W&T Offshore IncHigher floor under oil prices benefits upstream producers like W&T Offshore.

Analysts say the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding is setting a higher floor under oil prices despite expectations of a supply surplus next year. The deal is only a commitment to negotiate a final agreement within 60 days, with Iran making best efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and includes sanctions waivers and a $300-billion reconstruction fund. The International Energy Agency projects a significant overhang in 2027, with demand rising by 2 million barrels per day to 105.3 million bpd while supply surges by 8 million bpd to around 110 million bpd. However, severely depleted global inventories, including the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve at its lowest since 1983, will need to be replenished, supporting prices. Saxo Bank’s Ole Hansen notes that 2027 average Brent and WTI futures are trading at $75 and $71 respectively, more than $10 above pre-war levels, reflecting expectations that prices will remain higher for longer.
W&T Offshore IncHigher floor under oil prices benefits upstream producers like W&T Offshore.