Oil steadies after two-day drop as traders examine Hormuz traffic

Oil steadied on Wednesday following two days of severe declines as investors waited for signs of progress in talks to end the U.S.-Iran dispute and reopen commerce through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures were up 26 cents, or around 0.33%, at $79.62 a barrel by 0110 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 0.16%, or 12 cents, to $75.90 a barrel.

Qatar claimed on Tuesday mediators are making headway in efforts to end the war, bringing oil prices lower, though Tehran has dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that discussions are already under way. Brent fell below $80 a barrel for the first time since July 13 on Tuesday.

“The main sticking point appears to be whether Iran will stick to its guns and demand a level of control over the waterway, and whether the US will stand its ground and reject that outcome,” IG analysts wrote in a note.

Brent fell more than 5% on Tuesday, adding to sharp losses after comments from Qatar on Monday raised expectations that an agreement may be struck shortly. Some 20% ‌of ⁠the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the strait before the war, and prices soared 50% in March alone.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Trump spoke on Tuesday about attempts to reduce divisions between Washington and Tehran and boost the prospects for a durable settlement, the Emiri administration said.

Trump claimed on Monday discussions with Tehran had begun and Iran had a “last chance” to strike a deal. Iranian officials deny that any talks are taking place with the U.S.

U.S. oil and gasoline stockpiles rose and distillate stocks declined last week, market sources reported on Tuesday citing data from the American Petroleum Institute.
Crude inventories rose by roughly 2.7 million barrels in the week ended July 31, sources said on condition of anonymity.

Official figures from the EIA, the statistical arm of the U.S. Department of Energy, are due at 10:30 a.m. ET (1430 GMT) on Wednesday.