Decline of oil and fall of natural gas in 2023

In 2023, global energy markets experienced a surprising dynamic: a significant drop in oil prices and a drastic fall in natural gas prices.

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This year, the oil sector was marked by falling prices, despite fears of supply disruptions and tensions in the Middle East. North Sea Brent and US WTI both recorded declines, with prices ending at $77.04 and $71.65 respectively. Analysts like Exinity’s Han Tan point out that the geopolitical risk premium has already been factored into prices, mitigating the impact of regional tensions.

European Natural Gas down sharply

The European natural gas market ended the year on an even gloomier note. The Dutch TTF futures contract fell by 4.59% to 32.095 euros per megawatt-hour. This drop is attributed to weaker-than-expected European gas demand, despite the recent cold snaps. DNB analysts note that high storage levels in Europe and a warmer-than-normal winter have contributed to this trend.

Sector Analysis and Outlook

Oil and gas markets were influenced by a series of factors in 2023. OPEC+ reduced its production, but this was not enough to stimulate the appetite for oil. Geopolitical tensions, in particular the Hamas offensive against Israel, initially raised concerns, but did not significantly disrupt supplies. Disagreements within OPEC+ and the group’s loss of power also left investors skeptical.

While 2023 ended on mixed notes for the energy sector, fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices testify to the complexity and uncertainty that now characterize the market. These trends, influenced by a range of geopolitical and economic factors, remind industry players of the importance of strategic intelligence and adaptability in the face of a constantly changing environment. This year serves as a reminder that when it comes to energy, yesterday’s certainties are not necessarily tomorrow’s realities.

Commercial crude reserves in the United States posted an unexpected increase, reaching their highest level in over a month due to a marked slowdown in refinery activity.
Beijing calls Donald Trump's request to stop importing Russian crude interference, denouncing economic coercion and defending what it calls legitimate trade with Moscow.
India faces mounting pressure from the United States over its purchases of Russian oil, as Donald Trump claims Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to halt them.
Three Crown Petroleum has started production from its Irvine 1NH well and plans two new wells in Wyoming, marking a notable acceleration of its deployment programme in the Powder River Basin through 2026.
The International Monetary Fund expects oil prices to weaken due to sluggish global demand growth and the impact of US trade policies.
With lawsuits multiplying against oil majors, Republican lawmakers are seeking to establish federal immunity to block legal actions tied to environmental damage.
The United Kingdom targets two Russian oil majors, Asian ports and dozens of vessels in a new wave of sanctions aimed at disrupting Moscow's hydrocarbon exports.
Major global oil traders anticipate a continued decline in Brent prices, citing the fading geopolitical premium and rising supply, particularly from non-OPEC producers.
Canadian company Petro-Victory Energy Corp. has secured a $300,000 unsecured loan at a 14% annual rate, including 600,000 warrants granted to a lender connected to its board of directors.
Cenovus Energy has purchased over 21.7 million common shares of MEG Energy, representing 8.5% of its capital, as part of its ongoing acquisition strategy in Canada.
In September 2025, French road fuel consumption rose by 3%, driven by a rebound in unleaded fuels, while overall energy petroleum product consumption fell by 1.8% year-on-year.
Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage receives major funding to upgrade facilities and produce diesel fuel in line with ECOWAS standards, with commissioning expected by 2029.
India is funding Mongolia’s first oil refinery through its largest line of credit, with operations scheduled to begin by 2028, according to official sources.
Aramco CEO Amin Nasser warns of growing consumption still dominated by hydrocarbons, despite massive global energy transition investments.
China imported an average of 11.5 million barrels of crude oil per day in September, supported by higher refining rates among both state-run and independent operators.
The New Vista vessel, loaded with Abu Dhabi crude, avoided Rizhao port after the United States sanctioned the oil terminal partly operated by a Sinopec subsidiary.
OPEC confirms its global oil demand growth forecasts and anticipates a much smaller deficit for 2026, due to increased production from OPEC+ members.
JANAF is interested in acquiring a 20 to 25% stake in NIS, as the Russian-owned share is now subject to US sanctions.
The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on more than 50 entities linked to Iranian oil exports, targeting Chinese refineries and vessels registered in Asia and Africa.
Khartoum et Juba annoncent un mécanisme commun pour protéger les oléoducs transfrontaliers, sans clarifier le rôle des forces armées non étatiques qui contrôlent une partie des installations.

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