According to a 2025 survey, oil producers operating in the Permian region needed WTI oil prices to amount to a minimum of ** U.S. dollars per barrel in order to profitably drill a new well. This compared to a minimum breakeven price of ** U.S. dollars per barrel for existing wells. The monthly average WTI oil price ranged between ** and ** U.S. dollars per barrel around the time of the survey. Most productive oil basins Operators in shale basins have the lowest average breakeven prices for new wells. However, when it comes to existing wells, operators in the Permian (Delaware) basin can afford even lower oil prices. The Permian basin, located in Texas and New Mexico, accounts for the greatest U.S. oil production output of any region. In 2024, production in the Permian reached nearly *********** barrels per day - more than **** times the amount extracted from the neighboring Eagle Ford rock formation. Texas is leading oil producing state With both regions located in Texas, it is not surprising that this is also the leading crude oil producing U.S. state. Nearly two billion barrels worth of crude oil were extracted in Texas per year, far more than any other state. Texas is home to a total of five major oil and gas formations.

In June 2025, the price for one barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil averaged 68.17 U.S. dollars. This was an increase compared to the previous month which had seen the lowest figure in the past 24-month period. WTI and other benchmark crudes WTI is also known as "Texas light sweet", and is a grade of crude oil used as a benchmark for oil produced in the United States. It has an API gravity of around 39.6 and specific gravity of about 0.827, which, relative to other crude oils, is considered “light,” hence the name. WTI also contains about 0.24 percent sulfur, making it a “sweet” crude oil. The price of WTI can be compared to the prices other of crude oils, i.e. UK Brent, the OPEC basket, and Dubai Fateh oil. WTI crude oil is the underlying commodity of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s oil futures contracts. U.S. oil production and its influence on light oil prices The price development of WTI crude oil relative to Brent crude oil has been influenced by variances in U.S. crude oil transportation and increased U.S. oil production. New transportation infrastructure became operational in early 2013, easing the movement of crude oil in the mid-continent and raising the price of WTI. Since then, U.S. refineries have increased production of crude oil to record levels, also raising the price of WTI. Meanwhile, expedited crude transport in the U.S. put downward pressure on Brent crude oil as domestic crude replaced some imported Brent crude. Between 2014 and 2016, UK Brent prices dropped rapidly, as was the case for all other crude oils.

The annual price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil is expected to reach an average of 61.81 U.S. dollars per barrel in 2025, according to a May 2025 forecast. This would be a decrease of roughly 15 U.S. dollar compared to the previous year. In the first months weeks of 2025, weekly crude oil prices largely stayed below 70 U.S. dollars per barrel amid trade tariffs and expected economic downturn. 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.

Learn about the role of the Energy Information Administration (EIA) in monitoring and reporting on WTI oil prices, including its weekly report on crude oil stocks and production levels, its monthly analysis of the energy sector, and its historical data on WTI oil prices. Discover how these reports and analysis are used by market participants to make informed decisions in the oil market.

The US oil price, also known as the WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude oil price, is influenced by supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, economic growth, and government policies. This article explores the factors affecting the price, its historical volatility, the impact of shale oil production, and the unprecedented challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Europe Brent and WTI (Western Texas Intermediate) Spot Prices (Annual/ Monthly/ Weekly/ Daily) from EIA U.S. (Energy Information Administration).

Data

Sources

1. • Name: Daily Europe Brent Spot Price
   • Web: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist_xls/RBRTEd.xls
2. • Name: Weekly Europe Brent Spot Price
   • Web: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist_xls/RBRTEw.xls
3. • Name: Monthly Europe Brent Spot Price
   • Web: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist_xls/RBRTEm.xls
4. • Name: Annual Europe Brent Spot Price
   • Web: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist_xls/RBRTEa.xls
5. • Name: Daily Cushing, OK WTI Spot Price
   • Web: http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist_xls/RWTCd.xls
6. • Name: Weekly Cushing, OK WTI Spot Price
   • Web: http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist_xls/RWTCw.xls
7. • Name: Monthly Cushing, OK WTI Spot Price
   • Web: http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist_xls/RWTCm.xls
8. • Name: Annual Cushing, OK WTI Spot Price
   • Web: http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist_xls/RWTCa.xls

Definitions

Brent

A blended crude stream produced in the North Sea region which serves as a reference or "marker" for pricing a number of other crude streams. source

West Texas Intermediate (WTI - Cushing)

A crude stream produced in Texas and southern Oklahoma which serves as a reference or "marker" for pricing a number of other crude streams and which is traded in the domestic spot market at Cushing, Oklahoma. source

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The article discusses the factors that influence the current price of WTI crude oil, including geopolitical events, production levels, global demand, and economic factors. It emphasizes the importance of staying informed about these factors to navigate the dynamic nature of the oil market.

Learn about WTI Crude Oil, its importance as a benchmark for oil pricing, and how factors like supply and demand, production levels, geopolitical events, global economic conditions, and market speculation influence the WTI oil price stock.

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.

A study was initiated in 1990 to evaluate the potential of increasing U.S. heavy oil production to lessen the U.S. domestic oil production decline. In California, heavy oil production was increased in the 1960s as light oil production declined to meet the petroleum demand, suggesting that similar trends are possible elsewhere. Changes in refining were made in accordance with the production trends. This study researches the U.S. petroleum industry to determine if it could undergo similar modifications. The U.S. heavy oil resource, production characteristics, and existing refining capacity were evaluated. The resource was comprised of a total 1,025 heavy oil reservoirs; 535 were characterized in more detail. Reliable information was not available for the other 490 reservoirs which include Alaskan heavy oil reservoirs. Heavy oil remaining in the 535 heavy oil reservoirs characterized was estimated to be 68.3 billion bbl. As much as 18% of the 68 billion bbl, or 12 billion bbl may be recoverable using current technology. At the current oil price (projected flat price of $18/bbl for WTI), heavy oil production rates are expected to decline through the year 2010. An incentive of $2.90/bbl U.S. heavy oil would be needed to increase production over current levels by 300,00O/day in the year 2010. U.S. refining capacity will need to be expanded to process the increased heavy oil production.

In April 2025, the average price of the OPEC basket was 68.98 U.S. dollars per barrel. This was a notable decrease compared to the previous month and the lowest value in the past 24 months. 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.

In June 2025, the price of Merey crude oil – Venezuela’s reference export blend – averaged ***** U.S. dollars per barrel, down from ***** U.S. dollars per barrel the previous month. Merey crude oil has been part of the OPEC basket since January 2009. A blend of extra-heavy crude oil from the Orinoco belt and lighter grades, Venezuela’s export oil is the heaviest component in the basket, and, in turn, has historically reported the lowest average price in the OPEC basket. The 2020's oil crisis Crude oil prices worldwide dropped dramatically in the first months of 2020, the result of an unprecedented decline in demand as lockdown measures were implemented globally in an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. With storage facilities filling up, WTI crude oil reached a record negative price in the third week of April. Since then, prices have seen a mostly continual recovery. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the end of February 2022, prices surged to levels last seen in 2008, with reference oil blends Brent, WTI, and OPEC basket averaging at more than *** U.S. dollars per barrel in summer 2022. Venezuela’s struggling oil sector The global decline in prices brought upon by the pandemic was only the most recent blow to the South American country's oil industry. Despite holding the largest proved oil reserves in the world, Venezuela’s oil production has declined notably. In 2023, it averaged around ******* barrels per day, a third of the level registered a decade earlier. A political and economic crisis as well as resulting U.S. sanctions have led to a rise in oil stocks in the country, affecting both prices and production.

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price serves as a major benchmark for oil prices in the United States. This article explains what WTI is, how it is traded, and the factors that influence its price in US dollars (USD), including global oil production and demand, geopolitical events, and economic factors. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring WTI prices for investors, oil companies, and policymakers.

The spot price for WTI crude oil refers to the current price at which a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil can be purchased and delivered immediately. It is also known as the spot market price or cash price. This article explains the factors that influence the spot price of WTI crude oil, including supply and demand dynamics, inventories, OPEC and non-OPEC production, macroeconomic factors, and geopolitical events. It also discusses the role of the spot price as a benchmark for pricing oil wo

Learn about the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil, a benchmark for oil prices in the United States, and how factors like supply and demand, geopolitical events, and market speculation impact its price. Discover the influence of shale oil production, geopolitical tensions, and the COVID-19 pandemic on the volatility of WTI prices, and understand its role in the broader oil market.

Palm Oil fell to 4,252 MYR/T on July 23, 2025, down 0.26% from the previous day. Over the past month, Palm Oil's price has risen 6.67%, and is up 8.30% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Palm Oil - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rate refers to the price of crude oil produced in the United States. It is one of the most commonly referenced benchmarks for oil pricing globally. WTI crude oil is a light, sweet crude oil that is easier and less expensive to refine into gasoline compared to other types of crude oils. This article explains how the WTI rate is determined, factors that influence it, and its significance in the global oil market and economy.

The WTI price quote refers to the current price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil. It is used as a benchmark for oil produced in the United States and provides valuable information about supply and demand dynamics. This article discusses the importance of the WTI price quote for stakeholders in the energy industry, its denomination in US dollars per barrel, factors influencing the price, its use as a benchmark, and its impact on traders, investors, and consumers.

Oil prices dipped as the market anticipates OPEC+'s decision on increasing production. Brent and U.S. crude futures saw slight declines.

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) quote oil is a benchmark for oil prices in the United States. It represents the price of crude oil produced in the United States and is one of the main benchmarks used for oil trading worldwide. WTI crude oil is sourced primarily from the Permian Basin in West Texas and parts of New Mexico. It is known for its high quality and low sulfur content, which makes it desirable for refining into products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The WTI quote oil price is determined