demand could nearly halve if coronavirus threat escalates

Global crude oil demand could drop as much as 42 per cent to 0.77 million barrels per day (million b/d) from the current estimated 1.33 million b/d in February 2020 on a year-on-year basis if the Wuhan virus, or the crononavirus as it is also known, spreads more, says a note from S&P Global Platts.

“In the worst case, global demand growth will remain negative until May. In best case, it would bounce back to positive in March. Yet, notice worst-case is – for now – assumed recession-free. In worst-case, demand reduction would be comparable to a major slowdown. In best-case, it would be similar to a three-month warm winter effect,” S&P Global Platts note said.