Understanding WTI crude oil prices
Raw materials and production
Crude oil is a natural mixture of hydrocarbons extracted from underground reservoirs. Oil grades differ in density, sulfur and other properties. Benchmarks such as Brent, WTI and Dubai represent different market conventions rather than identical physical barrels.
Applications and consumption
Refineries transform crude oil into transport fuels, heating products and petrochemical feedstocks. Economic activity and movement of goods influence consumption. Refinery configuration determines which crude grades can be processed efficiently and the product mix obtained.
What affects WTI crude oil prices?
Production, inventories, refinery demand and transport disruptions influence crude-oil prices. Changes in available capacity and expectations of future supply can affect trading. Benchmark differences, delivery location and contract month matter when comparing oil quotations.
How to read WTI crude oil price today
This page follows WTI crude oil in NYMEX. The price type is Futures contract, with values expressed in USD/barrel. Compare quotations only after matching the product specification, unit, market and publication period. Changes in the chart describe the recorded series; they do not measure every transaction in the wider market. A local purchase may include freight, processing, taxes or dealer margins. Differences in quality or delivery conditions can therefore produce a different final cost even when the reference price is unchanged.
The latest dated observation is the reference available on this page. Trading holidays or publication delays can leave the displayed date earlier than today; this is not a live tick feed.
Further reading: EIA — energy explained ↗
Frequently asked questions about WTI crude oil
What is WTI crude oil price today?
The latest available value is 99.02 USD/barrel, for 10/16/2026. It represents Futures contract. Check the displayed period and market before treating it as a quotation for a purchase today. The latest dated observation is the reference available on this page. Trading holidays or publication delays can leave the displayed date earlier than today; this is not a live tick feed.
What affects WTI crude oil prices?
Production, inventories, refinery demand and transport disruptions influence crude-oil prices. Changes in available capacity and expectations of future supply can affect trading. Benchmark differences, delivery location and contract month matter when comparing oil quotations.
What is WTI crude oil used for in everyday life and industry?
Refineries transform crude oil into transport fuels, heating products and petrochemical feedstocks. Economic activity and movement of goods influence consumption. Refinery configuration determines which crude grades can be processed efficiently and the product mix obtained.
Why can local WTI crude oil prices differ from this chart?
Local offers may include delivery, processing, taxes and commercial margins. Differences in quality, product form, market and contract timing can also change the price. Compare the same specification and unit before drawing conclusions.
Where can I compare historical WTI crude oil prices?
Use the price chart and dated history table on this page, or download the CSV. Choose a period and keep the market, product and units consistent. Missing publication dates are not filled with invented observations.