Oil prices extended their rally on Monday, building on Friday’s gains of over 2%, driven by growing geopolitical tensions and possible U.S. sanctions on Russia. Brent crude futures rose by 8 cents to $70.44 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 5 cents to $68.50.
The market is closely watching potential new sanctions from Washington as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares a major announcement on Russia, following his commitment to send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine. Trump's dissatisfaction with President Vladimir Putin's continued aggression and lack of progress on peace negotiations has sparked bipartisan momentum for a sanctions bill in Congress, though it still requires Trump’s support.
Meanwhile, European Union envoys are finalizing their 18th sanctions package against Moscow, which could include a reduced price cap on Russian crude, increasing pressure on global supply dynamics.
Despite bullish sentiment from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicating tighter-than-expected market conditions due to peak summer demand and robust refinery activity, gains were limited. ANZ analysts noted that Saudi Arabia’s oil output exceeded its June OPEC+ quota by 430,000 barrels per day, reaching 9.8 million bpd. However, the Saudi energy ministry claims compliance, citing a marketed crude supply of 9.352 million bpd in line with voluntary targets.
Traders are also awaiting China’s preliminary commodity trade data for signals on demand strength in the world’s second-largest oil consumer. Additionally, uncertainty over U.S. tariff negotiations with major trade partners continues to weigh on investor sentiment, as the outcome could influence global economic growth and future oil demand.
Overall, oil markets remain volatile, driven by geopolitical risks, OPEC+ dynamics, and macroeconomic factors shaping demand forecasts.


Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal
Japan Weighs New Tax Breaks to Boost Corporate Investment Amid Spending Debate
Wall Street Futures Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Reignites AI Spending Concerns
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade
Global Markets Slide as Tech Stocks Sink, Yields Rise, and AI Concerns Deepen
Wall Street Futures Dip as Broadcom Slides, Tech Weighed Down Despite Dovish Fed Signals
Hong Kong Cuts Base Rate as HKMA Follows U.S. Federal Reserve Move
Brazil Holds Selic Rate at 15% as Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly
US Signals Openness to New Trade Deal as Brazil Shows Willingness, Says USTR Greer
Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 



