Rise in oil demand in 2024 under the threat of US sanctions

Global oil demand reaches 102.9 million barrels per day in 2024, driven by a cold winter. US sanctions on Russia and Iran weigh on supply prospects for 2025.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

Global oil demand recorded a slight increase in 2024, reaching 102.9 million barrels per day (mb/d), according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) monthly report. This growth, revised upward by 90,000 barrels per day, results from several favorable factors, including cold temperatures in the northern hemisphere, lower fuel prices, and…

Global oil demand recorded a slight increase in 2024, reaching 102.9 million barrels per day (mb/d), according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) monthly report. This growth, revised upward by 90,000 barrels per day, results from several favorable factors, including cold temperatures in the northern hemisphere, lower fuel prices, and an abundance of petrochemical feedstocks.

The IEA estimates that this trend could continue in 2025, with global demand expected to reach 104 mb/d, an increase of 1.05 mb/d compared to the previous year. However, this pace remains modest compared to the increases of more than 2 mb/d seen in 2022 and 2023, signaling a slowdown in global consumption dynamics.

Impact of US Sanctions on Supply

Global oil supply is under pressure due to economic sanctions imposed by the United States on Russia. According to the IEA, these measures could disrupt crude oil supply flows, particularly if reinforced under the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Additionally, speculation about a tougher US stance on Iran’s oil exports is fueling uncertainty in the sector. The agency also warns that unfavorable weather conditions in North America could lead to a drop in production, further exacerbating supply tensions.

Mechanisms to Stabilize Markets

Despite these challenges, the IEA remains optimistic about the ability of stocks and producers to mitigate potential disruptions. Increased production from non-OPEC+ (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners) countries could offset some of the losses. Furthermore, the possible lifting of OPEC+ production cuts could provide enough surplus to meet growing demand.

This combination of factors, according to the IEA, should allow the global market to navigate these turbulences while maintaining a relative balance between supply and demand.

Next Bridge Hydrocarbons completes a $6 million private debt raise to support its involvement in the Panther project while restructuring part of its existing debt.
Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical reported a net loss in the first half of 2025, impacted by reduced demand for fuels and chemical products, as well as declining sales volumes.
Bahrain has signed an energy concession agreement with EOG Resources and Bapco Energies, reinforcing its national strategy and opening the way to new opportunities in oil and gas exploration.
Talos Energy confirmed the presence of oil in the Daenerys area, located in the Gulf of Mexico, after a successful sub-salt drilling operation completed ahead of schedule.
Thanks to strong operational performance, Ithaca Energy recorded record production in the first half of 2025, supporting improved annual guidance and significant dividend distributions.
A surprise drop in US crude inventories and renewed focus on peace talks in Ukraine are shaping oil market dynamics.
The Druzhba pipeline has resumed flows to Hungary, while recent strikes raise questions about the energy interests at stake within the European Union.
The resumption of Shell’s drilling operations and the advancement of competing projects are unfolding in a context dominated by the availability of FPSOs and deepwater drilling capacity, which dictate industrial sequencing and development costs.
Indonesia Energy Corporation signs a memorandum of understanding with Aguila Energia to identify oil and gas assets in Brazil, marking a first incursion outside its domestic market.
YPF transfers management of seven conventional zones to Terra Ignis, marking a key step in its strategy to refocus on higher-value projects.
Viper Energy, a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, has completed the acquisition of Sitio Royalties and is raising its production forecast for the third quarter of 2025.
Driven by rising industrial demand and emerging capacities in Asia, the global petrochemicals market is expected to see sustained expansion despite regulatory pressures and raw material cost challenges.
Alnaft and Occidental Petroleum signed two agreements to assess the oil and gas potential of southern Algerian zones, amid rising budgetary pressure and a search for energy stability.
Indian imports of Brazilian crude reach 72,000 barrels per day in the first half of 2025, driven by U.S. sanctions, and are expected to grow with new contracts and upstream projects between Petrobras and Indian refiners.
Oil flows to Hungary and Slovakia via the Russian Druzhba pipeline have been halted, following an attack Budapest attributes to repeated Ukrainian strikes.
After twenty-seven years of inactivity, the offshore Sèmè field sees operations restart under the direction of Akrake Petroleum, with production targeted by the end of 2025.
In July, China maintained a crude oil surplus of 530,000 barrels per day despite high refining activity, confirming a stockpiling strategy amid fluctuating global prices.
Petrobras is holding talks with SBM Offshore and Modec to raise output from three strategic FPSOs, two already at full capacity, to capture more value from the high-potential pre-salt fields.
The Canadian company finalized a partial repurchase of its high-yield bonds, well below the initially proposed amount of $48.4 million.
SNF acquires Obsidian Chemical Solutions, a Texas-based SME specialized in chemical solutions for well completion. Transaction amount and conditions undisclosed, but the acquisition comes in a growing North American market.
Consent Preferences