Goldman Sachs has revised its oil price projections upward for late 2026 and 2027, citing an assumption that Middle East shipping disruptions will persist into the coming year. The bank raised its forecasts by $5 per barrel based on a report released on September 7.
Analysts led by Daan Struyven now expect Brent crude to average $85 per barrel in December 2026, with a full-year average of $80 per barrel in 2027. For WTI crude, the bank projects $80 per barrel in December 2026 and $75 per barrel in 2027.
The magnitude of the price adjustment remains modest, as OECD commercial onshore inventories have shown little decline since the onset of the conflict, reflecting a supply deficit that has proven smaller than initially anticipated. The analysts anticipate that even if shipping disruptions continue, Middle East supply will adapt, with increased "dark fleet" flows expected and several key pipelines slated to come online by the end of 2027.
Risks to the outlook remain clearly skewed to the upside, particularly over the near term.
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