Analysts tracking oil price forecast 2026 expect Brent crude to average $92–$98 per barrel, driven by steady OPEC+ output discipline and resilient global demand recovery. Equity investors are watching energy sector stocks as high oil prices could boost earnings for ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Saudi Aramco. Futures on Brent crude ( BZ=F ), the global benchmark for oil, are down more than 13.5% on the year, while futures on West Texas Intermediate crude ( CL=F ), the US benchmark, are down more than 14.5%. The US's Energy Information Administration only expects that trend to continue, forecasting that US oil production will decline by about 1% in 2026 as oil prices fall, while natural gas ( NG=F ) production will remain roughly flat. Non-OPEC producers Brazil, Canada, Guyana and Norway have all seen an uptick in crude oil production volumes capable of more than servicing global demand growth, which is currently said to be in the region of 1 million bpd . Oil price forecast 2026 strategies in equity markets include overweighting pipeline REITs and tanker shipping stocks, anticipating earnings acceleration as crude stays elevated through the year.