Oil Prices Fall , Ahead of Russia-Ukraine Talks.<br />Reuters reports that on March 14, oil prices dropped by about $5 a barrel.<br />The dip comes as investors are hopeful Ukrainian and Russian negotiators can end the current conflict in Ukraine.<br />But as COVID-19 surges again in China, the markets remain volatile.<br />Beside new talks between Ukraine and Russia, I guess new lockdowns in China are the reason for a negative start of the week for crude oil, Giovanni Staunovo, UBS analyst, via Reuters.<br />Reuters reports China is the largest crude oil importer in the world.<br />It is the second-largest consumer <br />of the commodity after the U.S.<br />On March 13, China had 1,437 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, with outbreaks from Shanghai to Shenzhen.<br />Reuters reports that despite sanctions on Russian oil, the country's oil and gas condensate output rose <br />to 11.12 million barrels per day.<br />India is reportedly considering buying Russian oil at a discounted price.<br />Meanwhile, Faith Birol, International Energy Agency chief, is calling on oil-producing countries to <br />pump more crude to stabilize the market.<br />Meanwhile, Faith Birol, International Energy Agency chief, is calling on oil-producing countries to <br />pump more crude to stabilize the market
