NYMEX WTI crude April futures settle at $67.02 a barrel

NYMEX WTI crude April futures settle at $67.02 a barrel

NYMEX WTI Crude April Futures Settle at $67.02 a Barrel, Reflecting Market Volatility

On February 27, 2026, NYMEX West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil April futures settled at $67.02 per barrel, marking a 1.57% increase from the previous settlement of $65.42 on February 25, 2026. The upward movement reflects evolving dynamics in global oil markets, influenced by geopolitical developments, supply-demand imbalances, and expectations surrounding OPEC policy adjustments.

WTI crude oil futures, traded on the CME Group platform, remain the global benchmark for light, sweet crude oil, with over 1 million contracts typically traded daily and approximately 4 million contracts of open interest. The recent price rebound follows a period of volatility, as traders weighed the impact of U.S. production levels, inventory reports, and regional conflicts affecting key supply corridors.

Market participants also monitored the CME Group Volatility Index (CVOL™) for WTI crude oil, which measures 30-day implied volatility. Elevated volatility metrics underscored uncertainty ahead of anticipated OPEC meetings and potential production adjustments, which historically influence price trajectories. Additionally, weekly options trading on CME Direct provided liquidity and hedging opportunities, with traders utilizing tools like the Open Interest Profile Tool to analyze expiration patterns.

The price increase occurred amid mixed signals from key economic indicators. While U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and American Petroleum Institute (API) inventory reports highlighted fluctuating crude oil storage levels, broader macroeconomic concerns—including inflationary pressures and central bank policies—added complexity to market sentiment. Analysts noted that WTI's physical settlement mechanism and deep liquidity advantages further amplified its role as a preferred hedging instrument for energy producers and refiners.

Looking ahead, traders will closely watch upcoming OPEC+ meetings, U.S. drilling activity reports, and geopolitical developments in oil-producing regions. The CME Group's educational resources and market analysis tools remain key resources for navigating the evolving landscape.

(https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/energy/crude-oil/light-sweet-crude.settlements.html): CME Group, Crude Oil Futures Settlements
(https://www.ainvest.com/news/nymex-wti-crude-april-futures-settle-65-42-barrel-21-cents-0-32-2602/): Ainvest, NYMEX WTI Crude April Futures Settle at $65.42 a Barrel