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Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: Will China’s Demand Boom Drive Prices Higher?

By:
Arslan Ali
Updated: Mar 17, 2025, 10:36 GMT+00:00

Key Points:

  • Oil & natural gas prices surge as supply concerns and China’s demand boost fuel market volatility.
  • Crude oil eyes $68.50—breaking above could trigger a short-covering rally toward $69.26 and beyond.
  • Natural gas holds at $4.19; staying above $4.17 keeps bulls in control, but sellers could target $3.96 if support breaks.
Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: Will China’s Demand Boom Drive Prices Higher?
In this article:

Market Overview

Oil and natural gas prices saw sharp gains as geopolitical tensions reignited supply concerns, prompting investor caution across global markets. Early trading in Asia reflected a surge in crude prices, driven by fears of shipping disruptions and potential supply constraints.

Analysts warn that if crude breaches $68.50, short covering could accelerate price movement. Meanwhile, expectations of stronger demand from China provided additional support.

Beijing’s latest stimulus measures, aimed at boosting household spending and economic growth, are fueling optimism for energy consumption recovery. Markets now turn their focus to upcoming central bank meetings for further macroeconomic direction.

Natural Gas Price Forecast

Natural Gas (NG) Price Chart
Natural Gas (NG) Price Chart

Natural Gas (NG) is holding firm at $4.19, inching up 0.05%, with traders eyeing the next move. The pivot point at $4.17 is the line in the sand—staying above it keeps the bulls in control, while a break below could trigger a slide toward $3.96 and possibly $3.75.

On the upside, $4.33 is the first real test for buyers. A clean break above that level could fuel a rally toward $4.67, where stronger resistance lies. The 50-day EMA at $4.16 is offering support, while the 200-day EMA at $4.11 suggests a broader uptrend is still intact.

For now, natural gas looks bullish above $4.17, but if sellers step in, expect some volatility ahead.

WTI Oil Price Forecast

WTI Price Chart
WTI Price Chart

Crude oil (USOIL) is treading water around $67.28, holding steady within a tight range as traders await a decisive move. The 50-day EMA at $67.06 is acting as a crucial pivot point, keeping the short-term trend intact.

A push above $68.06 could spark momentum toward $69.26, where sellers are likely to test the bulls. However, if oil slips below $67.07, we could see a sharp drop toward $66.34, with $65.27 as the next key support zone.

For now, the market is in wait-and-see mode, balancing between geopolitical tensions and demand expectations. If buyers can take control above $68.06, expect upside momentum.

Brent Oil Price Forecast

Brent Price Chart
Brent Price Chart

 

Brent crude (UKOIL) is trading at $70.98, up 0.07%, but remains under pressure as it struggles to reclaim key resistance. The pivot point at $71.75 is acting as a make-or-break level—below it, sellers maintain control, with downside targets at $69.94 and $68.61 if momentum weakens.

The 50-day EMA at $70.46 is offering near-term support, but the 200-day EMA at $71.72 looms as a barrier. A break above $71.75 could shift sentiment, potentially driving Brent toward $73.28 and $74.89.

For now, a downward trendline is reinforcing bearish momentum, and until bulls clear $71.75, rallies may face selling pressure. A decisive breakout, however, could change the game.

About the Author

Arslan is a finance MBA and also holds an MPhil degree in behavioral finance. An expert in financial analysis and investor psychology, Arslan uses his academic background to bring valuable insights about market sentiment and whether instruments are likely to be overbought or oversold.

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