The U.S. current-account deficit decreased to $130.4 billion (preliminary) in the first quarter of 2019 from $143.9 billion (revised) in the fourth quarter of 2018, according to statistics released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The deficit was 2.5 percent of current-dollar gross domestic product in the first quarter, down from 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter.

Brent crude was up $2.06 at $63.88 a barrel , U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $2.33 to $56.09.

Правление ПАО «Газпром» рассмотрело ход реализации проектов строительства экспортных газопроводов «Северный поток — 2» и «Турецкий поток». Отмечено, что сооружение газопроводов ведется в соответствии с графиками.

More than a third of Europe’s gas comes from Russia, and most of that goes through Ukraine’s Soviet-era pipelines. Ukraine has proposed that the European Union store as much as 4 billion cubic meters of gas in its underground storage facilities to guarantee security of supply for eastern European countries heavily reliant on Russian gas, pipeline operator Ukrtransgaz said this week.

Around $200 billion in projects across the globe from Australia to the United States are racing to be approved over the next two years, vying to provide around 65 million tonnes of new annual supplies that are needed by 2025, according to estimates by consultants Wood Mackenzie.

Saudi Arabia’s crude oil production approached a four-year low, averaging an estimated 9.9 million barrels per day (b/d). Production declined more than 1 million b/d since its estimated all-time high production levels in October and November 2018

Preliminary production figures for May 2019 show an average daily production of 1 599 000 barrels of oil, NGL and condensate, which is a decrease of 120 000 barrels per day compared to April.

Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum employment and price stability. In support of these goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 percent.

Brent crude futures were up 20 cents, or 0.3%, at $62.34 a barrel by 0644 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 20 cents, or 0.4%, to $54.10 a barrel

“Развитие всесторонних связей между Россией и Ираном имеет важное значение для укрепления мира и стабильности в регионе Ближнего и Среднего Востока и отвечает национальным интересам обеих стран”, - отметил Александр Новак в ходе пленарного заседания.