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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The price of US oil per barrel today is influenced by global supply and demand, geopolitical events, economic indicators, and market speculation. Learn about the factors that impact oil prices and their effects on the global economy.

In February 2025, the average price of one barrel of Brent crude oil was 75.44 U.S. dollars. This was some four U.S. dollars below prices the previous month as demand for oil was expected to stagnate in the coming months. 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 twenty 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.

United States EIA Forecast: Crude Oil Price: Brent Spot Average data was reported at 71.000 USD/Barrel in Dec 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 71.000 USD/Barrel for Nov 2019. United States EIA Forecast: Crude Oil Price: Brent Spot Average data is updated monthly, averaging 62.750 USD/Barrel from Mar 2016 (Median) to Dec 2019, with 46 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 83.000 USD/Barrel in Oct 2018 and a record low of 34.000 USD/Barrel in Mar 2016. United States EIA Forecast: Crude Oil Price: Brent Spot Average 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.P003: Energy Price: Forecast: Energy Information Administration.

United States - Spot Crude Oil Price: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was 71.53000 $ per Barrel in February 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 March of 2025.

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.

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

United States Crude Oil Price: EIA: FOB Cost of Imports: Nigeria data was reported at 58.580 USD/Barrel in Oct 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 52.180 USD/Barrel for Aug 2017. United States Crude Oil Price: EIA: FOB Cost of Imports: Nigeria data is updated monthly, averaging 24.410 USD/Barrel from Oct 1973 (Median) to Oct 2017, with 468 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 140.010 USD/Barrel in Jun 2008 and a record low of 6.000 USD/Barrel in Oct 1973. United States Crude Oil Price: EIA: FOB Cost of Imports: Nigeria 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.

The current US oil price per barrel is approximately $75, reflecting the gradual recovery of the global economy and ongoing efforts by OPEC+ to stabilize the market. However, oil prices are subject to constant fluctuations due to a variety of economic, political, and environmental factors.

Graph and download economic data for Crude Oil Prices: Brent - Europe (DCOILBRENTEU) from 1987-05-20 to 2025-03-03 about crude, oil, Europe, commodities, and price.

Crude oil prices have a significant impact on the global economy, influenced by factors such as supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and economic outlook. This article explores the volatility of crude oil prices in recent years and their fluctuations due to events like the COVID-19 pandemic. It also highlights the current trends in oil prices and discusses the factors that can affect them.

The US oil price per barrel chart represents historical oil prices in the United States and how they are influenced by factors such as supply and demand, geopolitical events, economic indicators, weather patterns, and speculation in financial markets. This article explores the factors affecting the US oil price per barrel, the interpretation of the chart, and the importance of understanding historical price patterns for decision-making.

Urals Oil decreased 3.02 USD/Bbl or 4.41% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Urals Crude.

The price of crude oil is constantly changing due to various factors such as supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, market speculation, and macroeconomic conditions. This article provides an overview of the current price of crude oil, its importance in global markets, and the factors that influence its volatility. It also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oil prices and the role of OPEC+ in stabilizing the market. Investors, businesses, and consumers need to closely monitor these de