empty
26.02.2025 01:49 PM
Oil market on verge of collapse. Can Brent hold above $70?

This image is no longer relevant

The oil and gas market is expected to trade with high volatility in the near future. Oil remains under pressure, and its ability to stay above $70 will depend on further geopolitical developments and macroeconomic data.

Market snapshot

Brent crude oil futures have lost all their early-year momentum and are once again stuck in the consolidation range of $70 to $75, which has persisted since last fall.

As of the time of this report, the nearest futures contract was trading at $73.3 per barrel and is set to expire on Friday. The next futures contract is priced slightly lower at $72.7.

From a technical standpoint, the 4-hour chart shows oversold conditions, which could signal a potential short-term rebound. However, in the long term, oil remains weak, hovering near last year's lows.

Key bearish factors for oil market

The main driver behind oil's decline remains the anticipated supply surplus. Sanctions imposed against Russia appear unlikely to reduce global supply.

Additionally, speculation about a possible resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has raised concerns over unrestricted Russian oil exports to global markets.

Further negative pressure comes from the US-China trade war, initiated by the Trump administration. The tariff restrictions have already begun to impact the economy by eroding consumer confidence and fueling inflation expectations. This, in turn, poses a risk of declining energy demand.

Why the market didn't respond to new sanctions on Iran

New restrictions on Iranian oil exports, which should have supported Brent prices, have had little notable impact on the market.

This could be due to past experiences—previous sanctions merely altered supply logistics rather than creating an actual shortage. However, the extent and severity of these new sanctions will ultimately determine their impact.

Some temporary support for oil prices came from the latest American Petroleum Institute (API) data, showing a decline in US crude oil inventories. This was the first drop in weeks, providing a brief relief from selling pressure.

Natural gas: a local upside

Natural gas futures have bounced off a short-term trendline, signaling a positive shift. However, on the 1-hour chart, the RSI indicator is showing overbought conditions, which could lead to a minor pullback before a potential new rally.

Key levels to watch

Resistance: $4.16, followed by $4.255.

Support: $3.958.

Natalya Andreeva,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

AUD/USD: Analysis and Forecast

The AUD/USD pair continues its sideways consolidation, remaining within a familiar range near the key psychological level of 0.6300. This movement is driven by several factors impacting global market sentiment

Irina Yanina 11:16 2025-03-28 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Today, the EUR/USD pair is consolidating near the key psychological level of 1.0800, showing no intention of retreating below 1.0780 as traders and investors await the release of the U.S

Irina Yanina 10:45 2025-03-28 UTC+2

Markets at a Crossroads Ahead of Tariff Announcement by D. Trump (Possible Decline in CFD Contracts on #SPX and #NDX Futures)

Markets are now fully convinced that the U.S. President will follow through on his plans to implement severe customs tariffs aimed at closing the domestic market and, in doing

Pati Gani 10:39 2025-03-28 UTC+2

Markets Have Found the Culprits

If you don't get it the first time, you will the second. The S&P 500 sell-off, led by U.S. and foreign automaker shares, continued a second day after the imposition

Marek Petkovich 08:19 2025-03-28 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on March 28? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

A fair number of macroeconomic events are scheduled for Friday, but we believe they will likely trigger only a localized market reaction. The UK will publish Q4 GDP data

Paolo Greco 06:26 2025-03-28 UTC+2

GBP/USD Pair Overview – March 28: The Pound Barely Fell Before Rising Again

The GBP/USD currency pair traded higher again on Thursday, even though a semblance of a downward correction had begun just a few days earlier. The market had already digested

Paolo Greco 03:00 2025-03-28 UTC+2

EUR/USD Pair Overview – March 28: Donald Trump Loves Surprises

The EUR/USD currency pair maintained its downward bias on Thursday, although it traded higher throughout the day. Volatility remained low once again, indicating weak market activity. However, traders had enough

Paolo Greco 03:00 2025-03-28 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Trump Sends the Dollar into Knockdown Again

The EUR/USD pair is experiencing a correction following Donald Trump's latest statements, as he has once again reignited the tariff war. Interestingly, the greenback initially reacted positively to the president's

Irina Manzenko 23:44 2025-03-27 UTC+2

Gold Knows the Path to Victory

Gold was not a market favorite following Donald Trump's victory in the November elections. In fact, it pulled back once the red wave became clear and the Republican's return

Marek Petkovich 10:55 2025-03-27 UTC+2

XAU/USD – Analysis and Forecast

Gold continues to hold its intraday gains, trading near the weekly high around the $3036 level. This is due to several factors, including uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy

Irina Yanina 10:44 2025-03-27 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.