Oil prices were also pressured by a report by industry group American Petroleum Institute, indicating weaker demand in the world's biggest oil-consuming economy. - File photo

SINGAPORE: Oil prices edged lower in Asian trade Wednesday, amid hopes of easing tensions between major producer Iran and the West, but eurozone debt woes continued cast a shadow over the market.

New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate crude for delivery in July, was down 60 cents at $91.25 per barrel while Brent North Sea crude for July shed 62 cents to $107.79 in morning trade.

“Oil has slipped on news that Iran will let UN nuclear inspectors into the country,” said Justin Harper, market strategist at IG Markets Singapore.

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Yukiya Amano said that he and Iran's chief nuclear negotiator would “soon” reach an agreement on the UN watchdog probing Iran's suspected weapons activities.

The announcement by Amano came ahead of talks in Baghdad later Wednesday between world powers and Tehran aimed at defusing tensions over the Islamic republic's nuclear ambitions.

The reaction of Western diplomats -- and Israel -- was cool, however.

Israel and much of the West believe Tehran is developing atomic weapons and have imposed sanctions on its financial and oil industries in response.

Iran vehemently rejects the accusations, insisting the programme is for peaceful purposes including cancer treatment.

Dealers are also keeping an eye on the eurozone debt crisis amdi worries Greece could exit the 17-member currency bloc, analysts said.

“The crisis in the euro area has become more serious recently, and it remains the most important source of risk to the global economy,” OECD chief economist Pier Carlo Padoan said in the organisation's latest report released Tuesday.

While the eurozone gained some breathing space at the beginning of the year from the European Central Bank pumping more than a trillion euros into banks, tensions soared in recent weeks after inconclusive elections on May 6 raised the spectre of a Greek exit.

Prices were also pressured by a report by industry group American Petroleum Institute (API) indicating weaker demand in the world's biggest oil-consuming economy.

The official weekly inventory report by the Energy Information Administration is due later Wednesday.

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Political capitalism

Political capitalism

Pakistani decision-makers salivate at the prospect of a one-party state but without paying attention to those additional ingredients.

Editorial

Spending restrictions
Updated 13 May, 2024

Spending restrictions

The country's "recovery" in recent months remains fragile and any shock at this point can mean a relapse.
Climate authority
13 May, 2024

Climate authority

WITH the authorities dragging their feet for seven years on the establishment of a Climate Change Authority and...
Vending organs
13 May, 2024

Vending organs

IN these cash-strapped times, black marketers in the organ trade are returning to rake it in by harvesting the ...
A turbulent 2023
Updated 12 May, 2024

A turbulent 2023

Govt must ensure judiciary's independence, respect for democratic processes, and protection for all citizens against abuse of power.
A moral victory
12 May, 2024

A moral victory

AS the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Friday in favour of granting Palestine greater rights at the...
Hope after defeat
12 May, 2024

Hope after defeat

ON Saturday, having fallen behind Japan in the first quarter of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, Pakistan showed...