On March 24, 2025, the Brent crude oil price stood at 73.05 U.S. dollars per barrel, compared to 69.11 U.S. dollars for WTI oil and 75.11 U.S. dollars for the OPEC basket. These were slight increases compared to the previous weeks, which had seen some of the lowest prices in four years.Europe's Brent crude oil, the U.S. WTI crude oil, and OPEC's basket are three of the most important benchmarks used by traders as reference for oil and gasoline prices. Lowest ever oil prices during coronavirus pandemic In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic resulted in crude oil prices hitting a major slump as oil demand drastically declined following lockdowns and travel restrictions. Initial outlooks and uncertainty surrounding the course of the pandemic brought about a disagreement between two of the largest oil producers, Russia and Saudi Arabia, in early March. Bilateral talks between global oil producers ended in agreement on April 13th, with promises to cut petroleum output and hopes rising that these might help stabilize the oil price in the coming weeks. However, with storage facilities and oil tankers quickly filling up, fears grew over where to store excess oil, leading to benchmark prices seeing record negative prices between April 20 and April 22, 2020. How crude oil prices are determined As with most commodities, crude oil prices are impacted by supply and demand, as well as inventories and market sentiment. However, as oil is most often traded in future contracts (whereby a contract is agreed upon, while the product delivery will follow in the next two to three months), market speculation is one of the principal determinants for oil prices. Traders make conclusions on how production output and consumer demand will likely develop over the coming months, leaving room for uncertainty. Spot prices differ from futures in so far as they reflect the current market price of a commodity.

The annual price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil is expected to reach an average of 70.62 U.S. dollars per barrel in 2025, according to a February 2025 forecast. This would be a decrease of roughly six U.S. dollar compared to the previous year. In the first few weeks of 2025, weekly crude oil prices largely stayed below 75 U.S. dollars per barrel. What are benchmark crudes? WTI is often used as a price reference point called a benchmark (or ”marker”) crude. This category includes Brent crude from the North Sea, Dubai Crude, as well as blends in the OPEC reference basket. WTI, Brent, and the OPEC basket have tended to trade closely, but since 2011, Brent has been selling at a higher annual spot price than WTI, largely due to increased oil production in the United States. What causes price volatility? Oil prices are historically volatile. While mostly shaped by demand and supply like all consumer goods, they may also be affected by production limits, a change in U.S. dollar value, and to an extent by market speculation. In 2022, the annual average price for WTI was close to the peak of nearly 100 U.S. dollars recorded in 2008. In the latter year, multiple factors, such as strikes in Nigeria, an oil sale stop in Venezuela, and the continuous increase in oil demand from China were partly responsible for the price surge. Higher oil prices allowed the pursuit of extraction methods previously deemed too expensive and risky, such as shale gas and tight oil production in the U.S. The widespread practice of fracturing source rocks for oil and gas extraction led to the oil glut in 2016 and made the U.S. the largest oil producer in the world.

The stock market today saw mixed results with major U.S. stock indexes closing higher, while crude oil prices experienced a decline. Factors including a tech sell-off, economic recovery concerns, stimulus package delays, demand outlook, OPEC+ production increase, and U.S. inventory buildup influenced the market and oil prices.

Oil futures prices remain unchanged as traders watch for the impact of new COVID-19 variants and OPEC+ meeting outcomes. The US-Iran negotiations and latest inventory data also influence oil prices.

During the last quarter of 2024, the crude oil prices in the United States reached 61 USD/MT in December. The market saw changes in policy and supply chain interruptions influencing price fluctuations. Due to supply limitations after Libyan production halted and hurricane-related damage in the Gulf of Mexico, oil prices briefly increased in October.

Explore IMARC's latest publication, “Crude Oil Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” presents a detailed examination of the crude oil market, providing insights into both global and regional trends that are shaping prices.

On April 20th, 2020, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil slumped into negative for the first time in history, falling to negative 37.63 U.S. dollars per barrel. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on the global oil and gas industry. Declining consumer demand and high levels of production output are threatening to exceed oil storage capacities, which resulted in the lowest ever oil prices noted between April 20th and April 22nd.

For further information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our dedicated Fact and Figures page.

Urals Oil decreased 3.02 USD/Bbl or 4.41% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Urals Crude.

Graph and download economic data for Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe (WCOILBRENTEU) from 1987-05-15 to 2025-03-14 about crude, oil, Europe, commodities, and price.

Crude Oil Production in Iraq decreased to 3677 BBL/D/1K in February from 3687 BBL/D/1K in January of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Iraq Crude Oil Production - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Crude Oil Production in Sudan remained unchanged at 30 BBL/D/1K in November. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Sudan Crude Oil Production - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

El Salvador Energy Balance: Primary: Total Crude: Crude Oil: Closing Stocks data was reported at 6,954.000 Barrel/kton in Dec 2022. This stayed constant from the previous number of 6,954.000 Barrel/kton for Nov 2022. El Salvador Energy Balance: Primary: Total Crude: Crude Oil: Closing Stocks data is updated monthly, averaging 6,954.000 Barrel/kton from Jan 2002 (Median) to Dec 2022, with 252 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6,954.000 Barrel/kton in Dec 2022 and a record low of 6,954.000 Barrel/kton in Dec 2022. El Salvador Energy Balance: Primary: Total Crude: Crude Oil: Closing Stocks data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Joint Organisations Data Initiative. The data is categorized under Global Database’s El Salvador – Table SV.JODI.WDB: Energy Balance: Oil. Including lease condensate; Closing stocks: Represents the primary stock level at the end of the month within national territories. This includes stocks held by importers, refiners, stock holding organisations and governments.

The 2025 preliminary average annual price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil reached 73.64 U.S. dollars per barrel, as of February. This would be lower than the 2024 average, which stood at 73.64 U.S. dollars per barrel. WTI and other benchmarks WTI is a grade of crude oil also known as “Texas light sweet.” It is measured to have an API gravity of around 39.6 and specific gravity of about 0.83, which is considered “light” relative to other crude oils. This oil also contains roughly 0.24 percent sulfur, and is therefore named “sweet.” Crude oils are some of the most closely observed commodity prices in the world. WTI is the underlying commodity of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s oil futures contracts. The price of other crude oils, such as UK Brent crude oil, the OPEC crude oil basket, and Dubai Fateh oil, can be compared to that of WTI crude oil. Since 1976, the price of WTI crude oil has increased notably, rising from just 12.23 U.S. dollars per barrel in 1976 to a peak of 99.06 dollars per barrel in 2008. Geopolitical conflicts and their impact on oil prices The price of oil is controlled in part by limiting oil production. Prior to 1971, the Texas Railroad Commission controlled the price of oil by setting limits on production of U.S. oil. In 1971, the Texas Railroad Commission ceased limiting production, but OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries with member states Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela among others, continued to do so. In 1972, due to geopolitical conflict, OPEC set an oil embargo and cut oil production, causing prices to quadruple by 1974. Oil prices rose again in 1979 and 1980 due to the Iranian revolution, and doubled between 1978 and 1981 as the Iran-Iraq War prevented oil production. A number of geopolitical conflicts and periods of increased production and consumption have influenced the price of oil since then.

Crude Oil Production in Russia increased to 9784 BBL/D/1K in November from 9730 BBL/D/1K in October of 2024. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Russia Crude Oil Production - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Crude Oil Production in Vietnam decreased to 158 BBL/D/1K in November from 160 BBL/D/1K in October of 2024. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Vietnam Crude Oil Production - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The global demand for crude oil (including biofuels) in 2023 amounted to 102.21 million barrels per day. The source expects economic activity and related oil demand to pick up by the end of the year, with forecast suggesting it could increase to more than 104 million barrels per day.

Motor fuels make up majority of oil demand

Oil is an important and versatile substance, used in different ways and in different forms for many applications. The road sector is the largest oil consuming sector worldwide. It accounts for nearly one half of the global demand for oil, largely due to reliance on motor spirits made from petroleum. The OPEC projects global oil product demand to reach 110 million barrels per day by 2045, with transportation fuels such as gasoline and diesel expected to remain the most consumed products. Diesel and gasoil demand is forecast to amount to 30.1 million barrels per day in 2045, up from 27.6 million barrels in 2021. Gasoline demand is forecast at 27.6 million barrels by 2045.

Beyond oil - efforts made by an industry looking to cut carbon intensity

Despite oil producing bodies such as the OPEC seeing continued importance for crude oil in the future, efforts have been made within the energy industry in finding an alternative to the fossil fuel. One such alternative generating great enthusiasm is hydrogen. The most abundant chemical element in the universe has become of particular interest due to its potential as an energy carrier. Similar to oil, it may serve as a feedstock or main ingredient for transportation fuels, energy generation and storage, and also chemicals production. While today it is mainly won from natural gas conversion (so-called grey hydrogen), most investments are aimed at making hydrogen production through electrolysis using renewable electricity (green hydrogen) more cost efficient. Oil refineries and ammonia production facilities are main consumers of hydrogen, with the transportation sector accounting for a much lesser share.

Graph and download economic data for Global price of Dubai Crude (POILDUBUSDM) from Jan 1990 to Feb 2025 about crude, oil, World, and price.

Gambia Energy Balance: Primary: Total Crude: Crude Oil: Closing Stocks data was reported at 0.000 Barrel th in Dec 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 Barrel th for Nov 2024. Gambia Energy Balance: Primary: Total Crude: Crude Oil: Closing Stocks data is updated monthly, averaging 0.000 Barrel th from Jan 2002 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 276 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 Barrel th in Dec 2024 and a record low of 0.000 Barrel th in Dec 2024. Gambia Energy Balance: Primary: Total Crude: Crude Oil: Closing Stocks data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Joint Organisations Data Initiative. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Gambia – Table GM.JODI.WDB: Energy Balance: Oil. Including lease condensate; Closing stocks: Represents the primary stock level at the end of the month within national territories. This includes stocks held by importers, refiners, stock holding organisations and governments.

Crude Oil Production in Turkey increased to 110 BBL/D/1K in November from 105 BBL/D/1K in October of 2024. This dataset provides - Turkey Crude Oil Production - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Russia Average World Price: Crude Oil: Urals: per 1 Barrel data was reported at 91.200 USD/Barrel in Mar 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 80.700 USD/Barrel for Feb 2019. Russia Average World Price: Crude Oil: Urals: per 1 Barrel data is updated monthly, averaging 58.745 USD/Barrel from Jun 2000 (Median) to Mar 2019, with 226 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 129.710 USD/Barrel in Jul 2008 and a record low of 18.200 USD/Barrel in Nov 2001. Russia Average World Price: Crude Oil: Urals: per 1 Barrel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Russian Federation – Table RU.PC002: Average World Prices, Crude Oil Export Price, Crude Oil Export Duty.

Crude oil trading on the NYMEX includes a 24-hour electronic trading session and a limited open outcry trading session on weekdays. Learn more about the trading hours and dynamics of this influential market.