Oil prices in a holding pattern until June’s driving season starts, says analyst

Oil clung to losses as traders focused on the likelihood of a renewed nuclear deal with Iran and the potential removal of sanctions on the Persian Gulf country’s crude exports. Futures were down 1.3% in New York after falling as much as 1.9% earlier on Thursday. Crude futures have declined for three straight sessions, the longest losing streak since March, on the prospect of a revival of an Iran nuclear deal. While a timeline for a deal remains unclear, Iran has already been boosting its exports and Indian refiners have signaled they would be willing buyers.