As of August 2025, the average annual price of Brent crude oil stood at 71.3 U.S. dollars per barrel. This is over nine U.S. dollars lower than the 2024 average. Brent is the world's leading price benchmark for Atlantic basin crude oils. Crude oil is one of the most closely observed commodity prices as it influences costs across all stages of the production process and consequently alters the price of consumer goods as well. What determines crude oil benchmarks? In the past decade, crude oil prices have been especially volatile. Their inherent inelasticity regarding short-term changes in demand and supply means that oil prices are erratic by nature. However, since the 2009 financial crisis, many commercial developments have greatly contributed to price volatility, such as economic growth by BRIC countries like China and India, and the advent of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling in the U.S. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are examples of geopolitical events dictating prices. Light crude oils - Brent and WTI Brent Crude is considered a classification of sweet light crude oil and acts as a benchmark price for oil around the world. It is considered a sweet light crude oil due to its low sulfur content and low density and may be easily refined into gasoline. This oil originates in the North Sea and comprises several different oil blends, including Brent Blend and Ekofisk crude. Often, this crude oil is refined in Northwest Europe. Another sweet light oil often referenced alongside UK Brent is West Texas Intermediate (WTI). WTI oil prices amounted to 76.55 U.S. dollars per barrel in 2024.

Crude Oil fell to 59.17 USD/Bbl on December 2, 2025, down 0.25% from the previous day. Over the past month, Crude Oil's price has fallen 3.08%, and is down 15.40% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Crude Oil - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on December of 2025.

The 2025 annual OPEC basket price stood at ***** U.S. dollars per barrel as of August. This would be lower than the 2024 average, which amounted to ***** U.S. dollars. The abbreviation OPEC stands for Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and includes Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and the United Arab Emirates. The aim of the OPEC is to coordinate the oil policies of its member states. It was founded in 1960 in Baghdad, Iraq. The OPEC Reference Basket The OPEC crude oil price is defined by the price of the so-called OPEC (Reference) basket. This basket is an average of prices of the various petroleum blends that are produced by the OPEC members. Some of these oil blends are, for example: Saharan Blend from Algeria, Basra Light from Iraq, Arab Light from Saudi Arabia, BCF 17 from Venezuela, et cetera. By increasing and decreasing its oil production, OPEC tries to keep the price between a given maxima and minima. Benchmark crude oil The OPEC basket is one of the most important benchmarks for crude oil prices worldwide. Other significant benchmarks are UK Brent, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), and Dubai Crude (Fateh). Because there are many types and grades of oil, such benchmarks are indispensable for referencing them on the global oil market. The 2025 fall in prices was the result of weakened demand outlooks exacerbated by extensive U.S. trade tariffs.

The 2025 preliminary average annual price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil reached 67.83 U.S. dollars per barrel as of August. This would be nine U.S. dollars below the 2024 average and the lowest annual average since 2021. 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.

Explore the significant volatility and fluctuations in crude oil prices between 2008 and 2018, driven by various factors including global economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, and changes in supply and demand dynamics. From the financial crisis to the rise of US shale oil production, discover the events and trends that shaped the rollercoaster ride of the oil market during this period.

Switzerland Brent Crude Oil Price data was reported at 75.710 USD/Barrel in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 82.790 USD/Barrel for Sep 2018. Switzerland Brent Crude Oil Price data is updated monthly, averaging 25.785 USD/Barrel from Jan 1970 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 586 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 139.390 USD/Barrel in Jun 2008 and a record low of 2.230 USD/Barrel in Dec 1970. Switzerland Brent Crude Oil Price data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Swiss National Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Switzerland – Table CH.P002: Fuel Prices.

United States - Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe was 65.28000 $ per Barrel in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe reached a record high of 143.95000 in July of 2008 and a record low of 9.10000 in December of 1998. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on December of 2025.

Over the last several decades, the price of WTI crude oil has been affected by notable events and crises taking place throughout the world. The inflation adjusted price of one barrel of crude oil peaked shortly before the global financial crisis in 2008 at ****** real U.S. dollars. By the first quarter of 2009, the crude oil price had plummeted to ***** real U.S. dollars per barrel. By comparison, the through price during the coronavirus pandemic was ***** real U.S. dollars.

United States Crude Oil Price: EIA: FOB Cost of Imports: Persian Gulf Nations data was reported at 69.280 USD/Barrel in Aug 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 70.190 USD/Barrel for Jul 2018. United States Crude Oil Price: EIA: FOB Cost of Imports: Persian Gulf Nations data is updated monthly, averaging 25.390 USD/Barrel from Oct 1973 (Median) to Aug 2018, with 497 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 124.370 USD/Barrel in Jun 2008 and a record low of 3.160 USD/Barrel in Oct 1973. United States Crude Oil Price: EIA: FOB Cost of Imports: Persian Gulf Nations data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Energy Information Administration. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.P002: Energy Price.

Chile Commodity Prices: Avg: Crude Oil: Brent data was reported at 72.574 USD/Barrel in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 75.157 USD/Barrel for Feb 2025. Chile Commodity Prices: Avg: Crude Oil: Brent data is updated monthly, averaging 65.170 USD/Barrel from Jan 2000 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 303 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 133.900 USD/Barrel in Jul 2008 and a record low of 18.600 USD/Barrel in Dec 2001. Chile Commodity Prices: Avg: Crude Oil: Brent data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Chile. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Chile – Table CL.P005: Crude Oil Price.

The price of crude oil has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 20 years, influenced by global demand, geopolitical events, and economic conditions. This article explores the historical highs and lows, as well as the factors that have impacted the oil market. Learn about the 2008 financial crisis, the increase in shale oil production, and the unprecedented shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out why predicting future oil prices remains challenging.

United States - Crude Oil Prices: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - Cushing, Oklahoma was 63.96000 $ per Barrel in September of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Crude Oil Prices: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - Cushing, Oklahoma reached a record high of 133.88000 in June of 2008 and a record low of 11.35000 in December of 1998. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Crude Oil Prices: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - Cushing, Oklahoma - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

United States - Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe was 68.13000 $ per Barrel in April of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe reached a record high of 132.72000 in July of 2008 and a record low of 9.82000 in December of 1998. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

United States - Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe was 62.29000 $ per Barrel in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe reached a record high of 141.07000 in July of 2008 and a record low of 9.44000 in December of 1998. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

United States - Crude Oil Prices: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - Cushing, Oklahoma was 60.66000 $ per Barrel in November of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Crude Oil Prices: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - Cushing, Oklahoma reached a record high of 145.31000 in July of 2008 and a record low of -36.98000 in April of 2020. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Crude Oil Prices: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - Cushing, Oklahoma - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

United States - Spot Crude Oil Price: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was 60.89000 $ per Barrel in October of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Spot Crude Oil Price: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) reached a record high of 133.93000 in June of 2008 and a record low of 1.17000 in February of 1946. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Spot Crude Oil Price: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on December of 2025.

China Import Price: Crude Oil data was reported at 550.354 USD/Ton in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 565.521 USD/Ton for Feb 2025. China Import Price: Crude Oil data is updated monthly, averaging 391.538 USD/Ton from Jan 1993 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 387 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 948.796 USD/Ton in Aug 2008 and a record low of 88.470 USD/Ton in Jan 1999. China Import Price: Crude Oil data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PH: Crude Oil Import and Export Price. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Examining the 20-year chart of crude oil provides insights into its historical price movements and trends. This article explores the factors influencing crude oil prices, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and economic indicators. It also discusses the significant shifts in the market, such as the impact of the global recession in 2008-2009 and the surge in shale oil production. However, predicting future crude oil prices remains challenging due to the complex nature of the industr

Explore the yearly trends and fluctuations in crude oil prices from 2008 to 2021, influenced by global demand, geopolitics, and natural disasters. Discover how factors such as the global financial crisis, economic recession, geopolitical events, and the COVID-19 pandemic have shaped the oil market.

Learn about the factors that influence crude oil prices and how they have fluctuated over the years, from record highs in 2008 to the significant decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Discover the key drivers of price volatility and the future outlook for crude oil prices.