On August 11, as of 7:59 AM, oil prices continued their downward trajectory, with WTI crude trading at $63.42 per barrel, down $0.46 or 0.72%, while Brent crude stood at $66.19, down $0.40 or 0.60%. The declines come after both benchmarks shed more than 4% last week.
The sell-off is being driven by multiple factors: higher U.S. tariffs on major trading partners, an expected OPEC output hike, and optimism over potential progress toward a ceasefire in Ukraine. Market sentiment turned further bearish after reports suggested the U.S. and Russia might be edging closer to a peace deal, which could pave the way for easing sanctions on Russian oil exports.
Expectations for an end to sanctions grew after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska to negotiate a settlement. If successful, the talks could reintroduce significant volumes of Russian oil into the global market, potentially putting additional pressure on prices.
However, the U.S. has also warned that penalties on Moscow could be tightened if a peace deal isn’t reached. Trump had set a deadline of last Friday for Russia to agree to terms or risk secondary sanctions on its oil buyers, a move that could disrupt trade flows, particularly for countries like India, which is a significant purchaser of Russian crude.
Traders will be watching the Alaska talks closely, as the outcome could have major implications for supply-demand dynamics in the oil market.
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Oil prices remain under pressure, with geopolitical developments, trade policy shifts, and OPEC’s supply strategy all weighing on sentiment. The upcoming U.S.–Russia talks will be a key driver of market direction in the coming weeks.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: Aug 11, 2025, 8:21 AM IST
Nikitha Devi
Nikitha is a content creator with 7+ years of experience in the financial domain. Specialising in personal finance, investments, and market insights, Nikitha simplifies complex financial topics, making them accessible to readers.
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