Oil Prices Climb: Rate Cuts & Tensions Drive Gains
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- Last Updated: 18 Dec 2025 at 10:26 PM IST
Oil prices are set to rise about 2 percent over the week as investors bet on a near-term US interest rate cut and watch rising geopolitical tensions around Venezuela. International crude benchmarks climbed modestly: Brent traded near USD 63.32 a barrel, and WTI (U.S. West Texas Intermediate) was around USD 59.71 a barrel in early trade on Friday. Markets are balancing optimism about demand with concerns over supply disruptions. Could this rally mark the start of a stronger rebound, or will oversupply and global headwinds limit gains?
What is Fuelling the Rally?
Most economists in a recent poll expect the US central bank to reduce interest rates by 25 basis points next week. A rate cut would likely support global economic activity and raise energy demand. Lower rates also weaken the dollar, which usually increases dollar-priced oil demand.
At the same time, tensions between the US and Venezuela are creating supply concerns. Venezuela produces about 1.1 million barrels per day, and that output is now at risk amid threats of sanctions and conflict. Any supply disruption there adds a risk premium to current prices.
Threats to supply also come from conflict zones. Recent attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and stalled peace talks in Moscow have limited the possibility of Russia's oil returning quickly to markets. These factors combine with production discipline by major oil producers to support prices.
What Could Derail the Rally?
Despite short-term support, a few risks could still weigh on prices. Global oil supply remains high. Some analysts expect that oversupply may push prices back down by 2026.
Oil imports and output growth in major producing countries also threaten to keep supply ample. If demand does not rise as much as expected, perhaps due to slower global growth or energy-efficiency efforts, prices might struggle to hold up.
Oil demand itself is not guaranteed to pick up fast. Economic growth or demand shifts may weaken if rate cuts by central banks come slowly, or if global demand softens. In that case, even tight supply conditions may not support a sustained rally.
What Investors Should Watch Next?
First, monitor the US central bank’s upcoming policy decision. A rate cut could strengthen oil demand forecasts and lift prices. Second, follow developments in Venezuela and Russia; any supply shocks or renewed sanctions may trigger price spikes.
Third, track global oil inventories and production from major exporters. Oversupply warnings or weak demand data may cap gains. Finally, observe demand patterns in key consumer economies. If demand remains sluggish, prices could remain volatile.
With oil prices rising toward a 2 percent weekly gain amid rate-cut hopes and tight supply signals, the key question is whether this rally will last, or whether oversupply and weak demand will weigh on prices again.
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