Oil News: Will Crude Break $70.72 as Geopolitical Risks Intensify?

Will Crude Oil Prices Break Higher on Geopolitical Risks and Technical Support?

Crude oil prices are gaining traction on Wednesday, buoyed by solid technical support and heightened geopolitical concerns. With key levels in play and mounting tensions abroad, traders are watching closely for signals of a potential breakout.

At 10:49 GMT, Light Crude Oil Futures are trading $69.48, up $0.24 or +0.35%.

Can Crude Break Through Critical Resistance Levels?

Light crude oil futures are testing pivotal technical levels after sustaining gains above Fibonacci support at $68.52 for three straight sessions. The immediate challenge is the 50-day moving average (MA) at $70.04. A sustained move above this level could open the door to the major 50% retracement at $70.72.

If $70.72 is cleared, a rally could extend to the 200-day MA at $73.07. Conversely, a failure to breach these levels may result in rangebound trading, with $68.52 as support and $70.72 as resistance.

Will Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Further Gains?

Geopolitical risks are providing additional tailwinds for crude prices. Escalations between Russia and Ukraine intensified after Ukraine deployed US-provided long-range missiles into Russian territory. In response, Moscow revised its nuclear doctrine, warning of nuclear retaliation for conventional attacks involving nuclear allies.

The US embassy in Kyiv was evacuated after reports of possible airstrikes, adding to the market’s nervousness. While energy flows remain intact, analysts warn that European natural gas supplies could face severe disruption if hostilities escalate.

Beyond Europe, Iran’s ongoing uranium enrichment raises concerns about further sanctions, which could limit oil and condensate flows globally.

Does Inventory Data Matter in This Environment?

Inventory reports have taken a back seat as traders focus on geopolitical risks. The latest American Petroleum Institute (API) data revealed a large 4.75-million-barrel build in US crude stocks, far exceeding expectations of a 1-million-barrel increase. This was offset by draws in gasoline and distillates.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) report, due later Wednesday, is expected to show a modest 0.1-million-barrel drawdown. A bearish surprise could weigh on prices, but geopolitical developments remain the dominant driver.

What’s the Market Outlook for Crude Oil?

Crude oil’s technical resilience and rising geopolitical tensions suggest a bullish short-term outlook. A breakout above $70.72 could drive prices toward $73.07, supported by strong buying interest and risk-driven sentiment. However, without immediate disruptions to energy flows or bullish EIA data, gains may face resistance at higher levels. Traders should watch key technical levels and geopolitical updates closely to gauge market direction.