Global Oil Supplies Build as Prices Forecast Lower

Lower oil prices may trim input costs but pressure biofuel demand.

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FarmHER, Inc.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS)Fuel costs — and farm input expenses — may ease over the next two years as global oil supplies continue to outpace demand. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects Brent crude to average about $58 per barrel in 2026 and $53 in 2027, down from roughly $69 in 2025 as inventories steadily grow.

The agency says petroleum production is expanding faster than consumption worldwide. Higher output targets from OPEC+ and rising production in Brazil, Guyana, and Argentina are adding barrels to the market while demand growth slows. At the same time, China is stockpiling crude oil, absorbing some supply but still contributing to rising global inventories.

Stocks are building in both harder-to-track non-OECD locations and traditional commercial storage across developed economies. As storage fills, the higher cost of holding excess crude typically pressures prices lower and slows future production growth.

For agriculture, the outlook indicates moderating diesel and fertilizer energy costs, but weaker ethanol margins if gasoline demand remains soft.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Lower oil prices may trim input costs but pressure biofuel demand.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
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Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

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