Dr. Carole Nakhle, CEO of Crystol Energy, spoke to Rigzone’s Andreas Exarheas about recent movements in oil prices and the forces driving market volatility.
Much of the preceding increase had been driven by geopolitical concerns rather than a fundamental deterioration in the balance between supply and demand. With diplomatic channels remaining open, some of those concerns have eased and part of the premium built into prices has consequently unwound.
Daily oil prices, 2026
Dr Nakhle cautioned, however, that volatility is likely to persist as markets continue to react to political rhetoric and developments. A more sustained move in prices would require a more fundamental change in market conditions, such as prolonged supply disruptions or a breakdown in diplomatic efforts.
The recent price movements are another reminder that political headlines can move prices in the short term, but fundamentals ultimately shape their longer-term direction.
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