Oil Futures Climb as Geopolitical Risk Premium Rises and U.S. Data Delay Fuels Caution

Prices reflected a higher geopolitical premium driven by diplomatic contacts alongside a delayed U.S. inventory report.

Overview

Brent for February settled at $61.94 on ICE, up 2.14% on the day.
WTI for February closed at $58.08 on NYMEX, a gain of 2.36%.
The White House described President Donald Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin as positive after his meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, yet analysts said the talks have not produced quick solutions.
Concerns about potential Middle East supply disruptions added to the risk premium embedded in crude prices.
The U.S. Department of Energy postponed its weekly petroleum stocks report for the week ended December 19, leaving traders without fresh inventory data as contracts finished below intraday highs.