OPEC now predicts 2022 return to pre-pandemic oil demand, in bullish case for output hikes

OPEC is now projecting world oil demand to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2022, while the bloc and its allies plan to continue to gradually raise crude output. The projected forecast raised global demand growth in 2022 to 4.15 million b/d, up from last month’s 3.28 million b/d. This higher estimate is driven by a stronger than anticipated recovery in various fuels, and a steady economic outlook in all regions. The 2021 demand forecast has been kept largely unchanged and the non-OPEC supply for 2021 has been expected to increase less than predicted due to Hurricane Ida and a fire in Mexico disrupting production.