Oil News: Bearish Oil Outlook Builds—Is a Sub-$50 WTI Test Now on the Table?

WTI Crude Slips on Oversupply Fears and Easing Geopolitical Risk

WTI crude oil futures ended the week lower at $57.15 per barrel, down $1.28 or -2.19%, as a combination of record U.S. production, a bearish inventory build, and easing geopolitical tensions pressured market sentiment.

Inventory Data Surprises to the Downside

The bearish tone was reinforced by fundamental data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which reported a weekly crude inventory build of 3.5 million barrels—well above consensus expectations. This increase was attributed to reduced refinery utilization amid seasonal maintenance. Simultaneously, U.S. crude production climbed to a record high of 13.636 million barrels per day, exacerbating concerns over persistent oversupply.

Geopolitical Risk Premium Contracts

On the geopolitical front, developments that had previously injected risk premium into the market began to unwind. A cease-fire agreement in Gaza and confirmation of an upcoming summit between U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin signaled a potential de-escalation in two key geopolitical flashpoints. Analysts noted that a “substantial amount of risk has come out of the market,” reducing immediate support for crude prices.

IEA Projects Prolonged Surplus

Globally, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reiterated its forecast for a significant oil surplus—up to 4 million barrels per day—by 2026. While the agency admitted to a 1.47 million bpd discrepancy in its August data, casting doubt over precise balances, the overall sentiment remained bearish amid growing skepticism around demand resilience and increasing reliance on shadow fleet crude from sanctioned producers.

Demand Concerns Deepen on Weak Economic Indicators

Beyond oversupply concerns, traders are also reacting to weakening demand signals from major economies. Renewed U.S.-China trade tensions, new port tariffs, and sluggish industrial data are reinforcing fears of slowing global consumption. With China’s crude imports showing only modest growth and broader economic indicators softening, expectations for a demand rebound remain muted.

Resistance Levels Cap Recovery Attempts

Despite testing support near $56.15 and forming a minor reversal bottom on Friday, WTI futures remained well below key resistance at the 52-week moving average of $62.36 and the nearby Fibonacci level of $59.44. These levels are acting as strong barriers to any sustained recovery.

Outlook: Bearish Oil Prices Projections as Key Support in Focus

The short-term oil prices forecast remains bearish, with attention now turning to critical support at $55.27. A decisive break below this level could accelerate downside momentum, exposing major targets between $50.36 and $47.51.

With record output, swelling inventories, and fading geopolitical risk premiums, crude oil continues to face significant headwinds. While a minor technical bounce is possible early in the week, traders are expected to sell into rallies unless supported by a clear shift in supply-demand fundamentals.

More Information in our Economic Calendar.