Oil prices edged lower in early Asian trade on Friday, extending losses from the previous session.
Brent crude futures slipped by 8 cents, or 0.13%, to $60.98 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped by 9 cents, or 0.16%, to $57.37 a barrel as of 0030 GMT. Both benchmarks are poised for nearly 3% weekly declines, driven by rising concerns over global energy demand and supply imbalances.
The decline followed news that U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to meet in Hungary within the next two weeks to discuss possible steps toward ending the war in Ukraine. The unexpected announcement has added a new layer of uncertainty to oil markets already under pressure from geopolitical tensions and fluctuating demand expectations.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently projected a supply glut in 2026, further dampening market sentiment. This outlook has heightened fears that the global oil market could face oversupply in the coming years, despite ongoing production cuts by OPEC and its allies.
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Meanwhile, Washington continues to pressure India and China to reduce Russian oil imports, while Kyiv seeks additional U.S. military aid, including long-range Tomahawk missiles. These developments could influence oil trade flows and pricing in the near term.
With oil prices at their lowest levels since early May, traders are likely to remain cautious. The upcoming Trump-Putin summit and ongoing geopolitical shifts will be key drivers for global crude price 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: Oct 17, 2025, 7:51 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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