29/01/2013
POLL-U.S. crude oil to close gap on Brent in 2013
U.S. light crude oil futures are likely to outperform Brent this year, a Reuters poll of analysts shows, as increasing global supplies and economic uncertainty weigh on the North Sea benchmark.
Reuters' monthly survey of 30 analysts forecasts Brent crude oil will average $109.70 per barrel in 2013, down from $111.70 last year.
U.S. light crude is likely to remain weaker than Brent, but it will close the gap on the North Sea grade, analysts say. They now see U.S. crude averaging $96.40 per barrel this year, up $2.50 from last month's projection and above the 2012 average of $94.15.
