Oil prices fell by about 20% cumulatively in 2025. As the market oversupply situation continues, oil prices will continue to be under pressure in the early part of the new year. In the short term, traders will be watching the weekend OPEC+ meeting. It is expected that the cartel will reaffirm its plan to keep production unchanged at this stage. This position may be interpreted as the potential supply and demand environment is quite relaxed after the previous round of supply increases. Prior to the OPEC+ meeting, the latest official data on the state of the US market will be released. Data released by the American Petroleum Association, an industry organization, shows that stocks of crude oil and refined oil products have risen. In 2025, the price of Brent oil started at around $75 per barrel, but fell to $58.40 during the year. As 2026 approaches, the spot market is likely to experience lower prices than this, although sporadic geopolitical conflicts may occasionally provide a short-term boost.

Oil prices fell by about 20% cumulatively in 2025. As the market oversupply situation continues, oil prices will continue to be under pressure in the early part of the new year. In the short term, traders will be watching the weekend OPEC+ meeting. It is expected that the cartel will reaffirm its plan to keep production unchanged at this stage. This position may be interpreted as the potential supply and demand environment is quite relaxed after the previous round of supply increases. Prior to the OPEC+ meeting, the latest official data on the state of the US market will be released. Data released by the American Petroleum Association, an industry organization, shows that stocks of crude oil and refined oil products have risen. In 2025, the price of Brent oil started at around $75 per barrel, but fell to $58.40 during the year. As 2026 approaches, the spot market is likely to experience lower prices than this, although sporadic geopolitical conflicts may occasionally provide a short-term boost.