The Permian basin is the region with the largest number of oil rigs in the United States. As of end of June 2025, there were 270 active rigs in the basin. This was more than eight times the number of rigs in Eagle Ford, which ranked second. Both basins are mainly located in Texas. The number of operational U.S. oil and gas rigs stood at around 557 units around the same time. U.S. oil industry In the years following the development of sophisticated extraction methods for shale oil and gas, the U.S. has grown to become the world’s leading oil-producing country, ahead of Saudi Arabia. U.S. oil production peaked in 2023, at nearly 19.4 million barrels per day. U.S. as an oil exporter In December 2015, the U.S. lifted a longtime ban on exports of crude oil from the U.S. Since then, the amount of oil exported from the U.S. has also increased significantly. In line with a production increase, 2023 also saw the largest amount of oil exports from the U.S. The leading oil exporters globally included large producer countries such as the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Russia.

Texas is by far the largest oil-producing state in the United States. In 2024, Texas produced a total of over two billion barrels. In a distant second place is New Mexico, which produced 744.6 million barrels in the same year. Virginia is the smallest producing state in the country, at three thousand barrels. Macro perspective of U.S. oil production The U.S. oil production totaled some 19.4 million barrels of oil per day, or a total annual oil production of 827 million metric tons in 2023. As the largest oil producer in the U.S., it is not surprising that Texas is home to the most productive U.S. oil basin, the Permian. The Permian has routinely accounted for at least 50 percent of total onshore production. Regional distribution of U.S. oil production A total of 32 of the 50 U.S. states produce oil. There are five regional divisions for oil production in the U.S., known as the Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts (PADD). These five regional divisions of the allocation of fuels derived from petroleum products were established in the U.S. during the Second World War and they are still used today for data collection purposes. In line with the fact that Texas is by far the largest U.S. oil producing state, PADD 3 (Gulf Coast) is also the largest oil producing PADD, as it also includes the federal offshore region in the Gulf of Mexico. There are around 590 operational oil and gas rigs in the country as of February 2025.

Crude Oil rose to 68.75 USD/Bbl on July 11, 2025, up 3.27% from the previous day. Over the past month, Crude Oil's price has risen 1.04%, but it is still 16.37% 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 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.

On July 7, 2025, the Brent crude oil price stood at 69.62 U.S. dollars per barrel, compared to 67.93 U.S. dollars for WTI oil and 69.92 U.S. dollars for the OPEC basket. Prices rose slightly that week, following signs of an increase in demand.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.

The average price for regular gasoline in the United States stood at **** U.S. dollars per gallon on July 14, 2025. This compared to a diesel price of **** U.S. dollars per gallon. Prices for gasoline and diesel increased that week following greater demand. Real price surge of 2022 and 2023 still below 2011 to 2014 prices When looking at the real price of gasoline over time, U.S. drivers had to pay notably more in the years between 2011 and 2014. The surge in prices noted throughout 2022 and partly for 2023, which followed supply constraints, was still lower in terms of real U.S. dollars. U.S. on the lower-end spectrum of worldwide motor fuel prices The U.S. has some of the lowest conventional motor fuel prices in the world. Although fuel prices are usually higher in high-income countries, the U.S. profits from its position as the world’s largest crude oil producer and can keep retail prices for oil products comparatively low. For example, among high-income countries, prices for automotive premium gasoline (RON 95) were only lower in Russia and Saudi Arabia - countries where crude oil and oil product exports are in part restricted by sanctions, thus keeping domestic supply high.

In May 2025, the average price of one barrel of Brent crude oil was 64.45 U.S. dollars. This was nearly four U.S. dollars below prices the previous month and the lowest value in the past 24-month period, 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 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.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Needle Coke market size will be USD 3524.6 million in 2025. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50% from 2025 to 2033.

North America held the major market share of 37% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1304.10 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from 2025 to 2033.
Europe accounted for a market share of 29% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1022.13 million.
APAC held the market share of around 24% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 845.90 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2025 to 2033.
South America has a market share of 4% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 133.93 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2025 to 2033.
Middle East had a market share of 4% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 140.98 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2025 to 2033.
Africa had a market share of 2.20% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 77.54 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2025 to 2033.
Coal Tar Pitch Derived category is the fastest growing Type segment of the Needle Coke industry

Market Dynamics of Needle Coke Market

Key Drivers for Needle Coke Market

Rising steel production and urbanization in emerging economies propels market demand

The growing steel production and rapid urbanization in emerging economies such as China, India, U.S., and Brazil significantly drive the demand for needle coke. As these countries continue to expand their infrastructure, construction, and automotive industries, the need for high-performance steel products increases. As per the American Iron and Steel Institute, in the week ending February 15, 2025, U.S. domestic raw steel production was 1,670,000 net tons with a capability utilization rate of 75.0%, down from 1,726,000 net tons and a 77.7% utilization rate in the same week of 2024. Needle coke, a key raw material for ultra-high power (UHP) graphite electrodes used in electric arc furnaces, plays a vital role in efficient steel manufacturing. The shift towards electric arc furnaces for sustainable and energy-efficient steel production further boosts the demand for high-quality needle coke. Additionally, industrialization, population growth, and rising disposable incomes in emerging markets contribute to increased steel consumption, thereby propelling the needle coke market.

https://www.steel.org/industry-data/

Increasing adoption of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles boosts market growth

The rising adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) globally drives the demand for lithium-ion batteries, thereby fueling the need for needle coke used in battery anodes. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global lithium-ion battery manufacturing capacity is expected to grow significantly from 1.57 TWh in 2022 to 6.79 TWh in 2030, an increase of 332.5% within the time span of 8 years. This is driven by the increasing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions as well as countries implement stricter emission regulations and promote green mobility and the shift towards EVs is accelerating rapidly. Needle coke's high carbon purity, superior conductivity, and thermal stability enhance battery performance, extending driving range and battery life. Additionally, increasing investments in battery manufacturing and energy storage solutions, especially in Asia-Pacific and Europe, further boost the market. With leading automakers expanding their EV portfolios and advancements in battery technology, the demand for high-quality needle coke is expected to grow significantly, driving the overall market expansion.

https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030

Restraint Factor for the Needle Coke Market

Volatility in raw material prices affecting production costs

Fluctuations in raw material prices pose a significant challenge to the needle coke market, affecting production costs and profitability. The prices of crude oil and coal tar pitch, the primary raw materials for needle coke, are highly volatile due to geopolitical tensions, supply-demand imbalances, and regulatory ch...

In February 2025, crude oil accounted for a 58 percent share of the retail cost of gasoline in the United States. Crude oil costs are the greatest determining factor for petroleum product prices such as gasoline. This is also reflected in the U.S. diesel price breakdown, with crude oil making up 49 percent of the retail price that same month. U.S. gasoline cost breakdown The end price that consumers pay for gasoline in the U.S. is made up of several different components. The weighting of these different costs in the end price of gasoline is also very dynamic depending on the market. In April 2020, just 25 percent of the cost of one U.S. gallon of gasoline was from the cost of crude oil, as a result of the 2020 oil crisis. Other cost components are those associated with refining, distribution and marketing, and taxes. Residents in California pay the highest gasoline taxes out of all U.S. states, at 68.1 cents per gallon as of January 2024. U.S. gasoline prices Since 1980, U.S. gasoline prices have fluctuated greatly, usually reflecting the volatile nature of crude oil prices. The U.S. has some of the lowest unleaded premium prices in the world. When looking at the real U.S. gasoline price to end users, figures amounted to 1.24 real U.S. dollars per gallon in 2023. This ‘real’ U.S. dollars figure refers to the purchasing power of one U.S. dollar relative to the period of time between 1982 and 1984.

Palm Oil rose to 4,175 MYR/T on July 11, 2025, up 0.68% from the previous day. Over the past month, Palm Oil's price has risen 8.72%, and is up 6.67% 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.

In May 2025, the average monthly price of the Urals crude oil, Russia's major export oil brand, was approximately ***** U.S. dollars per barrel, having decreased from the previous month. In 2020, the price of the Urals experienced a considerable decrease at the beginning of the year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, dropping to as low as **** U.S. dollars per barrel in April. What is the purpose of the Russian oil price cap? In early December 2022, the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom (UK), and the United States), the European Union (EU), and Australia formed the Price Cap Coalition and imposed a price cap of 60 U.S. dollars per barrel on oil originating in Russia. The aim of the price ceiling is to decrease Russia’s earnings from oil exports and thereby limit the Russian government’s budget to finance the war in Ukraine. At the same time, the cap is meant to ensure that Russia continues to supply oil to emerging economies, though at a discounted price. With the cap in place, Russia cannot sell oil at a higher price even to third countries if the oil tankers are financed or insured by members of the Price Cap Coalition. In early February 2023, a price cap of 100 U.S. dollars per barrel was imposed on Russian refined oil products. Global dependence on Russian oil China was Russia’s leading crude oil export destination, with the value of exports measured at nearly **** billion U.S. dollars in 2021. In physical terms, Russia supplied around *** million metric tons of crude oil to China in 2024, being the leading crude oil import origin in the country ahead of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, European countries were major consumers of Russian oil prior to the war in Ukraine. For instance, Russia accounted for over ** percent of oil and petroleum products imported into Slovakia in 2020. To compare, the dependence rate stood at nearly ** percent in Lithuania, ** percent in Germany, and ** percent in the UK.

Crude oil is the greatest cost component determining diesel retail prices in the United States. In February 2025, 49 percent of the diesel retail price was set by crude oil costs. That month, one gallon of diesel sold for an average of 3.68 U.S. dollars. U.S. diesel prices have generally stagnated in early 2025. Fuel consumption remains high despite higher prices Diesel and gasoline prices have experienced significant fluctuations over the past decades. In 2024, the average gasoline price stood at 3.3 U.S. dollars per gallon, a decrease from the 2022 peak but still higher than early 2000s levels. Despite these changes, U.S. gasoline consumption has remained high, averaging around 8.5 million barrels per day in 2024, with seasonal variations affecting demand. Tax impact on fuel costs across states Taxes play a significant role in determining fuel prices, with state-level differences creating notable price variations across the country. As of 2023, the average state tax for gasoline was 30.5 U.S. cents per gallon, while diesel faced a slightly higher average tax of 33.15 U.S. cents. These taxes contribute to the overall retail price and are often reinvested in road infrastructure. California, for instance, imposes some of the highest gasoline taxes in the country, reaching 68.1 U.S. cents per gallon in January 2024, which significantly impacts the state's fuel prices.