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.

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.

On October 27, 2025, the Brent crude oil price stood at 65.14 U.S. dollars per barrel, compared to 61.31 U.S. dollars for WTI oil and 67.54 U.S. dollars for the OPEC basket. Oil prices rose slightly that week.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 global 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.

In August 2025, the average price of the OPEC basket was 69.73 U.S. dollars per barrel. This was an increase compared to the previous month, which was among the lowest values 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, the 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 32.8 million barrels per day in 2024. 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.

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 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.

After some fluctuation in the oil industry's early years, where prices were incredibly high for that time period due to low supply, the cost of oil in the U.S. remained below five U.S. dollars per barrel in the century between the 1870s and 1970s. Due to the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, the Arab OPEC states then placed an embargo on Israel's allies, particularly the United States, which resulted in domestic prices almost doubling within two years. Less than a decade later, due to the Iranian Revolution, domestic prices in the U.S. more than tripled between 1978 and 1981. Domestic prices in the U.S. were very subject to those within the OPEC bloc, as OPEC-produced oil was often much cheaper than U.S. oil even after duties and transport fees were applied. U.S. production then fell from the 1980s to the 2010s, and high production costs were then passed on to consumers. Prices peaked between 2008 and 2013, at around 95 dollars per barrel, before the developments in unconventional oil industries, such as shale oil refinement, fracking, and horizontal mining, have seen prices fluctuate in recent years

NN: OPEC: SCOP: Average: Congo: Djeno data was reported at 78.520 USD/Barrel in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 76.180 USD/Barrel for Sep 2018. NN: OPEC: SCOP: Average: Congo: Djeno data is updated monthly, averaging 64.080 USD/Barrel from Jun 2017 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 17 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 78.520 USD/Barrel in Oct 2018 and a record low of 44.300 USD/Barrel in Jun 2017. NN: OPEC: SCOP: Average: Congo: Djeno 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: Oil and Gas Sector – Table RO.OPEC.CO: Crude Oil Price: Monthly.

The Dow Crude Oil Prices, also known as the spot price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil, refers to the current market price at which the commodity can be bought and sold for immediate delivery. The price acts as a benchmark for other oil prices around the world and is closely monitored by governments, investors, and oil industry professionals. Historical volatility, factors influencing prices, and the role of OPEC are discussed, highlighting the importance of these prices for businesses, policymak

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.

Key information about Saudi Arabia Crude Oil: Production

• Saudi Arabia Crude Oil: Production was reported at 10,003.000 Barrel/Day th in Oct 2025
• This records an increase from the previous number of 9,960.000 Barrel/Day th for Sep 2025
• Saudi Arabia Crude Oil: Production data is updated monthly, averaging 30.878 Barrel/Day th from Jan 2002 to Oct 2025, with 286 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 908.611 Barrel/Day th in Jul 2025 and a record low of 0.025 Barrel/Day th in Jan 1977
• 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

Crude Oil Production in Iran decreased to 3209 BBL/D/1K in October from 3275 BBL/D/1K in September of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Iran Crude Oil Production - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Historical oil and gas prices have been subject to numerous factors that have contributed to their fluctuations over time. This article explores the geopolitical, economic, and technological factors that have shaped historical trends in the oil and gas market, highlighting the impact of events such as world wars, the formation of OPEC, the Arab oil embargo, the shale revolution, and more. Understanding these historical trends is crucial for analyzing the current and future dynamics of the oil and gas market

The price of US barrel oil, also known as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil, has historically fluctuated due to geopolitical events, supply and demand dynamics, OPEC decisions, and global economic conditions. This article explores the historical trends of US oil prices, from its record high of $147 per barrel in 2008 to its low of $26 per barrel in 2016, and its current standing at around $70 per barrel. Learn about the factors that influence oil prices and their impact on the global economy and geopo

Key information about Iran Crude Oil: Exports

• Iran Crude Oil: Exports was reported at 1,566.220 Barrel/Day th in Dec 2024
• This records an increase from the previous number of 1,322.634 Barrel/Day th for Dec 2023
• Iran Crude Oil: Exports data is updated yearly, averaging 2,093.600 Barrel/Day th from Dec 1980 to 2024, with 45 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 2,684.100 Barrel/Day th in 2004 and a record low of 404.489 Barrel/Day th in 2020
• Iran 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

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.

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's crude oil export revenue reached 550 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, a decrease from 2023. For 2025 figures are expected to fall below 500 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 share in world 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's share of global oil production is approximately 36 percent. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest oil exporters among the OPEC. The country sells around six million barrels of oil per day overseas. OPEC basket price outlook 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 the first half of 2025, the average annual OPEC basket price was around 72 U.S. dollars per barrel. Low oil prices in 2024 and 2025 were largely due to less oil demand growth in China and concerns over U.S. trade tariffs.

Key information about Iraq Crude Oil: Exports

• Iraq Crude Oil: Exports was reported at 3,363.570 Barrel/Day th in Dec 2024
• This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,466.750 Barrel/Day th for Dec 2023
• Iraq Crude Oil: Exports data is updated yearly, averaging 1,494.600 Barrel/Day th from Dec 1980 to 2024, with 45 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 3,968.245 Barrel/Day th in 2019 and a record low of 39.000 Barrel/Day th in 1991
• Iraq 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

OPEC accounts for over ** percent of the world’s total crude oil production. In 2024, OPEC's production showed a decrease of *** percentage points compared to the previous year, in part a result of Angola leaving the organization. That same year, the annual average OPEC reference basket price was ** 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 12 member countries located mostly in the Middle East and Africa, though also in South America. Over the past decade, roughly ******* of the world’s total oil production has come from the Middle East. 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 remained around the ** percent mark, the OPEC's share in global crude oil reserves was significantly higher. In 2023, it was ****** the worldwide production share. Similar to production, this figure has also remained relatively stable in the last decade.