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

EUR/USD: Analysis and Forecast

The EUR/USD pair is attracting buyers today, breaking a three-day losing streak and attempting to build intraday momentum above the psychological 1.1300 level. This indicates a renewed interest from buyers

Irina Yanina 11:59 2025-05-02 UTC+2

U.S. Labor Market Data Could Be a Major Disappointment

Employment growth in the U.S. likely slowed in April, although the unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged, pointing to healthy but moderate demand for labor. However, the Trump administration's

Jakub Novak 10:08 2025-05-02 UTC+2

The ECB Has No Other Choice

The European currency continues to lose ground against the U.S. dollar as traders increasingly place bets on the European Central Bank's upcoming monetary policy decisions. According to data, the chances

Jakub Novak 10:03 2025-05-02 UTC+2

China Has Finally Responded

The euro, the pound, and other risk assets reacted with gains following statements from Chinese authorities that they are assessing the possibility of trade negotiations with the United States—marking

Jakub Novak 09:57 2025-05-02 UTC+2

The Process Has Begun. China Is Ready for Trade Talks (There's a Chance of Renewed Decline in Gold and EUR/USD Prices)

Trading on the last day of the week is unfolding positively. News that China is ready to begin negotiations has inspired investors to buy risk assets and weakened the U.S

Pati Gani 09:43 2025-05-02 UTC+2

The Market Enters Turbulent Waters

The market is confident that tariffs won't materialize or that companies can pass them on to customers. The S&P 500's eight-day rally—its longest since August—strongly hints at this. So does

Marek Petkovich 09:24 2025-05-02 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 2? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Only a few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Friday, but some are quite significant. Naturally, the focus is on the U.S. NonFarm Payrolls and unemployment rate, yet it's also important

Paolo Greco 09:14 2025-05-02 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – May 2: The U.S. Dollar Didn't Rise for Long

On Thursday, the GBP/USD currency pair continued to decline. The dollar had strengthened for three consecutive days—despite having no objective reason. U.S. macroeconomic data has been consistently weak; there were

Paolo Greco 03:50 2025-05-02 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – May 2: The Dollar Faces a New Collapse – And It's Far from the Last

On Thursday, the EUR/USD currency pair once again traded relatively calmly, but the U.S. dollar failed to show any meaningful growth this time. A little bit of good news goes

Paolo Greco 03:47 2025-05-02 UTC+2

USD/JPY: A Rough Patch for the Yen

At its latest meeting, the Bank of Japan kept all key policy settings unchanged, effectively implementing the most expected baseline scenario—despite earlier conflicting statements from central bank officials

Irina Manzenko 01:19 2025-05-02 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback