Brent Crude futures settle at $70.85/bbl, up 8 cents, 0.11%

Brent Crude futures settle at $70.85/bbl, up 8 cents, 0.11%

Brent Crude Futures Settle at $70.85/bbl, Reflecting Mixed Supply-Demand Dynamics

Brent crude oil futures settled at $70.85 per barrel on February 25, 2026, rising 8 cents (0.11%) amid a complex interplay of inventory data and geopolitical tensions. The price rebound followed three consecutive sessions of declines, driven by a surge in U.S. crude oil inventories— the largest three-year increase reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). U.S. crude stocks rose by 15.989 million barrels for the week ended February 20, far exceeding expectations of a 1.5 million-barrel increase. Cushing, Oklahoma, inventories also climbed by 881,000 barrels, while distillates increased and gasoline stocks fell.

Despite the inventory build, Brent prices remained near seven-month highs, supported by persistent geopolitical risks. Traders are closely monitoring U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva, with President Donald Trump warning of “very bad consequences” if Iran fails to meet U.S. demands for “zero enrichment”. Tensions escalated further as reports indicated Iran is seeking Chinese anti-ship cruise missiles to counter U.S. naval presence near its coast. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply, remains a focal point for market concerns.

The price action also reflects broader market dynamics. Over the past month, Brent crude has risen 8.23%, though it remains 1.50% below its level from a year ago. Analysts project Brent to trade at $72.51 by the end of the quarter and $79.18 in 12 months, according to Trading Economics macro models. Meanwhile, CME Group’s tools, including the Open Interest Profile Tool and OPEC Watch, are being used by traders to assess supply-side risks and options volatility ahead of key OPEC meetings.

Investors await official EIA inventory data and the outcome of U.S.-Iran diplomacy to gauge whether prices can sustain their current levels. The market’s delicate balance between oversupply concerns and geopolitical risks underscores the volatility inherent in the energy sector.