What will WTI Crude Oil (WTI) hit in September 2026?
WTI crude oil prices opened September 2026 near $85–90 per barrel, supported by persistent Strait of Hormuz transit constraints that have kept global inventories at multi-year lows and prompted large OECD stock draws averaging over 6 million barrels per day in recent quarters. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects Brent averaging around $85 per barrel in Q3 2026 before easing as Middle East supply gradually recovers. Offsetting pressures include softer Asian demand, a stronger U.S. dollar, and OPEC+ quota adjustments that have so far had limited market impact due to ongoing disruptions. Key near-term catalysts include weekly U.S. inventory data, any further OPEC+ production decisions, and developments around geopolitical risk premiums.