Friday 13/February/2026 – 11:58 PM
I registered Oil prices The first consecutive weekly losses since the beginning of 2026, in light of a state of anticipation prevailing in the markets regarding the OPEC+ alliance’s intention to increase supplies, in conjunction with following developments in the nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, in addition to indicators of weakness in global markets.
According to Bloomberg, West Texas Intermediate crude fell by about 1% during the week, while it ended Friday’s trading without significant change, with the continued state of caution among investors.
Rising tensions are putting supplies under the microscope
In a related context, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington had deployed an additional aircraft carrier in the Middle East in anticipation of not reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran, stressing in statements at the White House: “If we do not reach an agreement, we will need it,” while expressing his belief in the possibility of eventual success of the negotiations.
Traders are closely monitoring any potential escalation between Washington and Tehran, given the direct threat it may pose to oil supplies from the Middle East.
OPEC+ is considering increasing production
Earlier in the session, prices came under additional pressure after some OPEC+ members indicated there was room to resume production increases from April, arguing that concerns related to excess supply may be exaggerated.
However, the coalition has not committed to any official decision yet, nor have official discussions begun regarding the March 1 meeting, leaving markets in a state of anticipation.
Expectations of a global surplus in supply
During an energy conference held in London this week, participants expected that global supply will exceed the level of demand during the current year, which may lead to an increase in inventories in the Atlantic Basin, the reference region for global oil pricing.
However, the accumulation of sanctioned oil, coupled with supply disruptions in a number of countries, has so far limited the full impact of these expectations on prices.
It is expected that the markets will witness less intense trading with the approach of the “Presidents’ Day” holiday in the United States, which may contribute to amplifying price movements during the coming period.
