Categories: EnergyJust Politics

Oil price rises to $68.21/barrel

Oil prices increased on Thursday, June 26, 2025, extending gains from the previous day as a larger-than-expected draw in United States crude stocks signalled firm demand.

This is just investors remained cautious about the Iran-Israel ceasefire and stability in the Middle East.

Brent crude futures rose 53 cents, or 0.8%, to $68.21 a barrel by 0630 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 56 cents, or 0.9%, to $65.48 a barrel.

Both benchmarks climbed nearly 1% on Wednesday, recovering from early-week losses after data showed resilient U.S. demand.

“Some buyers are favouring solid demand indicated by falling inventories in U.S. weekly statistics,” said Yuki Takashima, economist at Nomura Securities.

‘We can no longer take peace for granted’: UK to buy fighter jets carrying nuclear weapons

“But investors remain nervous, seeking clarity on the status of the Iran-Israel ceasefire,” he said, adding that market attention is now shifting to OPEC+ production levels.

Takashima forecast WTI would likely return to the $60-$65 range, its pre-conflict levels.

ANZ analysts told Reuters that with the de-escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel, the market’s focus had returned to fundamentals, and pointed to data showing U.S. crude oil inventories fell for a fifth straight week.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Abducted soldier escapes kidnappers, returns to military base in Benue

A Nigerian soldier abducted by suspected kidnappers has escaped from captivity and safely returned to…

3 hours ago

World Cup: Kane brace rescues England in comeback win over DR Congo

Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to see England through to the…

3 hours ago

Presidency opens up on fake presidential council, impostor’s arrest, clears Tinubu’s top aide

The Presidency has defended the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President over…

3 hours ago

ICE frees Nigerian nun arrested on way to church in Texas

A Nigerian Catholic nun, Sister Leticia Ugboaja, has been released from the custody of the…

3 hours ago

Ex-driver sentenced to death for killing Abuja couple

An FCT High Court has sentenced a former driver, Jonathan Marcus, to death by hanging…

4 hours ago

Pope Leo appoints Adewale Martins as first Nigerian bishop to Vatican Dicastery

The head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV, has…

4 hours ago

This website uses cookies.