Crude oil serves as a primary raw material for producing fuels like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, as well as various petrochemical products. Its prices are highly volatile, driven by supply-demand shifts, geopolitical tensions, and economic factors. For traders, crude oil presents both lucrative opportunities and heightened risks due to its unpredictable price movements.
Crude oil is a highly valuable natural resource, often referred to as "black gold," due to its significance in the global economy. Composed of hydrocarbon deposits, crude oil is found in underground reservoirs and varies in viscosity and colour, ranging from shades of black to yellow. Once extracted, it is refined into essential products like gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals that fuel industries worldwide.
Despite being produced by a few major companies, crude oil is traded globally, with nearly 80% transported via waterways and the rest through pipelines. The Middle East holds the largest oil reserves at 48%, followed by regions like North America and Africa. Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a key player in the industry, controls around 40% of the world's crude oil production and 75% of proven reserves.
Contract launch calendar for Crude Oil for the year 2024
|
Contract Month |
Contract Expiry Date |
|
January 2024 |
January 19, 2024 |
|
February 2024 |
February 16, 2024 |
|
March 2024 |
March 19, 2024 |
|
April 2024 |
April 19, 2024 |
|
May 2024 |
May 20, 2024 |
|
June 2024 |
June 18, 2024 |
|
July 2024 |
July 19, 2024 |
|
August 2024 |
August 19, 2024 |
|
September 2024 |
September 19, 2024 |
|
October 2024 |
October 21, 2024 |
|
November 2024 |
November 19, 2024 |
|
December 2024 |
December 18, 2024 |
