The 2025 annual OPEC basket price stood at ***** U.S. dollars per barrel as of June. 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.

Oil shocks exert influence on macroeconomic activity through various channels, many of which imply a symmetric effect. However, the effect can also be asymmetric. In particular, sharp oil price changes "either increases or decreases" may reduce aggregate output temporarily because they delay business investment by raising uncertainty or induce costly sectoral resource reallocation. Consistent with these asymmetric-effect hypotheses, the authors find that a volatility measure constructed using daily crude oil futures prices has a negative and significant effect on future gross domestic product (GDP) growth over the period 1984-2004. Moreover, the effect becomes more significant after oil price changes are also included in the regression to control for the symmetric effect. The evidence here provides economic rationales for Hamilton's (2003) nonlinear oil shock measure: It captures overall effects, both symmetric and asymmetric, of oil price shocks on output.

Brent rose to 70.45 USD/Bbl on July 14, 2025, up 0.12% from the previous day. Over the past month, Brent's price has fallen 3.80%, and is down 16.98% compared to the same time last year, 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 July of 2025.

In June 2025, the average price of one barrel of Brent crude oil was 71.44 U.S. dollars. This was around seven U.S. dollars more than prices the previous month, which were the lowest value in the past 24-month period. 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.

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.

Heating Oil rose to 2.47 USD/Gal on July 11, 2025, up 3.46% from the previous day. Over the past month, Heating Oil's price has risen 11.10%, but it is still 1.60% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Heating oil - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

In May 2025, crude oil exported from Brazil had an average price of **** U.S. dollars per kilogram, after attaining **** U.S. dollars the month prior. Global oil prices continued to fall in the first half of 2025, which is reflected in the decrease in Brazil's oil export prices. China is most important trading partner China remains the primary destination for Brazilian crude oil exports, accounting for over ** percent of shipments in 2024, followed by the United States at ** percent. This underscores the importance of these markets for Brazil's oil industry. While exports thrived, Brazil's crude oil imports saw a slight decrease in 2024, totaling nearly *** billion U.S. dollars. This decline in imports occurred alongside a drop in the average price of imported crude oil and condensate, which fell by about *** percent to ***** U.S. dollars per barrel. Natural gas imports and domestic production Similar to crude oil, Brazil's natural gas imports also experienced a decline in 2023. The country imported approximately *** billion cubic meters of natural gas, with *** billion cubic meters in gaseous form and **** billion cubic meters as liquefied natural gas (LNG). The decrease in imports can be attributed to Brazil's growing domestic natural gas production, highlighting the country's efforts to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources and strengthen its position in the global energy market.

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The crude oil market has the potential to grow by 4781.60 million barrels during 2021-2025, and the market’s growth momentum will decelerate at a CAGR of 2.73%.

This crude oil market research report provides valuable insights on the post COVID-19 impact on the market, which will help companies evaluate their business approaches. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by production area (onshore and offshore) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, MEA, and South America). The report also offers information on several market vendors, including BP Plc, Chevron Corp., and ConocoPhillips Co., among others.

What will the Crude Oil Market Size be in 2021?

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Crude Oil Market: Key Drivers and Trends

Based on our research output, there has been a negative impact on the market growth during and post COVID-19 era. The increasing upstream investment is notably driving the crude oil market growth, although factors such as fluctuations in global crude oil prices may impede market growth. To unlock information on the key market drivers and the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the crude oil industry get your FREE report sample now.

      The rising energy demand across the world has prompted governments to explore untapped oil and gas resources in the upstream sector, using advanced technologies.
      The production of oil and natural gas is declining from many conventional oilfields. To overcome this issue, oil and gas operators are increasing investments in mature oil and gas fields.
      The adoption of unconventional exploration and production technologies in large shale deposits has widened opportunities for upstream oil and gas companies.
      The growing investments in the upstream oil and gas sector will significantly influence crude oil market growth over the forecast period.




      Technological development in the hydraulic fracturing process is aiding in the exploration and production of oil and gas from shale plays.
      The advances in the drilling technology and proppant placement in downhole wells increased hydrocarbon recovery from unconventional wells.
      Technological advances such as integration of the internet of things (IoT) for data acquisition, as well as the use of data analytics and machine learning, supports the efficiency of tools that is one of the key crude oil market trends.
      Real-time pressure data is crucial in crude oil production as it eliminates the over-fracturing issue.
      Automation of hydraulic fracturing optimizes the hydraulic fracturing method using algorithmic controls and supports enhanced well performance.

This crude oil market analysis report also provides detailed information on other upcoming trends and challenges that will have a far-reaching effect on the market growth. Get detailed insights on the trends and challenges, which will help companies evaluate and develop growth strategies.

Who are the Major Crude Oil Market Vendors?

The report analyzes the market’s competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including:

BP Plc
Chevron Corp.
ConocoPhillips Co.
Exxon Mobil Corp.
PetroChina Co. Ltd.
Petroleo Brasileiro SA
Qatar Petroleum
Rosneft Oil Co.
Royal Dutch Shell Plc
Saudi Arabian Oil Co.

The crude oil market is fragmented and the vendors are deploying various organic and inorganic growth strategies to compete in the market. Click here to uncover other successful business strategies deployed by the vendors.

To make the most of the opportunities and recover from post COVID-19 impact, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

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Which are the Key Regions for Crude Oil Market?

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44% of the market’s growth will originate from APAC during the forecast period. China, India, and Japan are the key markets for crude oil in APAC. Market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the market in Europe, North America, and South America.

To garner further competitive intelligence and regional opportunities in store for vendors, view our sample report.

What are the Revenue-generating Production Area Segments in the Crude Oil Market?

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The crude oil market share growth by the onshore segment will be significant during the forecast period. In onshore exploration and pr

Oil shocks exert influence on macroeconomic activity through various channels, many of which imply a symmetric effect. However, the effect can also be asymmetric. In particular, sharp oil price changes "either increases or decreases" may reduce aggregate output temporarily because they delay business investment by raising uncertainty or induce costly sectoral resource reallocation. Consistent with these asymmetric-effect hypotheses, the authors find that a volatility measure constructed using daily crude oil futures prices has a negative and significant effect on future gross domestic product (GDP) growth over the period 1984-2004. Moreover, the effect becomes more significant after oil price changes are also included in the regression to control for the symmetric effect. The evidence here provides economic rationales for Hamilton's (2003) nonlinear oil shock measure: It captures overall effects, both symmetric and asymmetric, of oil price shocks on output.

The global medium crude oil market is a significant sector within the broader energy landscape, exhibiting considerable dynamism. While precise market size figures are not provided, leveraging industry knowledge and observable trends, we can estimate the 2025 market value at approximately $500 billion USD, based on global crude oil production figures and the market share held by medium crude. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of, for example, 3% over the forecast period (2025-2033) suggests substantial growth, driven primarily by increasing global energy demand, particularly from developing economies in Asia and the Middle East. The rising demand for transportation fuels, coupled with continued expansion in the petrochemical and refining sectors, presents significant opportunities for market growth. However, the market is subject to certain constraints including fluctuating geopolitical events impacting supply chains, price volatility influenced by OPEC decisions and other macroeconomic factors, and ongoing pressure to transition to cleaner energy sources. Market segmentation shows that the 0.7%-1% sulfur content segment currently holds a larger market share than the 0.4%-0.6% sulfur content due to existing refining infrastructure and demand for heavier crudes in certain applications. Geographic distribution reveals a strong concentration in regions with substantial oil reserves such as North America, the Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific. Key players, including ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Saudi Aramco, dominate the market due to their substantial production capacities, refining infrastructure, and global reach. The competitive landscape is characterized by both cooperation (e.g., joint ventures in exploration and production) and competition (e.g., price wars and strategic acquisitions). Future market trends point to increasing investment in enhanced oil recovery techniques to extend the lifespan of existing fields and the potential emergence of alternative crude oil sources. Moreover, stricter environmental regulations might necessitate investments in technologies to reduce sulfur content in refined products, potentially favoring the lower-sulfur content segment. Overall, the medium crude oil market presents a complex interplay of growth drivers, market dynamics, and regulatory pressures, requiring careful navigation by market participants.

Comparative quadratic regression analysis (control variables included in the model).

The average price of Indian basket crude oil was estimated to reach ***** U.S. dollars per barrel in the financial year 2024. While Indian basket crude oil prices have fluctuated during the reported period, this figure significantly decreased from the previous year’s average of ***** U.S. dollars. The average price of crude oil went up marginally around the financial year 2012, touching almost *** U.S. dollars per barrel. Recent trends in the Indian oil industry The last several years have seen a slight but steady increase in Indian crude oil refinery capacity. However, the annual domestic crude oil production volume has consistently decreased. Not surprisingly, the volume of crude oil imports had recently been on the rise for several years. The future of the Indian energy sector As the third-largest primary energy consumer globally, India relies on various sources to meet its energy demands. At the same time, a significant increase in primary energy consumption across various sources is projected for the coming decades, with renewables playing a vital role in the Indian energy transition.

The Average Home Heating Oil Prices dataset provides New York residents and businesses with objective information on average residential retail heating fuel oil pricing in New York State and by region beginning September 8, 1997. Pricing data is obtained via surveys conducted by NYSERDA staff on a weekly basis during heating season (September to March) and bi-weekly during the rest of the year. All prices are listed in dollars per gallon.

The Average Home Heating Oil Prices dataset, Average Residential Retail Kerosene Prices dataset, and Average Residential Retail Propane Prices dataset are collectively referred to as the Heating Fuel Prices dataset.

For current and historical residential retail price data, regional comparisons, and fuel type comparisons, please visit the Home Heating Oil Prices Dashboard: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Researchers-and-Policymakers/Energy-Prices/Home-Heating-Oil/Average-Home-Heating-Oil-Prices

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, accelerate economic growth, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on X, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.

This study investigates the impact of oil price uncertainty (OPU) on corporate profitability in China, the world’s largest crude oil consumer. Most importantly, we examine how the Chinese government’s oil price reform affects this relationship. Using the yearly data of Chinese-listed companies, we find that the uncertainty of oil prices negatively affects corporate profitability but positively impacts operating expenses from 2007 to 2020. This finding holds after robust tests, including alternative profitability metrics and endogeneity model. Most interestingly, implementing the 2013 market-oriented oil pricing reform amplifies the adverse impact of OPU on corporate profitability owing to increased operating costs in the post-2013 period. Moreover, the detrimental effect of uncertain oil prices on corporate profitability is less prominent for large-capitalized companies. This research adds to the body of knowledge on the factors affecting corporate profitability by highlighting the volatility effect of oil prices and government pricing mechanisms. The results offer grounds for legislators and corporate managers to consider how to control the uncertainty surrounding oil price matters to ensure stable corporate profitability.

The global medium sulfur crude oil market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the persistent demand from various sectors, including transportation, petrochemicals, and power generation. While precise market size figures for 2025 aren't provided, considering the typical size of the global crude oil market and the significant proportion held by medium sulfur grades, a reasonable estimation for the 2025 market size could be around $500 billion USD. Assuming a conservative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3% over the forecast period (2025-2033), the market is projected to reach approximately $700 billion USD by 2033. This growth is primarily attributed to the increasing global energy consumption, especially in developing economies, coupled with the relatively lower cost of medium sulfur crude compared to its low-sulfur counterpart. However, the market faces constraints like fluctuating oil prices, geopolitical instability impacting supply chains, and increasing pressure to reduce sulfur emissions through stricter environmental regulations. Nevertheless, several industry trends are shaping the future of the medium sulfur crude oil market. The shift towards cleaner fuels is leading to increased investment in refining technologies to reduce sulfur content, creating both challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, technological advancements in exploration and extraction are improving efficiency and accessibility to medium sulfur reserves. The competitive landscape is dominated by major oil companies like Saudi Aramco, Rosneft, and Chevron, along with several national oil companies, each employing various strategies to secure market share. The regional distribution of the market is expected to reflect existing global energy consumption patterns, with significant contributions from regions like North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Strategic partnerships and mergers & acquisitions will likely play a key role in consolidating the market and driving innovation throughout the forecast period.

Crude Oil and Natural Gas Market Outlook

The global crude oil and natural gas market size was valued at approximately USD 2.5 trillion in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 3.1 trillion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.4% during the forecast period. The market's growth is significantly driven by the increasing global energy demand and ongoing industrialization in emerging economies. Other contributing factors include technological advancements in extraction and production methods, as well as geopolitical dynamics affecting supply chains and pricing.

One major growth factor is the rising global energy consumption, which continues to surge due to rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China, India, and Brazil. These nations are experiencing extensive growth in their manufacturing and transportation sectors, leading to higher demand for crude oil and natural gas. Additionally, natural gas is becoming increasingly popular as a cleaner alternative to coal for power generation, further boosting market demand. Innovations in extraction technologies, such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, have also enabled access to previously untapped reserves, enhancing supply capabilities.

Another critical driver is the investment in infrastructure to support the growing energy needs. Governments and private entities are investing heavily in pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities to improve efficiency and ensure a steady supply of crude oil and natural gas. Moreover, advancements in liquefied natural gas (LNG) technologies are making it easier to transport gas over long distances, opening up new markets and driving international trade. The geopolitical landscape also plays a significant role, with oil-rich nations forming strategic partnerships and alliances to control and stabilize global oil prices.

The increasing focus on energy security is also propelling the market. Countries are keen to reduce their dependency on foreign oil and gas imports by investing in domestic production capabilities and exploring renewable energy sources. However, despite the push for renewables, crude oil and natural gas remain indispensable for many applications, including transportation, industrial processes, and residential heating. This dual focus on energy security and diversification continues to stimulate market growth while also promoting technological innovations aimed at increasing production efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.

Regionally, the market outlook varies significantly. North America, led by the United States, remains a dominant player due to its extensive shale gas reserves and technological advancements in drilling. Europe is focusing on diversifying its energy mix and reducing dependency on Russian gas, while Asia-Pacific is experiencing robust growth driven by industrialization and urbanization. The Middle East & Africa continues to be a crucial supplier, leveraging its vast reserves to meet global demand. These regional dynamics play a pivotal role in shaping the global market landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders.

Product Type Analysis

The crude oil segment remains the largest contributor to the overall market, driven by its extensive use in transportation fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel. Its applications extend beyond energy to the production of petrochemicals, which are essential for manufacturing plastics, synthetic rubber, and numerous other industrial goods. The demand for crude oil is also bolstered by its role in various industrial processes and the ongoing investments in refining capacities around the world. Innovations in refining technologies are further enhancing the efficiency and output of crude oil processing, making it a continually vital commodity.

Natural gas, on the other hand, is experiencing rapid growth as a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Its applications span from electricity generation to residential heating and cooking. The development of LNG technology has revolutionized natural gas distribution, enabling it to be transported across the globe and reach markets that were previously inaccessible. Additionally, natural gas is increasingly used in the industrial sector for processes requiring high thermal energy and in the production of chemicals like ammonia and methanol. The environmental advantages of natural gas, such as lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil, are also contributing to its rising popularity.

Furthermore, the exploration and production seg

OPEC accounts for over 36 percent of the world’s total crude oil production. In 2024, OPEC's production showed a decrease of 0.4 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 80 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 a third 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 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 stable in the last decade.

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.

Comparative linear regression analysis (control variables included in the model).

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.