Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: WTI Bounces Off $93 While Brent Tests $97 — NatGas Holding Firm?
Finally, global demand appears to be tickling up, especially in Asia. However, demand in 2026 is still forecast to remain lackluster, as interest rates stay higher for longer, and consumer income across most developed markets remains squeezed, leading the global economy to grow only slowly over the foreseeable future.
Update on the natural gas fundamental analysis
Natural gas continues to trade quietly as inventory rebuilds, both in the US and Europe in light of an increasingly mild spring weather pattern. The truce also reduced pressure on the regional LNG supply chain and lowered spot international natural gas prices accordingly. The medium-to-longer term outlook, however, appears solid for natural gas consumption demand.
In the weeks ahead, US crude oil and refined products inventories and future policy decisions on supply levels by OPEC+ may be key for traders. Although the ceasefire has calmed the market thus far, it remains to be seen how long the truce will last.