Brent steadies under $119 on easing tensions in Iran

Oil price: forecasts of a faster-than-expected global growth in oil demand held oil prices below $119 per barrel on Wednesday

Brent crude steadied on Wednesday, holding just below a nine-month high near $119 per barrel on forecasts of a faster-than-expected growth in global oil demand this year, although easing tensions in Iran subdued prices.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the 12-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries increased their outlook for world oil consumption growth, citing increasing signs of a recovery in the global economy.

According to Reuters, investors have also been taking cues from the currency markets ahead of a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bankers this week amid increasing international tensions over the euro's strength and the yen's weakness.

"The faster demand forecasts are supporting oil prices, but the concerns of a currency war are weighing on the markets," the news…

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