Victor Shum, senior principal at consultants Purvin and Gertz said, “Prices have stopped sliding because some investors see this low level as a buy opportunity.” - File photo

 

SINGAPORE: Oil rebounded in Asian trade Thursday as investors went bargain hunting after prices fell below $90 a barrel the previous day, analysts said.

New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for delivery in July was up 49 cents to $90.39 per barrel while Brent North Sea crude for July gained 39 cents to $105.95 in the afternoon.

Prices slumped on Wednesday as the greenback rallied on eurozone debt worries, making dollar-denominated oil more expensive.

WTI crude fell to $89.90 on Wednesday, its lowest level since October, while Brent tumbled $2.85 to $105.56.

“Prices have stopped sliding because some investors see this low level as a buy opportunity,” said Victor Shum, senior principal at Purvin and Gertz international energy consultants in Singapore.

He said prices are still supported by the threat of supply disruptions in the Middle East.

“The prospect of supply disruptions is still there. The US and European Union embargoes on Iranian oil will still go ahead as planned despite the current talks,” added Shum.

Tough talks aimed at helping resolve the standoff between major producer Iran and the West over Tehran's nuclear programme entered an unscheduled second day Thursday in Baghdad, with both sides still at odds with each other.

Major powers Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany had tabled a proposal that included sweeteners to persuade Iran to abandon enriching uranium, but Tehran baulked at the offer.

Iran has faced crippling sanctions over its nuclear programme, which much of the international community believes is masking a push to develop atomic weapons.

Tehran has denied the claims, and has threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz -- a major conduit for Gulf oil exports -- if further sanctions are imposed.

Investors' attention also remained focused on the eurozone debt crisis.

EU leaders at a summit overshadowed by fears Greece could leave the euro pledged support Wednesday for Athens, as officials behind the scenes considered the doomsday scenario of an exit.

“For now the top of the mind issue is still Greece, the main reason why oil took a pounding overnight,” said Shum.

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