Sarrah News – Oil prices fell by more than 4% at the end of today’s trading, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with increasing fears of the continuation of the longest US government closure in history, and the resulting effects on global energy demand.

Futures prices for standard Brent crude, for delivery in January 2026, fell by 3.8% to reach $62.71 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude, for delivery in December 2025, fell by 4.2% to $58.49 per barrel.

This decline comes after prices rose by 1.7% yesterday as a result of profit-taking from previous gains, with markets monitoring developments in the US government shutdown and its effects on consumer confidence and the travel and aviation sectors.

On the other hand, markets are closely monitoring the repercussions of US sanctions on Russia, which target Russian oil companies, which may put pressure on global supplies. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Brent crude prices are expected to rise to an average of $54.92 per barrel during 2026, and West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices to reach $51.26 per barrel.