Oil prices fall for second session
Libya39;s NOC says production resumes at several oilfields
Gazprom resumes gas flows to EU in Nord Stream 1 pipeline
ECB poised to hike rates which can weigh on energy demand
LONDON, July 21 Reuters Oil prices fell more than 3 on Thursday after higher U.S. gasoline stockpiles stoked demand worries and returning energy supply from Libya and Russia eased supply concerns.
Brent crude futures dropped 3.80, or 3.6, to 103.12 a barrel by 0915 GMT after slipping 0.4 in the previous session. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 3.93, or 3.9, to 95.95 a barrel following a 1.9 drop on Wednesday.
Oil futures trading volumes have been thin and prices volatile as traders have to square tighter supply because of the loss of Russian barrels following the country39;s invasion of Ukraine, with recessionary worries about weaker energy demand.
The European Central Bank is set to join other central banks in hiking rates, focusing on fighting runaway inflation rather than the economic downturn, which, in turn, can weigh on oil demand. An announcement is due at 1215 GMT.
European stocks, which often move in tandem with oil prices, also dipped ahead of the rate decision.
U.S. gasoline inventories rose 3.5 million barrels last week, government data showed on Wednesday, far exceeding analysts39; forecasts.
U.S. gasoline demand is struggling to shift into top gear during the peak summer driving season, said PVM analyst Stephen Brennock….