The 2025 annual OPEC oil price stood at 78.1 U.S. dollars per barrel, as of February. This would be lower than the 2024 average, which amounted to 79.86 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 2024 fall in prices was the result of weakened demand outlooks, primarily from China.

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.

In February 2025, the average price of the OPEC basket was 76.81 U.S. dollars per barrel. This was a decrease compared to the previous month. The OPEC basket is a weighted average of prices for petroleum blends produced by OPEC countries. OPEC stands for “Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries,” and was founded in 1960 in Baghdad, Iraq. The main aim of OPEC is to coordinate the oil policies of its members, and thus to have more influence on the international oil market. It is used as an important benchmark for crude oil prices. The OPEC basket oil price The OPEC crude oil price is defined by the price of the so-called OPEC (reference) basket. This basket is an average of the prices of petroleum blends that are produced by the OPEC members. The following countries are members of this organization: Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and the United Arab Emirates. Some of these oil blends are, for example: Saharan Blend from Algeria, Basra Light from Iraq, and Arab Light from Saudi Arabia. The OPEC reference basket includes both heavy and light crude oils, and is heavier than most other crudes. OPEC's oil production amounted to 34 million barrels per day in 2023. Oil price benchmarks The OPEC basket is one of the most crucial benchmarks for crude oil pricing 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. Looking at the OPEC price within the last two years, the highest price was some 94.6 U.S. dollars per barrel in September 2023.

Crude Oil decreased 2.12 USD/BBL or 2.95% since the beginning of 2025, 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 March of 2025.

Explore the factors influencing crude oil prices, including geopolitical tensions, OPEC decisions, and technological advancements. Understand the historical context, the role of OPEC, and how technical and fundamental analyses impact trading opportunities. Learn how oil prices affect global currencies and the influence of environmental policies on future demand.

Explore the complexities of crude oil price charts, examining the factors influencing oil prices including geopolitical events, economic data, and policy decisions by OPEC. Understand how these charts reflect market trends, technological advancements, and environmental concerns, providing insights for traders and decision-makers.

Brent decreased 0.64 USD/BBL or 0.85% since the beginning of 2025, 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 March of 2025.

The OPEC member states exported a combined total of nearly 19.7 million barrels of oil per day in 2023. Of that, some 4.8 million barrels went to China. In that same year, the average annual OPEC crude oil price was some 83 U.S. dollars per barrel. OPEC stands for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and was established in Iraq in 1960.

The oil price chart this week has been characterized by volatility and fluctuation. Factors such as OPEC decisions, geopolitical tensions, and market expectations have influenced prices. This article provides an overview of the ups and downs in oil prices throughout the week and discusses the various factors that have impacted them.

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.

Today's crude oil prices in the Asian market exhibited a mixed trend, with Brent crude showing a slight increase and WTI crude experiencing a slight decrease. The prices are influenced by various factors, including global demand, geopolitical tensions, crude oil inventories, OPEC decisions, and currency exchange rates. Traders and investors in the Asian market closely follow these factors to make informed decisions in the volatile and ever-changing crude oil market.

OPEC's net oil export revenue reached 679.75 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, a decrease from 2022. In 2022, figures reached 828.61 billion U.S. dollars. OPEC stands for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and includes countries located in Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Currently, the organization has 12 member countries. OPEC oil production The formation of OPEC marked a shift away from large multinational company market control to a primarily state-based control of natural resources. The supply restrictions that began in 1970 enabled a significant increase in oil prices and thus, OPEC’s revenues. OPEC produces around 40 percent of the world’s total crude oil. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest oil exporters among the OPEC. The country sells around six million barrels of oil per day overseas. In total, some 19.7 million barrels of oil was exported per day by OPEC regions in 2021. OPEC crude oil production can strongly impact global oil prices, especially during periods of war or upheaval. Prices of oil are largely affected by basic supply and demand. As of preliminary 2024 figures, the average price of OPEC crude oil was around 80.48 U.S. dollars per barrel. Low oil prices in 2015 and 2016 were due to a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, lower U.S. production, rising Canadian and Iraqi production, and more energy-efficient vehicles. While the drop in 2020 was due to the coronavirus-pandemic.

Key information about Saudi Arabia Crude Oil: Production

• Saudi Arabia Crude Oil: Production was reported at 8,937.000 Barrel/Day th in Jan 2025
• This records a decrease from the previous number of 8,950.000 Barrel/Day th for Dec 2024
• Saudi Arabia Crude Oil: Production data is updated monthly, averaging 9,424.000 Barrel/Day th from Jan 2002 to Jan 2025, with 277 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 11,642.000 Barrel/Day th in Apr 2020 and a record low of 7,121.000 Barrel/Day th in Feb 2002
• Saudi Arabia Crude Oil: Production data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Energy Sector – Table RB.OPEC.CO: Crude Oil Production: OPEC Members: Monthly

The crude oil market in 2019 experienced volatility and fluctuations due to factors such as trade tensions, OPEC production cuts, geopolitical tensions, economic indicators, and supply-demand dynamics.

OPEC accounts for over 37 percent of the world’s total crude oil production. In 2023, OPEC's production showed a decrease of 1.5 percentage points compared to the previous year. That same year, the annual average OPEC reference basket price was 83 U.S. dollars per barrel. OPEC stands for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and was established in Iraq in 1960. Regional distribution OPEC includes 13 member countries located mostly in the Middle East and Africa, though also in South America. Over the past decade, roughly a third of the world’s total oil production has come from the Middle East, while the share produced by Africa and South America have been declining. Overall, global oil production has increased in almost every year except during times of economic crisis. OPEC has the highest global reserves share Although combined production has fluctuated at almost the 40 percent mark, the OPEC's share in global crude oil reserves was significantly higher. In 2023, it was double the worldwide production share. Similar to production, this figure has also remained relatively unchanging in the last decade.

The global base oil market was valued at USD 28.92 billion in 2022 and will expand to USD 43.38 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.2% for the forecast period 2023-2030. Factors Affecting Base Oil Market Growth

Rapid industrialization in developing countries:

Rapid industrialization in developing nations like Japan, China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and others is helping to expand the base oil market growth. China, Indonesia, India, South Africa, and Brazil are all seeing rapid expansion in sectors including industrial machinery, automotive, and energy. Base oil is the essential component of almost all lubricants. Engine oil is mostly base oil with just 7% to 10% additional ingredients moreover only 10%–12% other additives are included in gearbox fluids; the remaining is base oil. The base oil is used to create a variety of industrial lubricants.

The automobile sector is adopting lubricants more often:

Base oils are majorly used in the manufacturing of lubricants. The use of lubricants in the automobile industry is enlarged due to lubricants extended equipment life, reduces corrosion, and reduced machine downtime. A base oil is present in all lubricants. It serves as the lubricant's base before it is combined with additives or a thickening in the case of grease. Improving vehicle supply resulted to increase in the demand for base oil. The automobile industry focuses more on vehicle efficiency, resulting in increased demand for lubricants in the automobile industry. Hence, the increasing adoption of lubricants in the automobile sector is fueling the base oil market.

The Restraining Factor of Base Oil:

Volatility in crude oil prices:

Fluctuation in the price of crude oil is expected to hinder the base oil market growth. Many kinds of crude oil are used to produce base oils, the most typical is paraffinic crude oil. On the other hand, Naphthenic crude oils produce base oil with superior solubility and excellent qualities at low temperatures. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), independent Petro-states like Russia, private oil companies like ExxonMobil, and other producers significantly impact crude oil prices. Prices are impacted by supply and demand just as with any other commodity. Crude Oil prices fluctuated due to production expenses as well. While it costs less to extract oil in the Middle East, it costs more to do so in Canada's oil sands. Once the supply of cheap oil is lessened, the price could increase.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Base Oil Market:

The automobile sector is severely impacted by COVID-19. For instance, new car sales in China majorly decreased, moreover, overall car sales in European nations also decreased. Hence decline in the growth of the automobile market during the pandemic resulted in a decline in base oil sales. Rules and regulations regarding transportation and disturbed supply chain resulted in decreased base oil sales. Due to the lack of crude oil, there is a downturn in base oil production. Social distancing limits the workforce, it negatively impacted the production sector. Post-pandemic all the activities resumed and the supply chain stabilized. Release in the border restriction resumed the export-import. Hence the availability of raw materials has also resumed the production sector. Introduction of Base Oil

Base oil is used to manufacture motor oil, lubricating greases, and metal processing fluids. Crude oil is refined to create base oil. Crude oil is boiled to separate distillates from one another. Light and heavy hydrocarbons are separated during heating while the heavier ones are appropriate for bitumen and base oils, the lighter ones can be processed to produce petrol and other fuels. Most base oils, including greases, gearboxes, and lubricants, are used in automotive goods. Process oils and common industrial lubricants are two major key applications.

Key information about Nigeria Crude Oil: Production

• Nigeria Crude Oil: Production was reported at 1,495.000 Barrel/Day th in Jan 2025
• This records a decrease from the previous number of 1,525.000 Barrel/Day th for Dec 2024
• Nigeria Crude Oil: Production data is updated monthly, averaging 1,885.000 Barrel/Day th from Jan 2002 to Jan 2025, with 277 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 2,496.000 Barrel/Day th in Nov 2005 and a record low of 1,015.000 Barrel/Day th in Sep 2022
• Nigeria Crude Oil: Production data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Energy Sector – Table RB.OPEC.CO: Crude Oil Production: OPEC Members: Monthly

As of February 2025, the average annual price of Brent crude oil stood at 77.36 U.S. dollars per barrel. This is some three 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 a 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.

Key information about Nigeria Crude Oil: Exports

• Nigeria Crude Oil: Exports was reported at 1,476.170 Barrel/Day th in Dec 2023
• This records an increase from the previous number of 1,388.260 Barrel/Day th for Dec 2022
• Nigeria Crude Oil: Exports data is updated yearly, averaging 1,812.003 Barrel/Day th from Dec 1980 to 2023, with 44 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 2,464.120 Barrel/Day th in 2010 and a record low of 935.200 Barrel/Day th in 1983
• Nigeria Crude Oil: Exports data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Energy Sector – Table RB.OPEC.CO: Crude Oil Exports

Saudi Arabia is by far the leading producer of crude oil among OPEC member states. In 2023, it reported an average daily production of roughly 9.6 million barrels. Iraq ranked second, at nearly 4.1 million barrels daily. OPEC crude oil production totaled some 34 million barrels per day that year. OPEC origin and global market share The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded in 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela and later joined by current members: Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, Nigeria, and United Arab Emirates. In 2023, the 13 OPEC members held roughly 36 percent of total global crude oil production. Individual oils within OPEC basket The main goal of OPEC is to coordinate petroleum policies among its members and to ensure stable prices for each product type, creating a reference system on the global oil market, facilitating the market for buyers and sellers. In 2023, the average annual OPEC crude oil price was over 82 U.S. dollars per barrel. However, when looking at individual oils in the OPEC reference basket, prices may show great discrepancies. For example, Algeria's Sahara Blend tends to be among the most expensive oils due to it being especially light and having a very low sulfur content.