Oil Prices Today
Live WTI crude, Brent crude, and natural gas prices. Updated continuously during market hours.
WTI Crude Oil
US benchmark · Full chart
Brent Crude Oil
International benchmark · Full chart
Natural Gas
Henry Hub · Full chart
What's Moving Oil Prices
Oil prices move on supply and demand signals: OPEC+ production decisions, geopolitical events in major producing regions, weekly US inventory reports from the EIA, and economic data that affects demand forecasts. The latest news covers current market drivers in detail.
The two main benchmarks, WTI and Brent, usually trade within a few dollars of each other. When that gap widens, it typically signals a regional supply event. During the current Hormuz crisis, Brent has traded at a larger premium to WTI because Middle East supply disruptions affect Brent-priced barrels more directly than US domestic production.
Price Pages
- WTI Crude Oil Price — US benchmark, full chart and history
- Brent Crude Oil Price — International benchmark
- Natural Gas Price — Henry Hub spot
Explainers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of oil today?
The live prices above reflect the current WTI and Brent crude oil spot prices, updated continuously during market hours. WTI is the US benchmark; Brent is the international benchmark used for pricing most of the world's crude oil exports.
What is the difference between WTI and Brent crude?
WTI (West Texas Intermediate) is the US benchmark crude oil, priced at Cushing, Oklahoma. Brent crude is the international benchmark, originating in the North Sea. Brent typically trades at a small premium to WTI because it has direct waterborne access to global markets. During Middle East supply disruptions, the Brent premium tends to widen. Read more: WTI vs. Brent explained.
Why are oil prices going up or down today?
Oil prices respond to supply and demand changes in real time. Key drivers include OPEC+ production decisions, geopolitical events in major producing regions (particularly the Middle East), weekly EIA inventory reports, economic data affecting demand forecasts, and currency movements. Check the news feed for current market drivers.
How often do oil prices change?
Oil futures prices change continuously during trading hours. NYMEX (where WTI trades) and ICE (where Brent trades) are open nearly 24 hours a day on trading days. Prices can move significantly within a single session on unexpected news. Read more: What is NYMEX?
How much oil is in a barrel?
One barrel of crude oil equals 42 US gallons or approximately 159 liters. A barrel of crude typically yields about 19-20 gallons of gasoline, 11-12 gallons of diesel, and various other petroleum products including jet fuel, heating oil, and petrochemical feedstocks.
What is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and how does it affect oil prices?
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is a US government emergency oil stockpile of about 700 million barrels stored in Gulf Coast salt caverns. During supply emergencies, the president can authorize a release to cushion price spikes. Releases help most against short, sharp disruptions; against prolonged blockades, the finite volume of the reserve limits their effectiveness. Read more: SPR releases explained.