Key Points for Investors

  • Reports placed West Texas Intermediate near USD 92–95 and Brent around USD 104–106 on October 13, 2026, though WTI settlement quotes ranged from USD 91.78 to USD 95.70.
  • Published WTI figures included USD 91.78, down 2.09%; USD 94.14, up 0.43%; USD 94.34; and USD 95.70, up 1.6%, suggesting different quote times or contracts.
  • Diesel futures reportedly rose 2.1% to USD 4.82. The United States also eased some restrictions on Russian diesel, while reports said Houthi forces attacked sites in Saudi Arabia.
  • The Brent–WTI spread was about USD 13, and USO’s futures exposure means its return can diverge from spot crude because of contract rolls.

Conflicting Quotes Reflect a Volatile Session

Oil commentary on October 13, 2026, did not settle on one WTI close. References ranged from USD 91.78, down 2.09%, to USD 95.70, up 1.6%, with USD 94.14 and USD 94.34 also appearing. Brent was discussed around USD 104–106. These may reflect different times, contracts or data sources, so they should not be combined as if they were one official settlement. Diesel futures were reported 2.1% higher at USD 4.82.

Supply Headlines Moved Against One Another

The market had to weigh several competing developments. The US eased restrictions on Russian diesel, potentially increasing supply, while reports of Houthi attacks on Saudi sites raised concern about regional disruption. With Brent approximately USD 13 above WTI, the crude grades were pricing different supply and logistics conditions. A headline can move futures quickly, but the market’s sustained direction depends on whether the event changes actual flows, insurance costs, shipping routes or refinery demand.

USO Follows Futures and Can Drift From Spot

United States Oil Fund (NYSEARCA:USO) primarily uses near-month crude futures, so investors should not expect it to replicate the spot price tick for tick. When expiring contracts are replaced, the price gap between the outgoing and next contract can create roll gains or losses. That effect matters during volatile periods and contango/backwardation changes. The source also reported gasoline above USD 4 on more days than in any single previous year, another sign of consumer exposure to fuel prices. Investors should confirm the relevant benchmark settlement and review USO’s current holdings before attributing its return solely to WTI.

Investor Takeaway

The October 13 oil picture is best treated as a range of reported quotes rather than a settled single price: WTI was cited between USD 91.78 and USD 95.70, with Brent near USD 104–106. Geopolitical and diesel-policy headlines pulled in different directions, while USO carries futures-roll risk. September CPI was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET on October 14, 2026; weekly inventory data and any new sanctions decisions were also near-term watchpoints.