Citi analysts forecast Brent crude prices falling to $60/b by year-end and averaging $62/b over Q2-Q4 2026, citing OPEC+ production increases and China’s stockpiling, Reuters reported.
- The bank revised its global liquids balance outlook after OPEC+ announced plans to start unwinding an additional 1.6m b/d of voluntary cuts from Oct. 2025.
- Citi said that could lead to stock builds of 1.1m b/d in 2025 and 2.1m b/d in 2026, adding slack to already loosening global supply.
- Under a bear case (30% probability) Brent prices drop below $60/b, potentially to $50/b on weaker demand, faster non-OPEC growth, and lower OPEC+ compliance.
- In a bullish scenario (10% probability), Brent could hit $75/b on increased geopolitical tension.
- Global oil demand is expected to growth by 0.7m b/d in 2025 and 1m b/d in 2026, though trade frictions could cut diesel consumption by up to 0.3m b/d,
- Citi reaffirmed its Brent target of $60/b in the next 6-12 months.