Brent-WTI Spread Surges on Middle East Oil Supply Crunch


   
Barani Krishnan
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) -- The Brent-WTI spread has undergone a major widening 
this week as international pricing outpaces that of U.S. crude from global oil 
supplies that have come under threat from the escalating conflict in the Middle 
East.

   As of 11:45 a.m. Friday (3/20), the spread was oscillating between $12.50 
bbl and $14.00 bbl. This compares to the $4.75 bbl to $5.00 bbl range observed 
during the previous week ending March 13, representing a 165% increase.

   Year-on-year, the divergence was even more pronounced. During the week to 
March 21, 2025, the Brent-WTI spread averaged approximately $4.51 bbl. Current 
levels are 210% higher.




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