OIL— Crude Oil Price (WTI)
WTI Crude Oil Futures · per barrel · Live
Chart
What Moves the Oil Price
Crude is set by a global tug-of-war between supply, demand and politics:
Gas & fuel prices
Crude is the main input in what you pay at the pump.
Inflation
Energy feeds straight into CPI and the cost of everything.
Energy stocks
Exxon, Chevron & drillers rise and fall with crude.
Airlines & transport
Fuel is a huge cost - cheap oil helps, dear oil hurts.
About Crude Oil
What drives the oil price?
Supply, demand and geopolitics. OPEC+ output cuts or increases, US shale production, and conflict or sanctions set supply; global growth - especially China - sets demand. Because oil is priced in dollars, a stronger US dollar tends to push crude lower, and a weaker one lifts it.
WTI vs Brent
WTI (West Texas Intermediate) is the US oil benchmark; Brent is the global one, priced in the North Sea. Brent usually trades a few dollars above WTI and reflects international supply/demand more directly. This page tracks WTI, the reference for US markets.
Oil, inflation and stocks
Energy is an input to nearly everything, so a spike in crude lifts inflation and can keep interest rates higher for longer. Rising oil boosts energy stocks like ExxonMobil and Chevron but pressures airlines, shippers and consumers - one reason a sharp oil move can swing the whole market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of oil today?
As of September 15, 2026, WTI crude oil is trading around $105.58 per barrel, up 4.13% on the day. The price on this page updates in real time during market hours.
What moves the oil price?
Supply and demand, plus geopolitics. On supply: OPEC+ production decisions, US shale output, and disruptions from conflict or sanctions. On demand: global growth, especially China. A stronger dollar also tends to weigh on oil, since crude is priced in dollars.
What is the difference between WTI and Brent crude?
Both are benchmark oil prices. WTI (West Texas Intermediate) is the US benchmark, priced at Cushing, Oklahoma. Brent is the international benchmark, priced in the North Sea. Brent usually trades a few dollars above WTI and reflects global conditions more directly.
Why does the oil price matter for stocks?
Oil ripples through the whole market. Rising crude lifts energy stocks like ExxonMobil and Chevron but squeezes airlines, shippers and consumers, and it pushes up inflation - which can force central banks to keep rates higher. Cheap oil does the reverse.
Why does oil affect inflation?
Energy is an input to almost everything - transport, manufacturing, food. When crude rises, those costs pass through to prices across the economy, lifting headline inflation. That is why an oil spike often shows up in the next CPI report.
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Data via Yahoo Finance (NYMEX CL=F, continuous), updated in real time during market hours. For informational purposes only - not financial advice.