Zimpapers Logo

THE World Bank has increased its 2017 price outlook for both metals and oil in its latest ‘Commodity Markets Outlook’, raising its October forecast for crude oil to $55/bl, from $53/bl in July. It has, however, sustained its forecast for an average oil price of $43/bl in 2016.

Energy prices, which include oil, natural gas and coal, are projected to jump almost 25 percent overall next year, with coal prices expected to average $58/t in 2016, despite a 30 percent surge in thermal coal prices during third quarter of 2016.

The recent increase in coal prices to above $65/t was attributed to strong demand and tightening supply in China as a result of government restrictions on production and adverse weather conditions.

However, the bank expects coal prices to reduce during 2017 on the back of supply additions and weak demand.

“China’s coal policy will be key, given that the country consumes half of the world’s coal output and coal accounts for nearly two-thirds of the country’s energy consumption.”

Metals prices are projected to rise more sharply in 2017 than forecast in July, as a result of faster-than-expected mine closures.

Metals prices rose by four percent in the third quarter, the second consecutive quarterly gain, on supply constraints, strong demand and falling stocks.

“Iron ore, nickel, tin and zinc have risen by more than 20 percent over the past two quarters on various supply shortfalls, while the two largest consumed metals —aluminum and copper — have seen more modest gains on ample supply and rising capacity,” the bank stated.

Zinc prices recorded the strongest gains in 2016, rising 50 percent from January to September, owing to ongoing supply tightness as a result of mine closures and voluntary production cuts, amidst strong steel demand.

“In 2017 metals prices are projected to increase by four percent as most markets continue to  rebalance. The largest gain is for zinc, which is projected to rise more than 20 percent, on continued supply tightening from large mine closures.”

Meanwhile, precious metals prices, which rose eight percent in the third quarter on strong investment demand and safe-haven buying, have increased by more than 20 percent this year.

Silver led the way, surging 16 percent, on strong investor and industrial demand, followed by platinum, up eight percent, on South African rand appreciation and tightening physical supply. Gold prices lagged these increases, but nevertheless rose six percent to average $1 335/oz.

“Precious metals prices are projected to rise seven percent in 2016, mainly due to stronger investment demand,” the bank said.  — miningweekly