On July 21, 2025, the Brent crude oil price stood at 68.98 U.S. dollars per barrel, compared to 67.2 U.S. dollars for WTI oil and 70.65 U.S. dollars for the OPEC basket. Brent and OPEC prices fell slightly that week, while WTI prices rose.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 (where a contract is agreed upon while 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.

Crude Oil rose to 65.49 USD/Bbl on July 23, 2025, up 0.27% from the previous day. Over the past month, Crude Oil's price has risen 1.73%, but it is still 15.60% lower than a year ago, 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 July of 2025.

In June 2025, the average price of one barrel of Brent crude oil was 71.44 U.S. dollars. This was around seven U.S. dollars more than prices the previous month, which were the lowest value in the past 24-month period. Brent terminology and most common uses Brent is the world's leading price benchmark for Atlantic basin crude oils. It is used to price two thirds of the internationally traded crude oil supplies and is also the most significant crude oil benchmark for Europe. Brent crude originates in the North Sea and includes oils from Brent and Forties Oil Field in the United Kingdom, and from the Oseborg and Ekofisk oil fields, both oil reserves in Norway. Other names for Brent are Brent Blend, London Brent and Brent petroleum. The name Brent comes from the Brent oil field, located north-east of the Shetland Islands, and thus part of the United Kingdom. Because the Brent oil field already passed its production peak, today the benchmark Brent includes oil from the other three major oil fields. Brent, next to West Texas Intermediate (WTI), is one of the lightest crude oils. With a low content of sulfur, it is ranged among the so-called sweet crude oils. Most of the Brent crude oil is refined into gasoline and middle distillates in Northwest Europe. Benchmark oil prices Other crucial benchmarks for crude oil prices are the already mentioned U.S.- WTI and Dubai Crude (Fateh). They are indispensable for referencing the many types and grades of oil on the global market. In the past 20 years, the annual price for one barrel of Brent crude oil saw a net increase. For example, the average price per barrel stood at 80.53 U.S. dollars in 2024.

Brent rose to 68.87 USD/Bbl on July 23, 2025, up 0.41% from the previous day. Over the past month, Brent's price has risen 2.57%, but it is still 15.72% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Brent crude oil - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

The article discusses the volatility and fluctuations in crude oil prices over the last 10 years, highlighting the impact of global economic and political factors. It provides an overview of the price trends, factors affecting the decline in prices, and the subsequent recovery. The article also examines the influence of geopolitical developments and the COVID-19 pandemic on crude oil prices.

The first quarter of 2025 for Crude Oil prices in the North American region experienced a decline followed by an uptrend. In January 2025 oil prices maintained an upward trajectory.

Oil prices drop amid uncertainties in US-Iran nuclear talks, impacting Brent crude and WTI. Market anticipates surplus despite volatility and demand growth.

This article explores the significant fluctuations in crude oil prices over the last 10 years, influenced by various factors such as global economic conditions, political events, supply and demand dynamics, and market speculation. It examines the peak in mid-2014, the decline in 2015-2016, the partial stabilization in 2017-2018, and the period of decline in 2018-2019. The article also discusses the unprecedented challenges faced by the oil market in 2020 due to the covid-19 pandemic, leading to historic low

Graph and download economic data for Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe (DCOILBRENTEU) from 1987-05-20 to 2025-06-16 about crude, oil, Europe, commodities, and price.

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.

Goldman Sachs updates its Brent and WTI crude oil price forecasts, projecting significant declines by 2026 due to economic and geopolitical influences.

Oil prices fell as U.S. crude inventories unexpectedly rose, raising demand concerns despite previous geopolitical and trade-related gains.

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 Kingdom BOE Forecast: Brent Crude Oil Price data was reported at 71.000 USD/Barrel in 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 74.000 USD/Barrel for 2020. United Kingdom BOE Forecast: Brent Crude Oil Price data is updated yearly, averaging 72.500 USD/Barrel from Dec 2014 (Median) to 2021, with 8 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 81.000 USD/Barrel in 2018 and a record low of 43.000 USD/Barrel in 2015. United Kingdom BOE Forecast: Brent Crude Oil Price data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of England. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.P009: Crude Oil and Gas Prices: Forecast.

As of June 2025, the average annual price of Brent crude oil stood at 71.91 U.S. dollars per barrel. This is over eight 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.

Ecuador Crude Oil: Price: Average: Petroleum WTI data was reported at 54.680 USD/Barrel in Jun 2019. This records a decrease from the previous number of 60.730 USD/Barrel for May 2019. Ecuador Crude Oil: Price: Average: Petroleum WTI data is updated monthly, averaging 75.215 USD/Barrel from Jan 2010 (Median) to Jun 2019, with 114 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 109.890 USD/Barrel in Apr 2011 and a record low of 30.330 USD/Barrel in Feb 2016. Ecuador Crude Oil: Price: Average: Petroleum WTI data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Ecuador. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ecuador – Table EC.P001: Crude Oil Prices.

Graph and download economic data for Global price of Brent Crude (POILBREUSDM) from Jan 1990 to Jun 2025 about crude, oil, World, and price.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Crude Oil in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

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The crude oil market has the potential to grow by 4781.60 million barrels during 2021-2025, and the market’s growth momentum will decelerate at a CAGR of 2.73%.

This crude oil market research report provides valuable insights on the post COVID-19 impact on the market, which will help companies evaluate their business approaches. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by production area (onshore and offshore) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, MEA, and South America). The report also offers information on several market vendors, including BP Plc, Chevron Corp., and ConocoPhillips Co., among others.

What will the Crude Oil Market Size be in 2021?

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Crude Oil Market: Key Drivers and Trends

Based on our research output, there has been a negative impact on the market growth during and post COVID-19 era. The increasing upstream investment is notably driving the crude oil market growth, although factors such as fluctuations in global crude oil prices may impede market growth. To unlock information on the key market drivers and the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the crude oil industry get your FREE report sample now.

      The rising energy demand across the world has prompted governments to explore untapped oil and gas resources in the upstream sector, using advanced technologies.
      The production of oil and natural gas is declining from many conventional oilfields. To overcome this issue, oil and gas operators are increasing investments in mature oil and gas fields.
      The adoption of unconventional exploration and production technologies in large shale deposits has widened opportunities for upstream oil and gas companies.
      The growing investments in the upstream oil and gas sector will significantly influence crude oil market growth over the forecast period.




      Technological development in the hydraulic fracturing process is aiding in the exploration and production of oil and gas from shale plays.
      The advances in the drilling technology and proppant placement in downhole wells increased hydrocarbon recovery from unconventional wells.
      Technological advances such as integration of the internet of things (IoT) for data acquisition, as well as the use of data analytics and machine learning, supports the efficiency of tools that is one of the key crude oil market trends.
      Real-time pressure data is crucial in crude oil production as it eliminates the over-fracturing issue.
      Automation of hydraulic fracturing optimizes the hydraulic fracturing method using algorithmic controls and supports enhanced well performance.

This crude oil market analysis report also provides detailed information on other upcoming trends and challenges that will have a far-reaching effect on the market growth. Get detailed insights on the trends and challenges, which will help companies evaluate and develop growth strategies.

Who are the Major Crude Oil Market Vendors?

The report analyzes the market’s competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including:

BP Plc
Chevron Corp.
ConocoPhillips Co.
Exxon Mobil Corp.
PetroChina Co. Ltd.
Petroleo Brasileiro SA
Qatar Petroleum
Rosneft Oil Co.
Royal Dutch Shell Plc
Saudi Arabian Oil Co.

The crude oil market is fragmented and the vendors are deploying various organic and inorganic growth strategies to compete in the market. Click here to uncover other successful business strategies deployed by the vendors.

To make the most of the opportunities and recover from post COVID-19 impact, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

Download a free sample of the crude oil market forecast report for insights on complete key vendor profiles. The profiles include information on the production, sustainability, and prospects of the leading companies.

Which are the Key Regions for Crude Oil Market?

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44% of the market’s growth will originate from APAC during the forecast period. China, India, and Japan are the key markets for crude oil in APAC. Market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the market in Europe, North America, and South America.

To garner further competitive intelligence and regional opportunities in store for vendors, view our sample report.

What are the Revenue-generating Production Area Segments in the Crude Oil Market?

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The crude oil market share growth by the onshore segment will be significant during the forecast period. In onshore exploration and pr

Ecuador Crude Oil: Price: Average: Petroleum BRENT data was reported at 64.030 USD/Barrel in Jun 2019. This records a decrease from the previous number of 70.850 USD/Barrel for May 2019. Ecuador Crude Oil: Price: Average: Petroleum BRENT data is updated monthly, averaging 76.520 USD/Barrel from Jan 2010 (Median) to Jun 2019, with 114 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 125.330 USD/Barrel in Mar 2012 and a record low of 30.750 USD/Barrel in Jan 2016. Ecuador Crude Oil: Price: Average: Petroleum BRENT data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Ecuador. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ecuador – Table EC.P001: Crude Oil Prices.