A post by @DeItaone on X.

Vitol CEO Russell Hardy warned the oil market could face a "pretty difficult spring," with global oil demand expected to take a full year to recover to 2025 levels. The comments from the head of the world's largest independent oil trader signal expectations of a demand-driven downturn rather than a supply shock, with the seasonal spring refinery maintenance period likely to amplify the weakness. The warning matters for energy traders and producers as it implies sustained pressure on crude prices, refining margins, and OPEC+ supply decisions through the first half of the year. Hardy's projection that demand won't return to 2025 levels until roughly a year from now suggests a prolonged demand deficit rather than a brief seasonal dip. Market participants should watch upcoming OPEC+ meetings, IEA and OPEC monthly demand revisions, and inventory data for confirmation of the soft-demand outlook.