Oil and Natural Gas Forecast: WTI Near $98 – Middle East Tensions Eye $150 Oil Spike?
By Arslan Ali | Published: Mar 19, 2026
Key Points
- Middle East tensions are igniting supply fears, pushing WTI toward $98 and Brent Crude above $112.
- Analysts warn of a potential $150 oil spike if supply disruptions and storage shortages persist.
- Natural Gas futures stabilize above $3.15, but a descending trendline caps gains at $3.26.
Market Overview
Oil and natural gas prices are experiencing significant volatility due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions. Currently, WTI is trading between $96 and $98 per barrel, while Brent Crude is above $112, widening the price gap between US and UK markets. Traders are increasingly worried about the stability of Gulf oil production and natural gas pipelines, which could tighten global supplies even further.
Price Predictions
WTI Crude Oil
WTI crude oil is currently fluctuating between $96 and $98, with analysts suggesting that sustained outages could drive prices up to $150 or higher. The market is reacting to the low spare capacity and inventory levels, leading to heightened volatility as traders reassess energy security risks.
Brent Crude Oil
Brent Crude is trading around $112.93, having broken through a key resistance level at $106.55. If it can maintain momentum above $113.33, the next target could be $119.44. However, caution is advised as the RSI approaches overbought territory, indicating potential for a pullback.
Natural Gas
Natural Gas futures are stabilizing around $3.17 after recovering from a low of $2.92. The price is currently above the 50-period and 200-period moving averages, suggesting short-term momentum is improving. However, a descending trendline is capping gains at $3.26. A breakout above this level could lead to further increases, while failure to hold above $3.15 may result in a pullback to $3.05.