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Energy Commodities – Oil, Gas, Power Trading

Introduction

Energy commodities are the fuel of the world. Crude Oil is the most actively traded commodity globally.


1. Crude Oil

A. Benchmarks

  1. Brent Crude: North Sea oil. Benchmark for Europe/Asia (India follows this).
  2. WTI (West Texas Intermediate): US Oil. Benchmark for America.

B. Price Factors

  • OPEC: Org of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Saudi, etc.). Supply cuts = Price Hike.
  • Geopolitics: War in Middle East = Supply fear = Price Spike.
  • Inventory Data: US Crude Inventory data (released weekly).

2. Natural Gas

  • Cleaner fuel compared to oil/coal.
  • Used for heating (Winter demand) and Power Generation.
  • Volatile prices based on weather (Cold winter = High demand).

3. Electricity (Power Trading)

  • Electricity cannot be stored easily.
  • Traded on IEX (Indian Energy Exchange).
  • Spot Market: Buying power for the "Next Day" based on demand forecast.

Summary

  • Oil: Brent vs WTI.
  • Cartel: OPEC.
  • Gas: Weather dependent.
  • Power: IEX (Next Day Market).

Quiz Time! 🎯

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