World oil price on September 19, 2025: Slight increase due to many economic concerns

World oil prices were little changed in the final trading session of the week. Brent crude fell 1 cent to $67.43 a barrel, while WTI crude fell 4 cents to $63.53 a barrel. However, both crudes are on track for their second consecutive weekly gain.

Earlier, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) lowered its base interest rate by 0.25 percentage points and left open the possibility of further reductions in the coming time to respond to signs of weakness in the labor market. Normally, low interest rates help stimulate energy demand, thereby supporting oil prices.

New data released showed that US distillate fuel inventories increased by 4 million barrels, four times higher than previously forecast. This development raised concerns that fuel consumption in the world's largest economy has not really recovered, putting pressure on oil prices.

In addition to inventories, the strengthening US dollar also contributed to the oil price recovery. The US dollar index rose 0.43%, making oil more expensive for investors holding other currencies. Long-term US bond yields also edged up, further limiting buying power in the energy market.

Russia, the world's second-largest crude oil producer, has announced new measures to protect the state budget from oil price fluctuations and the impact of sanctions. This move partly reassures the market supply.

In addition, US President Donald Trump's statement that he prioritizes low oil prices over sanctions against Russia also helped ease concerns about the risk of supply disruption.

Oil prices are being torn between two opposing factors: loose US monetary policy could support energy demand, while rising inventories and concerns about a weakening US economy are putting pressure.

The market predicts that in the short term, oil prices will continue to fluctuate around the current level before there is a clearer signal from actual consumption demand.