Oil Extends Decline

Oil futures extended losses on Tuesday, as Iran and six world powers ramped up the pace of negotiations to reach a preliminary deal that could ease sanctions and allow more Iranian crude onto world markets.  With a deadline less than 24 hours away, United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China were trying to break an impasse in negotiations aimed at stopping Iran from having the capacity to develop a nuclear bomb, in exchange for an easing of international sanctions.

Officials said talks on a framework accord, which is intended as a prelude to a comprehensive agreement by the end of June, could yet fall apart over disagreements on enrichment research and the pace of lifting sanctions.  “Iran has built up significant oil inventories and could immediately increase exports if sanctions are lifted,” analysts at ANZ said in a note.

Shipping sources say Iran is storing at least 30 million barrels of oil on its fleet of supertankers, as Western sanctions keep a lid on sales.  Brent oil LCOc1 was 35 cents lower at $55.94 a barrel by 0244 GMT. The contract had settled down 12 cents on Monday.  U.S. crude CLc1 was down 56 cents at $48.12 a barrel, after closing 19 cents lower.

Reuters

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