Crude market wrestles with supply-demand disconnect
Near-term economic concerns and relative supply strength postpone oil’s recovery narrative
The message from major forecasters is clear: global oil demand is set to expand faster than previously expected this year. The IEA now sees oil demand growth of 2.2mn bl/d in 2023, some 200,000bl/d higher than its report in April, taking overall demand to 102mn bl/d, supported by China’s improving mobility. In fact, the IEA has been raising demand growth projections every month since last November. Other top forecasters, such as Goldman Sachs, have also steadily increased their demand forecasts. But the oil market needs much more convincing. “These demand upgrades reflect that strong emerging market and global services demand continue to outpace weaker developed market and manufacturing envi
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal






