Oil demand to rebound in 2020
Macroeconomic factors promise to boost oil requirements and bolster prices, which may see the market spring a surprise
Oil prices in 2020 will recover smartly from late 2019 levels, as demand regains its mojo and supply growth continues to moderate. A weaker US dollar—brought about by globally accommodative monetary policies and a reduction in economic policy uncertainty—also will support prices. As such, BCA Research forecasts 2020 Brent prices averaging $70/bl, well above a consensus forecast of under $62.40/bl produced by over 50 economists and economist survey in an October Thomson Retuters poll. The recovery in the benchmark oil price is premised on a relatively upbeat assessment of supply and demand dynamics next year—production discipline by Opec+ and capital market restraints on US shale—oil output
Also in this section
23 April 2026
The addition of an oil pipeline to the Power of Siberia 2 gas project could ensure deliveries of Russian oil to China, materially shorten logistics lines between West Siberia and final customers, and—amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz—offer a land-based export route that reduces exposure to maritime chokepoints
23 April 2026
There is a clear push to bolster exports to Asia amid uncertainty around its North American neighbour, but there are limits to the benefits from the energy crisis
23 April 2026
Shell made the play-opening discovery in Namibia’s Orange basin back in 2022, but its next well could decide whether the project can actually be commercialised
22 April 2026
The failure of OMV Petrom’s keenly watched exploration campaign at Bulgaria’s Han Asparuh block highlights the Black Sea’s uneven track record, despite major successes like Neptun Deep and Sakarya






