Sanctions vs supply glut: The battle defining Oil prices

Oil prices are caught in a tug-of-war that defines the entire energy narrative right now - sanctions versus surplus. As Washington’s latest restrictions on Russian oil giants, such as Rosneft and Lukoil, take effect, traders are wondering whether this will finally squeeze supply enough to lift prices or if swelling inventories and record U.S. output will keep them grounded.

WTI crude has hovered near $60 in recent sessions, reflecting that same indecision. Every headline about sanctions sparks a flicker of optimism; every inventory report snuffs it out. The outcome of this standoff - between geopolitics and fundamentals - will decide whether oil’s next move is a breakout or another false dawn.

What’s driving the rebound

According to analysts, the recent oil bounce is largely fuelled by heightened concern over Russia’s export flows.  In a press release issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the United States and allied countries have imposed sweeping sanctions targeting major Russian oil producers, including Rosneft and Lukoil, along with hundreds of vessels from the “shadow fleet”. 

These measures are designed to choke off Russia’s oil revenues and, by extension, reduce its export volumes. The logic is simple: fewer barrels from Russia = tighter global supply = higher prices. But the counter-force is significant: global supply remains robust, and demand isn’t bouncing back as expected. 

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), non-OPEC+ production is forecast to grow by 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, while demand growth is projected at just 0.79 million bpd, signalling a structural surplus unless changes occur. 

Meanwhile, data show that Russia’s output and export adapt-workarounds remain effective so far - Russian production rose by about 100,000 bpd even after sanctions. Thus, the rebound is caught between a genuine supply shock narrative and a stubborn demand/stock overhang, and whether prices break out depends on which side prevails.

Why it matters

For traders, producers and consumers, this dynamic is far from academic. A sustained rally driven by supply constraints would favour oil-heavy portfolios, refining margins, and exporting nations. Conversely, if oversupply persists and demand disappoints, even the sanction narrative won’t save prices. As one senior energy analyst noted: “The market doesn’t expect much lost supply until enforcement becomes indisputable.”

For Russia and its global buyers, the stakes are high. Russia’s oil and gas revenues plunged by 27% in October 2025 compared to the same month a year earlier, reflecting the pressure of sanctions even as volumes held up through workarounds. 

At the same time, major oil importers such as India and China have been increasing their Russian cargoes in recent months before the November plunge, which has cast doubts about continued oil flows to those countries.

So, if importers continue to absorb discounted Russian barrels, global supply may remain ample even though the narrative suggests otherwise. On the consumer end, if oil prices are kept low due to oversupply, fuel costs remain manageable. If supply loss dominates, refined-product prices (diesel, gasoline) could rise, feeding inflation and impacting economic growth - a risk to be watched for in both developed and emerging markets.

Impact on the market

In practical terms, the battle lines are drawn according to analysts. On the supply-risk side, if sanctions bite and Russian exports drop materially, markets may tighten quickly, and oil prices could rally. 

The risk premium is already reflected in crude spreads: the discount for Russian Urals crude versus global benchmarks jumped to around US$19 per barrel by early November, as buyers shunned Russian cargoes, according to a report by Meduza. That suggests the sanction effect may be starting to crack.

But on the flip side, tracking data suggest that Russian flows are still being rerouted, and global producers (especially shale, Brazil and the U.S.) are responding. With U.S. production at record levels and inventories increasing, the oversupply story remains viable, according to industry commentators. If demand remains weak - for instance, from China or the global industry - then any supply-shock rally may be short-lived, and prices could retreat.

Refining and trade flows are also adjusting. Dealers and refiners are now considering discounted Russian crude, longer shipping routes, and higher freight and insurance costs - all of which increase complexity but don’t necessarily immediately reduce volumes. Until actual barrel losses show up in export data, the market may remain in limbo, reluctant to commit to strong upward momentum.

Expert outlook

According to analysts, the most probable scenario is a market stuck in a range-bound trading pattern, punctuated by bursts of volatility. That is, oil may temporarily rally on rumours of sanctions or supply disruptions, but unless demand proves stronger and supply genuinely tightens, the move may lack legs. Reuters reported that the IEA continues to expect supply growth outpacing demand this year. 

If enforcement of sanctions tightens ­- for example, if shadow-fleet tankers are blocked, insurance costs spike or major importers pull back from Russian oil - then we could see a meaningful rally. 

On the demand front, counter-signals to watch include refining run-rates (which remain under pressure), travel and mobility trends, and China’s petro-chemical demand. Until one of these breaks clearly favourably, the oversupply story will likely keep a lid on prices.

In short, the supply risk is real, but it hasn’t yet overridden the oversupply/weak-demand backdrop. Until that happens, the rally remains tentative.

Oil technical insights

At the time of writing, US Oil is trading around $59.50, consolidating within a narrow range as momentum starts to stabilise. The RSI is climbing sharply from the midline near 50, hinting at strengthening bullish momentum and suggesting that buyers may be regaining short-term control.

The Bollinger Bands (10, close) are relatively tight, signalling reduced volatility and the potential for a breakout. Price action remains centred around the middle band, showing indecision but with a slight upward bias as buyers attempt to push above the mid-range.

Key support levels are found at $58.26 and $56.85, where a break lower could trigger further selling pressure or stop-loss liquidations. On the upside, resistance sits at $62.00 and $65.00 - levels where profit-taking and stronger buying activity could emerge if the market breaks higher.

Key takeaway

The oil market is at a crossroads where the sanction-driven supply-risk narrative clashes with the solid structural reality of oversupply and weak demand. While the latest Russian sanctions have sharpened the risk premium, global production and inventories remain elevated and demand remains fragile. 

Unless export losses are real and demand picks up, the oversupply story will likely keep oil prices pinned. The next key signals to monitor: export data from Russia, inventory changes globally and demand indicators from Asia and the U.S. Stay alert - this is a high-stakes battle that could tip either way.

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