EIA Lowers U.S. Oil Output, Price Estimates For 2016, 2017

The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Tuesday lowered its 2016 and 2017 estimates for U.S. crude-oil production and forecasts for West Texas Intermediate crude prices. It forecasts average U.S. crude output of 8.67 million barrels a day for 2016, down from a prior estimate of 8.69 million. For 2017, it sees output of 8.19 million barrels a day, down from a previous forecast of 8.46 million. WTI prices are seen at $34.04 a barrel this year, down from a prior estimate of $37.59, the EIA said. For 2017, it expects to see $40.09 a barrel, down from a prior forecast of $50.