LONDON —

Global oil supply will outpace demand throughout 2019, as a relentless rise in output swamps growth in consumption that is at risk from a slowing economy, the International Energy Agency said on Wednesday.

In its monthly report the Paris-based IEA left its forecast for global demand growth for 2018 and 2019 unchanged from last month at 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) and 1.4 million bpd, respectively, but cut its forecast for non-OECD demand growth, the engine of expansion in world oil consumption.

“In 1H19, based on our outlook for non-OPEC production and global demand, and assuming flat OPEC production ... the implied stock build is currently 2 million bpd,” the IEA said.

Output around the world has swelled since the middle of the year, while an escalating trade dispute between the United States and China threatens global economic growth.

Since early October, the oil price has fallen by a quarter to below $70 a barrel, its lowest in eight months, which may protect demand to an extent, the IEA said.

“While slower economic growth in some countries reduces the outlook for oil demand, a significant downward revision to our price assumption is supportive,” it added.

The agency raised its forecast for oil output growth from countries outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to 2.4 million bpd this year and 1.9 million bpd next year, versus its previous estimate of 2.2 million bpd and 1.8 million bpd, respectively.

The United States will lead output growth. The IEA estimates total US oil supply will rise by 2.1 million bpd this year and another 1.3 million bpd in 2019, from a current record of more than 11 million bpd.

OPEC crude output rose by 200,000 bpd in October to 32.99 million bpd, up 240,000 bpd on a year ago, as losses of 400,000 bpd from Iran and 600,000 bpd from Venezuela were easily offset by increases from others, such as Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.

“Next year, there is expected to be even less need for OPEC oil due to relentless growth in non-OPEC supply,” the IEA said, adding that it had cut its forecast for demand for OPEC crude by 300,000 bpd to 31.3 million bpd in 2019.

Inventories of oil in OECD countries rose by 12.1 million barrels in September to 2.875 billion barrels, the IEA said, adding that for the third quarter as a whole, stocks rose 58.1 million barrels, or at a rate of 630,000 bpd, the biggest increase since 2015.

“Storage tanks are filling up as global oil supply far outpaces demand, prompting talk of a possible 1 million bpd OPEC/non-OPEC production cut,” the agency said.

OPEC and rival producers such as Russia, have floated the possibility of cutting oil production next year to prevent an unwelcome build-up in global inventories, even as Iran now faces US sanctions on its exports.

— Agencies

The International Energy Agency Wednesday welcomed a recent increase in global oil stocks as insurance against possible problems on the supply side.

In its latest monthly oil market report, the Paris-based IEA confirmed its demand growth estimates of 1.3 million barrels per day (mbd) for this year and 1.4 mbd in 2019.

The oil market has turned very volatile in recent months, with US President Donald Trump pressing OPEC -- and especially cartel kingpin Saudi Arabia -- to increase output so as to offset reduced supply from Iran following the reintroduction of tough US sanctions.

The IEA said recent sharp oil price falls to below $70 per barrel for Brent crude, compared with $86 last month, meant the market “appears to be more relaxed than it was a few weeks ago.”

But “such is the volatility of events that rising stocks should be welcomed as a form of insurance, rather than a threat,” it added.

“The United States remains committed to reducing Iranian oil exports to zero... (and) there are concerns as to the stability of production in Libya, Nigeria and Venezuela,” it said.

At the same time, the IEA said lower prices were positive given the headwinds facing the global economy although if they fall too far, producers would inevitably look to cut output.

In a similar report Tuesday, OPEC warned that “although the oil market has reached a balance now, the forecasts for 2019 for non-OPEC supply growth indicate higher volumes outpacing the expansion in world oil demand, leading to widening excess supply in the market.” — Agencies