OPEC raises 2021 oil demand growth forecast on hopes virus impact wanes

LONDON : OPEC on Tuesday raised its forecast for growth in world oil demand this year on hopes the pandemic will subside, providing help for the group and its allies in their efforts to support the market.

Demand will rise by 5.95 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2021, or 6.6%, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries forecast in its monthly report, up 70,000 bpd from last month.

However, OPEC lowered its forecast for the second quarter.

“As the spread and intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to subside with the ongoing rollout of vaccination programmes, social distancing requirements and travel limitations are likely to be scaled back, offering increased mobility,” OPEC said in the report.