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Oil steadies, heads for weekly drop on U.S. economy concerns

Oil rates edged up in early trade on Friday on the prospect of OPEC+ continuing output cuts, however the crude criteria were headed for weekly losses on U.S. economic unpredictability and restricted crude supply disruptions brought on by the IsraelHamas war.

Brent crude futures for July increased 16 cents to $83.83. a barrel by 0008 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for. June was up 19 cents to $79.14 per barrel.

Still, both criteria were on track for weekly losses as. financiers fretted about the prospect of higher-for-longer. rate of interest curbing growth in the U.S., the leading international oil. customer, while the war in the Middle East showed little indication of. disrupting international oil products.

Brent headed for a 6.3% weekly decline, while and WTI moved. towards a loss of 5.6% on the week.

The drop comes just weeks ahead of the next conference of the. Company of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led. by Russia, together called OPEC+.

Three sources from OPEC+ manufacturers said the group could. extend its voluntary oil output cuts of 2.2 million barrels per. day beyond June if oil demand fails to pick up, but the group. has yet to start formal talks ahead of the June 1 conference.

The market is now looking towards U.S. financial data and. indicators of future unrefined supply from the world's leading producer.

On Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Data releases its. regular monthly nonfarm payroll report, which is a step of the. strength of the country's job market and is considered by the. Federal Reserve when setting interest rates. Greater rates. generally weigh on the economy which can lower oil need.

Also on Friday, energy services firm Baker Hughes is. due to release its weekly count of oil and gas rigs, an. indication of future unrefined output.