Oil prices climbed in early Asian trading after President Trump announced sweeping sanctions on Russia’s top oil producers, Lukoil and Rosneft, escalating tensions in global energy markets.
The sanctions, which also extend to nearly three dozen subsidiaries, aim to restrict Russia’s access to international financing and curb its oil exports. The move could disrupt supply chains, forcing refiners and traders to seek alternatives as Washington intensifies pressure over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The sanctions may reduce Russian oil availability on the global market, potentially tightening supply and supporting higher prices in the short term. Brent and WTI futures both edged higher as traders assessed the broader impact on energy flows and geopolitical stability.
Natural gas futures are trading near $3.46, consolidating after a sharp rally from the $2.89 low. The price recently met resistance at $3.57, aligning with a key Fibonacci level and the upper boundary of a supply zone.
Both the 50-EMA ($3.28) and 200-EMA ($3.27) are trending upward, suggesting a supportive structure beneath current levels. The RSI at 71 indicates slightly overbought conditions, hinting at possible short-term cooling before further gains.
If buyers manage a breakout above $3.57, the next upside target lies near $3.70. Conversely, failure to hold above $3.31 could invite a pullback toward $3.15. Overall, the trend remains constructive, but momentum appears to be slowing.
WTI crude oil is trading around $60.56, showing mild resistance after a strong rally from the $57.40 support area. The price briefly tested the 200-day EMA at $61.05, where sellers have begun to reappear. The 50-EMA at $58.61 now acts as a short-term support, indicating improving momentum.
The RSI near 69 suggests the market is approaching overbought territory, hinting at possible consolidation before the next move. A clear break above $61.40 could open the door toward $62.80, while failure to sustain above $59.70 may trigger a pullback to $58.30.
Overall, crude oil remains constructive in the short term, but traders are watching for confirmation above the 200-EMA to signal a stronger recovery trend.
Brent crude oil is trading near $64.80, showing strong upward momentum after breaking above the $63.90 resistance zone. The price now faces a key test at the 200-day EMA ($64.85), which has acted as dynamic resistance since early October.
The 50-EMA ($62.60) continues to slope upward, indicating improving short-term sentiment. However, the RSI at 80 suggests the market is entering overbought territory, raising the risk of a short-term pause or correction.
If Brent closes above $65.00, it could extend gains toward $66.50. Conversely, a pullback below $63.90 may trigger a retracement toward $62.70. Overall, the trend is turning bullish, but traders should be cautious of near-term profit-taking.
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.