Crude Oil Radar

2025-09-22 23:50

Table of Contents

Brian's Thoughts

Published: 09/22/2025 Focus: Crude Oil
Crude oil dropped yet again with concerns on oversupply that overwhelm the bullish sentiment of Russian sanctions. Bear in mind, we also still have more OPEC+ supply coming next month - it’s not a lot but honestly the market looks really oversupplied. Distillate stocks in the US are telling a story and it is very VERY bearish - the economy and industrial demand is falling off a cliff. Traders did keep the price over 61.64 (although touched it today) - but to me this looks like a temporary pause that will either test 63.80 one more time before the drop or just break 61.64 opening the door to 57.35 (next technical support).

Today's Update

Updated: 2025-09-22 23:46:28 Length: 480 chars
Crude oil prices are under pressure, primarily driven by concerns of oversupply overshadowing bullish expectations from Russian sanctions. With OPEC+ set to increase supply next month, the market appears to be oversaturated. US distillate stocks signal a bearish trend, reflecting a significant drop in industrial demand. Prices are currently testing the $61.64 support level; a break could lead to a further decline toward $57.35. Keep an eye on these technical levels and the...

Market Summary

Technical Outlook

Neutral
Score: -1/5
Short: SELL | Medium: BUY | Long: SELL

International Prices

Brent: $66.68 $0.76
WTI: $62.68 $0.89
Spread: $4.0 (Brent premium of $4.00)

Key Fundamentals

Crude Stocks: N/A (0)
Net Imports: N/A (0)

News Sentiment

BEARISH

Spec Positioning

Net Position: 36,799
Weekly Change: 26,797

Technical Analysis

Overall Technical Score (-5 to +5): -1 (Neutral)
Current Price: $61.94
Signal: Neutral

Moving Averages (9/20)

BEARISH

MA(9): $63.2

MA(20): $63.47

Current Price is 61.94, 9 day MA 63.2, 20 day MA 63.47

MACD (12, 26, 9)

BULLISH

MACD: -0.4358

Signal: -0.4434

Days since crossover: 6

MACD crossed the line 6 days ago and is in a bullish setup

RSI (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: 42.15

Category: NEUTRAL

RSI is 42.15 (note 70% is overbought and 30% is oversold)

Volume (vs 20d Avg)

LOWER

Current: 6,493

Avg (20d): 201,780

Ratio: 0.03

Volume is lower versus 20 day average

Stochastic (14, 3)

BEARISH CROSS

%K: 11.48

%D: 28.21

Stochastic %K: 11.48, %D: 28.21. Signal: bearish cross

ADX (14)

NO TREND

ADX: 10.6

+DI: 14.31

-DI: 21.97

ADX: 10.6 (+DI: 14.31, -DI: 21.97). Trend: no trend

Williams %R (14)

OVERSOLD

Value: -88.52

Williams %R: -88.52 (oversold)

Bollinger Bands (20, 2)

BELOW MIDDLE

Upper: 65.45

Middle: 63.47

Lower: 61.49

Price vs BBands (20, 2): below middle. Upper: 65.45, Middle: 63.47, Lower: 61.49

Fundamental Analysis

Category Current Last Week Last Year 3 Yr Avg
Crude Production (Thousand Barrels a Day) 13482.0 13495.0 13300.0 12733.33
Crude Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 5692.0 6271.0 6867.0 6595.33
Crude Exports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 5277.0 2745.0 3305.0 4398.67
Refinery Inputs (Thousand Barrels a Day) 16424.0 16818.0 16759.0 16378.67
Net Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 415.0 3526.0 3562.0 2196.67
Commercial Crude Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 415361.0 424646.0 419143.0 422247.67
Crude & Products Total Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 1688149.0 1686474.0 1659136.0 1649988.67
Gasoline Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 217650.0 219997.0 221552.0 218569.0
Distillate Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 124684.0 120638.0 125023.0 120688.0

International Price Analysis

International Price Summary

Brent crude (NOV 25) settled at $66.68, change $-0.76. WTI crude (OCT 25) settled at $62.68, change $-0.89. The Brent-WTI spread is currently $4.0 (Brent premium of $4.00). The Brent-WTI spread reflects differences in global vs. U.S. supply/demand dynamics, geopolitics, and transportation costs.

Brent Crude

$66.68
0.76
(NOV 25)

WTI Crude

$62.68
0.89
(OCT 25)

Brent-WTI Spread

$4.0
Brent premium of $4.00

OPEC Analysis

OPEC Market Analysis

Executive Summary:

The current OPEC market situation reflects a slight decline in crude oil prices, with the OPEC Reference Basket averaging $69.73/b in August. Despite a stable global economic growth forecast and a consistent demand outlook, production levels from both OPEC and non-OPEC countries are showing signs of adjustment to balance supply and demand dynamics.

Key Market Metrics:

Category Production (mb/d) Demand (mb/d)
World Production 105.135 105.135
Americas 25.102 25.102
Europe 13.542 13.542
Asia Pacific 7.165 7.165
Total OECD 45.810 45.810
China 16.853 16.853
India 5.704 5.704
Other Asia 9.908 9.908
Latin America 6.891 6.891
Middle East 9.014 9.014
Africa 4.804 4.804
Russia 4.024 4.024
Other Eurasia 1.308 1.308
Other Europe 0.820 0.820
Total Non-OECD 59.326 59.326

Supply-Demand Balance Analysis:

The current data indicates that global oil demand matches production levels at approximately 105.135 mb/d, suggesting a balanced market. However, with slight fluctuations in production from OPEC and non-OPEC countries, any minor shifts could lead to surplus or deficits, impacting price stability and market confidence.

Production Landscape:

In 2025, the Americas lead global production with 25.102 mb/d, followed by Europe at 13.542 mb/d and Asia Pacific at 7.165 mb/d. Notably, the Middle East contributes 9.014 mb/d, while Russia's production stands at 4.024 mb/d. The data suggests a stable production environment with slight increases in output from key regions.

Demand Patterns:

Global oil demand is projected to grow steadily, with significant contributions from China (16.853 mb/d) and India (5.704 mb/d). The non-OECD regions are expected to drive most of the demand growth, particularly in Asia, where demand is forecasted to expand significantly. However, challenges such as economic uncertainties in specific regions may hinder growth.

Non-DoC vs DoC Analysis:

Non-DoC production is robust, led by the US at 22.068 mb/d, contributing significantly to global supply. In contrast, DoC production averages around 42.40 mb/d, indicating that while OPEC countries maintain a substantial share of the market, non-OPEC producers are increasingly influential in shaping global oil supply dynamics.

OPEC's Strategic Position:

OPEC's current market position appears stable, with production adjustments in response to global demand trends. The organization is likely to continue monitoring market conditions closely, potentially adjusting output strategies to maintain price stability and market share amid increasing competition from non-OPEC producers.

Forward-Looking Indicators:

As global economic growth remains steady, oil demand is expected to rise, particularly in non-OECD countries. However, potential economic headwinds and geopolitical factors could introduce volatility in the market. OPEC's ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial in maintaining balance and ensuring sustainable pricing.

Key Insights and Recommendations:

  • Monitor production levels closely to avoid potential surpluses that could depress prices.
  • Focus on enhancing cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC producers to stabilize the market.
  • Evaluate demand trends in emerging markets, particularly in Asia, to capitalize on growth opportunities.
  • Prepare for potential geopolitical risks that may impact supply chains and pricing stability.
  • Consider strategic adjustments in production policies to respond to changing market dynamics effectively.

CFTC CoT Analysis

Sentiment: Bullish and Strengthening
Positioning: Normal Range
Report Date: 2025-09-16

Managed Money

36,799
Change: +26,797
1.9% of OI

Producer/Merchant

292,741
Change: -8,659
14.9% of OI

Swap Dealers

-407,490
Change: -3,935
-20.8% of OI

Open Interest

1,962,620
Change: 5,505

Summary Analysis:

CFTC Commitment of Traders Report (Disaggregated) as of 2025-09-16

Crude Oil Positioning (WTI-PHYSICAL - NYMEX):

Open Interest: 1,962,620 contracts (+5,505)

Managed Money Net Position: 36,799 contracts (1.9% of OI)

Weekly Change in Managed Money Net: +26,797 contracts

Producer/Merchant Net Position: 292,741 contracts

Swap Dealer Net Position: -407,490 contracts

Market Sentiment (based on Managed Money): Bullish and Strengthening

Positioning Analysis (Managed Money): Normal Range

Key Takeaways:

- Managed Money traders are large speculators, often driving price trends in Crude Oil.

- Producer/Merchant positions primarily reflect hedging activity.

- Swap Dealers act as intermediaries.

- Extreme positioning by Managed Money can indicate potential market reversals.

- CFTC data reports positions as of the report date, usually released each Friday.

About Disaggregated CoT Reports:

The Disaggregated CoT report provides a more detailed breakdown of futures market open interest.

It categorizes traders into: Producer/Merchant/Processor/User (Commercials), Swap Dealers, Managed Money (Speculators), and Other Reportables.

News Analysis

Market Sentiment Overview

BEARISH
Average Polarity: -0.6
Confidence: 1.0
Articles Analyzed: 39
Last Updated: 2025-09-22 23:49:30

Commodity Sentiment

CRUDE_OIL

-0.6

Economic Analysis

Economic Sentiment Summary

POSITIVE - Economic indicators generally supportive
Dollar Impact: Strong USD may pressure commodity prices
Industrial Demand: Strong industrial demand signals
Interest Rate Impact: Rising rates may impact energy demand
Risk Sentiment: Low market volatility/risk appetite

Economic Indicators

USD_INDEX

97.33
Daily: -0.31 (-0.32%)
Weekly: 0.7 (0.72%)

US_10Y

4.14
Daily: 0.0 (0.1%)
Weekly: 0.12 (2.91%)

SP500

6693.75
Daily: 29.39 (0.44%)
Weekly: 86.99 (1.32%)

VIX

16.1
Daily: 0.65 (4.21%)
Weekly: -0.26 (-1.59%)

GOLD

3776.6
Daily: 105.1 (2.86%)
Weekly: 87.7 (2.38%)

COPPER

4.63
Daily: 0.06 (1.38%)
Weekly: -0.0 (-0.02%)

Fibonacci Analysis

Current Price: $61.94
Closest Support: $61.45 0.79% below current price
Closest Resistance: $63.59 2.66% above current price

Fibonacci Retracement Levels

0.0 $61.45 Support
0.236 $63.59 Resistance
0.382 $64.91
0.5 $65.98
0.618 $67.05
0.786 $68.57
1.0 $70.51

Fibonacci Extension Levels

1.272 $72.97
1.618 $76.11
2.0 $79.57
2.618 $85.17

ML Price Prediction

Current Price: $62.68
Forecast Generated: 2025-09-22 23:49:33
Next Trading Day: DOWN 0.06%
Date Prediction Lower Bound Upper Bound
2025-09-20 $62.64 $60.76 $64.52
2025-09-21 $62.6 $60.72 $64.47
2025-09-22 $62.65 $60.78 $64.53
2025-09-23 $62.7 $60.82 $64.58
2025-09-24 $62.75 $60.87 $64.63

ML Insights

  • Forecast generated using ARIMA(5, 1, 0).
  • The model predicts a price decrease of ~0.06% for the next trading day (2025-09-20), reaching $62.64.
  • The 5-day forecast suggests relatively stable prices between 2025-09-20 and 2025-09-24.
  • The average confidence interval width is ~6.0% of the predicted price, indicating model uncertainty.
  • SIGNAL: Bearish signal, moderate uncertainty.

AI Analysis

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For Energy Traders:

The recent price movements indicate a bearish sentiment in the market, with the OPEC Reference Basket averaging $69.73/b and ICE Brent at $67.26/b. The widening $3.24/b Brent-WTI spread suggests that global supply dynamics are impacting U.S. prices more significantly. Traders should monitor support levels around $64.00/b for WTI and consider resistance levels near $67.00/b for Brent. The increased bearish positioning from managed money, now net short, indicates potential volatility ahead. Short-term opportunities may arise from fluctuations in response to geopolitical developments or unexpected inventory changes.

For Producers (Oil & Gas Companies):

With the bearish market sentiment and rising inventory levels, producers should reassess their hedging strategies. The recent increase in OECD crude oil commercial stocks suggests a need for careful production planning to avoid oversupply. The balance between supply and demand remains tight, with non-DoC production expected to grow, primarily driven by the U.S., Brazil, Canada, and Argentina. This environment may favor producers with flexible operational capabilities to adapt to changing market conditions.

🏭

For Consumers (Industrial/Refineries/Transportation):

As crude prices remain under pressure, consumers should prepare for potential input cost fluctuations. The $66.68 Brent price and $62.68 WTI price indicate that procurement strategies should consider the current market dynamics. Geopolitical risks, particularly around Russian supply, may impact availability, so maintaining a diverse supply chain is crucial. Additionally, with refinery margins trending upwards in the U.S., there may be opportunities to optimize operational costs through strategic procurement.

📊

For Commodity Professionals (Analysts, Consultants):

The Crude Oil market is currently experiencing a bearish sentiment, driven by increased speculative selling and rising inventories. The balance of supply and demand indicates modest growth in global oil demand against a backdrop of increasing non-DoC production. The $3.24/b Brent-WTI spread reflects the impact of global supply dynamics versus U.S. market conditions. Analysts should focus on geopolitical developments and inventory reports as key indicators for potential market shifts, particularly as managed money positioning suggests a sentiment shift may be on the horizon.

Disclaimer: The insights provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice or specific buy/sell recommendations.