Crude Oil Prices Continue Downward Trend Amid Peace Talks

Significant Decline in Global Oil Prices

Crude oil prices experienced a significant drop of 3% on December 16, 2025, continuing their downward trend as markets reacted to strengthening Russia-Ukraine peace talks ¹

. The potential easing of sanctions on Russia has raised concerns about additional oil supply entering the market, exacerbating existing oversupply concerns.

Brent and WTI Price Movements

• Brent crude for February 2026 delivery closed at US$58.92 per barrel, down 2.71% or US$1.64 ¹
  Source 1

  https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/harga-minyak-mentah-ditutup-melemah-3-dekati-level-terendah-5-tahun
  .
• West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for January 2026 delivery fell 2.73% to US$55.27 per barrel, losing US$1.55 ¹
  Source 1

  https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/harga-minyak-mentah-ditutup-melemah-3-dekati-level-terendah-5-tahun
  .

Market Sentiment and Analysis

Analysts from Rystad noted that Brent crude briefly dipped below US$60 per barrel for the first time in months as markets priced in the potential additional Russian oil supply ¹

. The peace talks optimism was further boosted by the US offering NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine, a move described as unprecedented by officials ²

Source 2

https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/harga-minyak-acuan-lanjut-melemah-di-pagi-ini-1612-cek-sentimennya

.

Continued Price Pressure

The price decline continued from previous sessions as morning trading saw further losses: Brent was down 0.40% to US$60.32 per barrel while WTI lost 0.39% to US$56.60 per barrel ²

. The ongoing negotiations have created a bearish market sentiment, with traders anticipating potential increases in global oil supply.