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 Month | Contract Launch Date | Contract Expiry Date |
January 2026 | July 22, 2025 | January 16, 2026 |
February 2026 | August 20, 2025 | February 19, 2026 |
March 2026 | September 22, 2025 | March 19, 2026 |
April 2026 | October 22, 2025 | April 20, 2026 |
May 2026 | November 20, 2025 | May 18, 2026 |
June 2026 | December 19, 2025 | June 18, 2026 |
July 2026 | January 19, 2026 | July 20, 2026 |
August 2026 | February 20, 2026 | August 19, 2026 |
September 2026 | March 20, 2026 | September 21, 2026 |
October 2026 | April 21, 2026 | October 19, 2026 |
November 2026 | May 19, 2026 | November 19, 2026 |
December 2026 | June 19, 2026 | December 18, 2026 |
