WTI trades around $70.50, upside potential seems possible due to rising supply threats

• WTI may appreciate further due to rising expectations of supply threats amid US sanctions on major producers Russia and Iran.
• The US is considering further sanctions on "dark fleet" tankers and Chinese banks to curb Russia's Oil revenue.
• Crude Oil prices gained ground as the Fed is widely expected to deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut on Wednesday.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price corrects downwards after registering gains in the previous session, trading around $70.50 per barrel during the Asian session on Monday. Crude Oil prices rose amid growing expectations of tighter supplies driven by the implementation of additional US sanctions on major producers Russia and Iran.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Reuters on Friday that the United States is considering further sanctions on "dark fleet" tankers and may also impose sanctions on Chinese banks to curb Russia's Oil revenue and access to foreign supplies, which are fueling its war in Ukraine.

Additionally, optimism about China’s plans to ramp up economic stimulus could drive Oil demand. Chinese authorities, led by President Xi Jinping, have pledged to raise the fiscal deficit target next year, shifting policy focus to consumption to boost the economy amid looming 10% US tariffs threatening exports.

The price of crude Oil, often referred to as "liquid gold," also received a boost from improved market sentiment following recent interest rate cuts by central banks in Canada, Europe, and Switzerland. Traders are now focusing on the Federal Reserve's (Fed) upcoming policy decision on Wednesday, where a 25-basis-point rate cut is widely anticipated. Such a move could stimulate economic growth and potentially increase oil demand, as lower borrowing costs are likely to have a positive impact on economic activity.