Coquest

Your Daily Energy Report for August 18, 2025

Posted on 2025-08-18

Crude Oil

Crude Oil futures for September settled up $.62 or .987% at $63.42. Oil prices rose on Friday, after discussions in Washington between President Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelensky. The meeting followed last week’s U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska, which ended without a breakthrough. Traders are assessing how these diplomatic efforts could influence sanctions and broader energy flows. During the talks, Trump suggested Kyiv abandon ambitions to reclaim Crimea or pursue NATO membership, signaling a stance more in line with Moscow’s peace framework than a temporary ceasefire. Market concerns also flared after White House adviser Peter Navarro criticized India for continuing to import Russian crude. Overall, oil prices remain under pressure, down more than 10% this month amid trade disputes and increased supply from OPEC+.
 

Natural Gas

Natural Gas futures for September settled down -$.026 or -.892% at $2.890. Natural gas prices slipped today, hovering near their lowest level since November 2024, weighed down by strong production and ample inventories. Output across the Lower 48 has averaged 108.1 bcfd so far this month, edging above July’s record of 107.9 bcfd. Even with hotter-than-normal summer conditions, abundant supply has supported larger-than-usual storage injections, leaving stockpiles roughly 7% above the seasonal average and still climbing. The EIA reported a 56 bcf build for the week ending August 8, exceeding typical levels for this time of year. At the same time, LNG feedgas demand has strengthened, averaging 16.2 bcfd in August compared with 15.5 bcfd in July. Forecasts indicate above-normal heat will persist through the end of the month.
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