World oil demand in 2016 is seen increasing by 1.24 mb/d to average 94.40 mb/d. Positive revisions were primarily a result of higher-than-expected demand in the Other Asia region, while downward revisions were a result of lower-than-expected performance from OECD America. In 2017, world oil demand is anticipated to rise by 1.15 mb/d, to average 95.56 mb/d.

API announced today that estimated oil wells drilled and completed in the third quarter of 2016 remained relatively unchanged from the previous quarter at 2,285. That is a decline of 3.7%, which follows an average of 17.3% in quarterly declines for the past year and a half.

The project has been plagued by multiple delays and cost overruns. A 2008 budget estimate of $38 billion jumped to $53 billion by the end of last year as the partners replaced undersea links after sour gas cracked the pipes.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.2% to $51.91 a barrel on London’s ICE Futures exchange. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, West Texas Intermediate futures were trading up 0.1% at $50.21 a barrel.

Coordinated output curbs by Russia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, who together pump about half the world’s oil, could boost fuel prices for consumers and revive the fortunes of a battered energy industry. While Putin’s comments are the firmest indication yet that such an agreement is possible, Russia is still pumping at record levels and has stopped short of a commitment to pull back. OPEC members also have many hurdles to overcome before implementing their first cuts in eight years.

The world’s biggest energy user imported 33.06 million metric tons of crude in September, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs on Thursday. That’s about 8.08 million barrels a day. China’s net fuel exports were at 2.37 million tons last month, near the record 2.49 million in July.

December Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 were down 42 cents at $52.72 a barrel by 1100 GMT, below Monday's one-year high at $53.73, but off an intraday low at $52.51, while U.S. futures CLc1 were down 43 cents at $50.92 a barrel.

"Why should we do it?" Sechin, known for his anti-OPEC position, told Reuters in Istanbul on Monday evening, when asked if Rosneft, which accounts for 40 percent of Russia's total crude oil output, might cap its own output.

"Higher production from Libya, Nigeria and Iraq are reducing the odds of such a deal rebalancing the oil market in 2017," Goldman analysts said.

Global benchmark Brent crude futures LCOc1 reached a high of $52.57 a barrel, not far off a one-year high of $52.86 a barrel, by 1207, up 64 cents on Friday's close. U.S. futures CLc1 also gained ground, trading at $50.32, up 51 cents.