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Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: Is Oil Stabilizing at $61 or Slipping Toward $60 Next?

By
Arslan Ali
Published: Feb 3, 2026, 07:35 GMT+00:00

Key Points:

  • Oil prices slide as easing geopolitical risk and steady OPEC+ output push WTI back toward the $60 support zone.
  • WTI crude trades near $61.80 after a channel breakdown, with sellers eyeing $60.20 if $61 support fails.
  • Natural gas cools near $3.23, pulling back inside a rising channel as momentum slows without triggering a trend reversal.
Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: Is Oil Stabilizing at $61 or Slipping Toward $60 Next?

Market Overview

Oil and natural gas prices are falling as geopolitical tensions ease, removing recent risk premiums and shifting focus back to strong supply. WTI crude is now around $61 to $62 per barrel, down from late January highs of $65 to $66, after dropping nearly 5% in one day earlier this week.

A stronger US dollar is adding pressure, and OPEC+ has confirmed it will keep output steady, supporting the view that global supply will remain high. With demand growth expected to stay below 1 million barrels per day in 2026 and inventories likely to rise, prices are now testing important support near $60.

Volatility is still high, but the market has clearly moved from risk-driven rallies to a more cautious, balanced approach.

Natural Gas Forecast: $3.20 Holds as Price Pulls Back Within Rising Channel

Natural Gas (NG) Price Chart

Natural gas is trading near $3.23, easing after failing to hold above the recent swing high near $3.55. On the 2-hour chart, price remains inside a rising channel, but recent candles show smaller bodies and lower highs, pointing to short-term consolidation. The pullback has brought price back toward the 50-EMA, which is flattening and acting as near-term support.

The broader trend stays constructive as long as price holds above $3.10–$3.15, a zone aligned with prior resistance turned support. The 200-EMA near $2.60 continues to slope higher, reinforcing the medium-term uptrend. The RSI around 40–45 shows cooling momentum, not aggressive selling.

Trade idea: Buy dips near $3.15, targeting $3.55, invalidated below $3.00.

WTI Crude Oil Forecast: $61.80 Holds After Channel Breakdown—What’s Next?

WTI Price Chart

WTI crude oil is trading near $61.80, consolidating after a sharp rejection from the upper boundary of a rising channel. On the 2-hour chart, a strong bearish engulfing candle marked the breakdown below the channel midline, signaling a shift from momentum buying to profit-taking. Price is now below the 50-EMA, while the 200-EMA near $61.00 is acting as near-term support.

Former resistance around $63.70–$64.00 has turned into a supply zone. The RSI near 40 shows weak momentum, suggesting sellers still control the pace but without panic selling. A clean break below $61.00 could open room toward $60.20, while recovery needs a move back above $62.50.

Trade idea: Sell rallies near $62.50, targeting $60.20, invalidated above $63.80.

Brent Crude Forecast: $66 Holds as Bulls Lose Control Below Rising Channel

Brent Price Chart

Brent crude is trading near $66.00, moving sideways after a sharp rejection from the top of a rising channel. On the 2-hour chart, a strong bearish candle broke price below the channel support and the 50-EMA, signaling a loss of upside momentum. Since then, candles have been smaller, showing consolidation rather than a quick rebound.

The area around $66.80–$67.00 now acts as resistance, while the 200-EMA near $65.50 is providing short-term support. A break below $65.40 could open the door toward $64.25, a prior demand zone. The RSI near 40 reflects weak momentum, suggesting sellers remain in control without extreme pressure.

Trade idea: Sell rebounds near $66.80, targeting $64.30, invalidated above $67.90.

About the Author

Arslan is a finance MBA and also holds an MPhil degree in behavioral finance. An expert in financial analysis and investor psychology, Arslan uses his academic background to bring valuable insights about market sentiment and whether instruments are likely to be overbought or oversold.

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