Oil Prices in 1996: WTI & Brent History and Monthly Averages
WTI averaged $22.12 per barrel in 1996, up $3.69 (20.0%) from 1995; that was the highest annual average since 1990.
Monthly average prices in 1996
| Month | WTI avg | WTI high | WTI low | Brent avg | Brent − WTI (matched dates) | WTI (September 2026 $) | Brent (September 2026 $) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | $18.86 | $20.50 | $17.33 | $17.85 | −$1.00 | $41.16 | $38.95 |
| February | $19.09 | $22.14 | $17.53 | $18.00 | −$1.10 | $41.52 | $39.15 |
| March | $21.33 | $24.56 | $19.24 | $19.85 | −$1.48 | $46.16 | $42.96 |
| April | $23.50 | $25.15 | $20.95 | $20.90 | −$2.62 | $50.66 | $45.05 |
| May | $21.17 | $23.02 | $19.77 | $19.15 | −$2.02 | $45.55 | $41.20 |
| June | $20.42 | $21.53 | $19.73 | $18.46 | −$1.97 | $43.91 | $39.69 |
| July | $21.30 | $22.43 | $20.13 | $19.57 | −$1.74 | $45.71 | $42.00 |
| August | $21.90 | $23.10 | $20.95 | $20.51 | −$1.41 | $46.91 | $43.93 |
| September | $23.97 | $24.95 | $23.25 | $22.63 | −$1.32 | $51.18 | $48.32 |
| October | $24.88 | $25.85 | $23.25 | $24.16 | −$0.72 | $52.96 | $51.42 |
| November | $23.71 | $25.75 | $22.65 | $22.76 | −$0.96 | $50.37 | $48.35 |
| December | $25.23 | $26.55 | $23.40 | $23.78 | −$1.45 | $53.60 | $50.52 |
Monthly averages are EIA's published figures. Brent − WTI is the average over dates with both prices published, so it can differ from the difference between the two monthly averages. Inflation-adjusted columns use CPI-U for each month, expressed in September 2026 dollars; “—” means CPI-U for that month is not available.
From $17.33 on Jan 29, 1996, WTI climbed to $26.55 by Dec 19, 1996, a 53% gain. The price moved by 5% or more in a single day 15 times. The steepest fall within the year ran from $25.15 on Apr 11, 1996 to $19.73 on Jun 5, 1996, a 22% drop. It was below $20 on 46 days.
Brent traded below WTI throughout 1996: its monthly average was lower in every month, and on the 250 matched dates it averaged $1.47 less. Brent averaged $20.64, up $3.62 (21.3%) from 1995.
The monthly average was lowest in January ($18.86) and highest in December ($25.23). In September 2026 dollars (CPI-U), the 1996 average is $47.50, lower than 2025's real average by $20.93 (30.6%). The 1990s as a whole averaged $19.70, so 1996 ran above its decade. Of 40 complete years with an EIA annual average, 1996 ranks 13th lowest.
1996 summary statistics
| Measure | WTI | Brent | Brent − WTI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | $22.12 | $20.64 | −$1.47 |
| Change vs 1995 average | +$3.69 | +$3.62 | −$0.07 |
| Highest daily price | $26.55 Dec 19, 1996 | $25.40 Oct 22, 1996 | — |
| Lowest daily price | $17.33 Jan 29, 1996 | $16.23 Jan 29, 1996 | — |
| Highest daily spread | — | — | −$0.05 Sep 30, 1996 |
| Lowest daily spread | — | — | −$4.79 Apr 17, 1996 |
| First observation | $19.83 Jan 2, 1996 | $18.95 Jan 2, 1996 | — |
| Last observation | $25.90 Dec 31, 1996 | $23.90 Dec 31, 1996 | — |
| Published daily observations | 254 | 254 | 250 matched |
| Average in September 2026 dollars | $47.50 | $44.32 | — |
Daily spot prices in 1996
Show all 258 dates (Jan 2, 1996 – Dec 31, 1996)
| Date | WTI | Brent | Brent − WTI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2, 1996 | $19.83 | $18.95 | −$0.88 |
| Jan 3, 1996 | $19.90 | $19.15 | −$0.75 |
| Jan 4, 1996 | $19.96 | $19.13 | −$0.83 |
| Jan 5, 1996 | $20.26 | $19.50 | −$0.76 |
| Jan 8, 1996 | $20.50 | $19.68 | −$0.82 |
| Jan 9, 1996 | $19.86 | $19.05 | −$0.81 |
| Jan 10, 1996 | $19.66 | $18.48 | −$1.18 |
| Jan 11, 1996 | $18.87 | $17.85 | −$1.02 |
| Jan 12, 1996 | $18.28 | $17.58 | −$0.70 |
| Jan 15, 1996 | $18.42 | $17.50 | −$0.92 |
| Jan 16, 1996 | $18.12 | $17.73 | −$0.39 |
| Jan 17, 1996 | $18.58 | $17.43 | −$1.15 |
| Jan 18, 1996 | $19.12 | $17.88 | −$1.24 |
| Jan 19, 1996 | $18.94 | $17.53 | −$1.41 |
| Jan 22, 1996 | $18.49 | $17.53 | −$0.96 |
| Jan 23, 1996 | $18.58 | $17.38 | −$1.20 |
| Jan 24, 1996 | $18.95 | $17.33 | −$1.62 |
| Jan 25, 1996 | $18.06 | $17.00 | −$1.06 |
| Jan 26, 1996 | $17.68 | $16.70 | −$0.98 |
| Jan 29, 1996 | $17.33 | $16.23 | −$1.10 |
| Jan 30, 1996 | $17.65 | $16.53 | −$1.12 |
| Jan 31, 1996 | $17.76 | $16.63 | −$1.13 |
| Feb 1, 1996 | $17.63 | $16.78 | −$0.85 |
| Feb 2, 1996 | $17.83 | $17.05 | −$0.78 |
| Feb 5, 1996 | $17.53 | $16.93 | −$0.60 |
| Feb 6, 1996 | $17.74 | $16.83 | −$0.91 |
| Feb 7, 1996 | $17.71 | $16.93 | −$0.78 |
| Feb 8, 1996 | $17.79 | $17.05 | −$0.74 |
| Feb 9, 1996 | $17.83 | $17.23 | −$0.60 |
| Feb 12, 1996 | $18.01 | $17.18 | −$0.83 |
| Feb 13, 1996 | $18.96 | $18.08 | −$0.88 |
| Feb 14, 1996 | $18.86 | $18.28 | −$0.58 |
| Feb 15, 1996 | $19.02 | $18.18 | −$0.84 |
| Feb 16, 1996 | $19.16 | $18.20 | −$0.96 |
| Feb 19, 1996 | — | $18.20 | — |
| Feb 20, 1996 | $21.07 | $18.58 | −$2.49 |
| Feb 21, 1996 | $21.63 | $19.05 | −$2.58 |
| Feb 22, 1996 | $22.14 | $19.28 | −$2.86 |
| Feb 23, 1996 | $20.97 | $18.85 | −$2.12 |
| Feb 26, 1996 | $19.45 | $18.85 | −$0.60 |
| Feb 27, 1996 | $19.65 | $19.00 | −$0.65 |
| Feb 28, 1996 | $19.30 | $18.65 | −$0.65 |
| Feb 29, 1996 | $19.59 | $18.80 | −$0.79 |
| Mar 1, 1996 | $19.45 | $18.55 | −$0.90 |
| Mar 4, 1996 | $19.24 | $18.40 | −$0.84 |
| Mar 5, 1996 | $19.65 | $18.75 | −$0.90 |
| Mar 6, 1996 | $20.16 | $19.18 | −$0.98 |
| Mar 7, 1996 | $19.87 | $19.03 | −$0.84 |
| Mar 8, 1996 | $19.66 | $18.85 | −$0.81 |
| Mar 11, 1996 | $19.92 | $18.93 | −$0.99 |
| Mar 12, 1996 | $20.42 | $19.30 | −$1.12 |
| Mar 13, 1996 | $20.49 | $19.58 | −$0.91 |
| Mar 14, 1996 | $21.18 | $19.40 | −$1.78 |
| Mar 15, 1996 | $21.99 | $19.30 | −$2.69 |
| Mar 18, 1996 | $23.23 | $20.50 | −$2.73 |
| Mar 19, 1996 | $24.56 | $20.35 | −$4.21 |
| Mar 20, 1996 | $22.74 | $20.38 | −$2.36 |
| Mar 21, 1996 | $22.44 | $20.35 | −$2.09 |
| Mar 22, 1996 | $22.85 | $21.15 | −$1.70 |
| Mar 25, 1996 | $23.23 | $21.30 | −$1.93 |
| Mar 26, 1996 | $22.38 | $21.68 | −$0.70 |
| Mar 27, 1996 | $21.64 | $21.33 | −$0.31 |
| Mar 28, 1996 | $21.45 | $20.25 | −$1.20 |
| Mar 29, 1996 | $21.43 | $20.33 | −$1.10 |
| Apr 1, 1996 | $22.29 | $20.80 | −$1.49 |
| Apr 2, 1996 | $22.68 | $21.18 | −$1.50 |
| Apr 3, 1996 | $22.22 | $20.93 | −$1.29 |
| Apr 4, 1996 | $22.75 | $20.85 | −$1.90 |
| Apr 8, 1996 | $23.01 | — | — |
| Apr 9, 1996 | $23.23 | $21.43 | −$1.80 |
| Apr 10, 1996 | $24.08 | $22.63 | −$1.45 |
| Apr 11, 1996 | $25.15 | $23.90 | −$1.25 |
| Apr 12, 1996 | $24.29 | $22.73 | −$1.56 |
| Apr 15, 1996 | $25.13 | $22.68 | −$2.45 |
| Apr 16, 1996 | $24.48 | $21.20 | −$3.28 |
| Apr 17, 1996 | $24.67 | $19.88 | −$4.79 |
| Apr 18, 1996 | $23.47 | $19.33 | −$4.14 |
| Apr 19, 1996 | $23.96 | $19.53 | −$4.43 |
| Apr 22, 1996 | $23.94 | $19.38 | −$4.56 |
| Apr 23, 1996 | $24.39 | $20.88 | −$3.51 |
| Apr 24, 1996 | $24.00 | $20.73 | −$3.27 |
| Apr 25, 1996 | $24.35 | $20.35 | −$4.00 |
| Apr 26, 1996 | $22.33 | $20.05 | −$2.28 |
| Apr 29, 1996 | $22.07 | $20.05 | −$2.02 |
| Apr 30, 1996 | $20.95 | $19.50 | −$1.45 |
| May 1, 1996 | $20.81 | $18.95 | −$1.86 |
| May 2, 1996 | $20.78 | $19.45 | −$1.33 |
| May 3, 1996 | $21.19 | $19.38 | −$1.81 |
| May 6, 1996 | $21.06 | — | — |
| May 7, 1996 | $21.07 | $20.08 | −$0.99 |
| May 8, 1996 | $21.13 | $19.85 | −$1.28 |
| May 9, 1996 | $20.65 | $19.35 | −$1.30 |
| May 10, 1996 | $21.01 | $19.23 | −$1.78 |
| May 13, 1996 | $21.23 | $19.48 | −$1.75 |
| May 14, 1996 | $21.35 | $19.63 | −$1.72 |
| May 15, 1996 | $21.28 | $19.50 | −$1.78 |
| May 16, 1996 | $20.79 | $18.63 | −$2.16 |
| May 17, 1996 | $20.64 | $18.05 | −$2.59 |
| May 20, 1996 | $22.28 | $18.63 | −$3.65 |
| May 21, 1996 | $21.95 | $18.70 | −$3.25 |
| May 22, 1996 | $23.02 | $19.40 | −$3.62 |
| May 23, 1996 | $22.35 | $19.53 | −$2.82 |
| May 24, 1996 | $21.58 | $19.73 | −$1.85 |
| May 28, 1996 | $21.10 | $19.53 | −$1.57 |
| May 29, 1996 | $20.65 | $18.95 | −$1.70 |
| May 30, 1996 | $19.95 | $18.10 | −$1.85 |
| May 31, 1996 | $19.77 | $18.10 | −$1.67 |
| Jun 3, 1996 | $19.86 | $18.25 | −$1.61 |
| Jun 4, 1996 | $20.28 | $18.50 | −$1.78 |
| Jun 5, 1996 | $19.73 | $18.20 | −$1.53 |
| Jun 6, 1996 | $20.06 | $18.18 | −$1.88 |
| Jun 7, 1996 | $20.28 | $18.40 | −$1.88 |
| Jun 10, 1996 | $20.18 | $18.48 | −$1.70 |
| Jun 11, 1996 | $20.13 | $18.28 | −$1.85 |
| Jun 12, 1996 | $20.13 | $18.23 | −$1.90 |
| Jun 13, 1996 | $20.03 | $17.98 | −$2.05 |
| Jun 14, 1996 | $20.28 | $17.83 | −$2.45 |
| Jun 17, 1996 | $21.43 | $18.70 | −$2.73 |
| Jun 18, 1996 | $21.53 | $18.80 | −$2.73 |
| Jun 19, 1996 | $20.73 | $18.40 | −$2.33 |
| Jun 20, 1996 | $20.68 | $18.43 | −$2.25 |
| Jun 21, 1996 | $20.38 | $18.45 | −$1.93 |
| Jun 24, 1996 | $20.10 | $18.38 | −$1.72 |
| Jun 25, 1996 | $20.13 | $18.38 | −$1.75 |
| Jun 26, 1996 | $20.63 | $18.60 | −$2.03 |
| Jun 27, 1996 | $20.98 | $19.38 | −$1.60 |
| Jun 28, 1996 | $20.92 | $19.28 | −$1.64 |
| Jul 1, 1996 | $21.48 | $19.77 | −$1.71 |
| Jul 2, 1996 | $21.08 | $19.43 | −$1.65 |
| Jul 3, 1996 | $21.38 | $19.13 | −$2.25 |
| Jul 4, 1996 | — | $19.77 | — |
| Jul 5, 1996 | $21.65 | $19.99 | −$1.66 |
| Jul 8, 1996 | $21.33 | $19.62 | −$1.71 |
| Jul 9, 1996 | $21.52 | $19.63 | −$1.89 |
| Jul 10, 1996 | $21.56 | $19.80 | −$1.76 |
| Jul 11, 1996 | $21.96 | $20.01 | −$1.95 |
| Jul 12, 1996 | $21.90 | $19.93 | −$1.97 |
| Jul 15, 1996 | $22.43 | $20.20 | −$2.23 |
| Jul 16, 1996 | $22.28 | $20.30 | −$1.98 |
| Jul 17, 1996 | $21.65 | $19.75 | −$1.90 |
| Jul 18, 1996 | $21.68 | $19.95 | −$1.73 |
| Jul 19, 1996 | $20.95 | $19.45 | −$1.50 |
| Jul 22, 1996 | $21.05 | $19.23 | −$1.82 |
| Jul 23, 1996 | $21.58 | $19.50 | −$2.08 |
| Jul 24, 1996 | $20.97 | $19.36 | −$1.61 |
| Jul 25, 1996 | $21.05 | $19.50 | −$1.55 |
| Jul 26, 1996 | $20.13 | $18.92 | −$1.21 |
| Jul 29, 1996 | $20.28 | $18.99 | −$1.29 |
| Jul 30, 1996 | $20.28 | $18.90 | −$1.38 |
| Jul 31, 1996 | $20.46 | $19.00 | −$1.46 |
| Aug 1, 1996 | $20.95 | $18.84 | −$2.11 |
| Aug 2, 1996 | $21.35 | $19.63 | −$1.72 |
| Aug 5, 1996 | $21.25 | $19.65 | −$1.60 |
| Aug 6, 1996 | $21.08 | $19.45 | −$1.63 |
| Aug 7, 1996 | $21.35 | $19.48 | −$1.87 |
| Aug 8, 1996 | $21.45 | $20.03 | −$1.42 |
| Aug 9, 1996 | $21.60 | $20.05 | −$1.55 |
| Aug 12, 1996 | $22.25 | $20.65 | −$1.60 |
| Aug 13, 1996 | $22.35 | $21.03 | −$1.32 |
| Aug 14, 1996 | $22.10 | $20.90 | −$1.20 |
| Aug 15, 1996 | $21.95 | $20.88 | −$1.07 |
| Aug 16, 1996 | $22.60 | $21.30 | −$1.30 |
| Aug 19, 1996 | $23.10 | $21.58 | −$1.52 |
| Aug 20, 1996 | $22.53 | $21.35 | −$1.18 |
| Aug 21, 1996 | $22.15 | $20.80 | −$1.35 |
| Aug 22, 1996 | $22.48 | $21.25 | −$1.23 |
| Aug 23, 1996 | $22.23 | $20.78 | −$1.45 |
| Aug 26, 1996 | $21.55 | — | — |
| Aug 27, 1996 | $21.35 | $20.45 | −$0.90 |
| Aug 28, 1996 | $21.75 | $20.68 | −$1.07 |
| Aug 29, 1996 | $22.20 | $21.00 | −$1.20 |
| Aug 30, 1996 | $22.25 | $20.98 | −$1.27 |
| Sep 2, 1996 | — | $22.23 | — |
| Sep 3, 1996 | $23.35 | $21.90 | −$1.45 |
| Sep 4, 1996 | $23.25 | $22.20 | −$1.05 |
| Sep 5, 1996 | $23.45 | $22.15 | −$1.30 |
| Sep 6, 1996 | $23.85 | $22.43 | −$1.42 |
| Sep 9, 1996 | $23.75 | $22.25 | −$1.50 |
| Sep 10, 1996 | $24.15 | $22.68 | −$1.47 |
| Sep 11, 1996 | $24.75 | $23.30 | −$1.45 |
| Sep 12, 1996 | $24.95 | $23.35 | −$1.60 |
| Sep 13, 1996 | $24.50 | $23.83 | −$0.67 |
| Sep 16, 1996 | $23.30 | $22.60 | −$0.70 |
| Sep 17, 1996 | $23.40 | $21.70 | −$1.70 |
| Sep 18, 1996 | $23.85 | $22.38 | −$1.47 |
| Sep 19, 1996 | $23.45 | $22.08 | −$1.37 |
| Sep 20, 1996 | $23.60 | $21.78 | −$1.82 |
| Sep 23, 1996 | $23.83 | $22.15 | −$1.68 |
| Sep 24, 1996 | $24.55 | $22.78 | −$1.77 |
| Sep 25, 1996 | $24.60 | $23.05 | −$1.55 |
| Sep 26, 1996 | $24.05 | $23.35 | −$0.70 |
| Sep 27, 1996 | $24.60 | $22.90 | −$1.70 |
| Sep 30, 1996 | $24.20 | $24.15 | −$0.05 |
| Oct 1, 1996 | $24.35 | $23.18 | −$1.17 |
| Oct 2, 1996 | $24.05 | $23.13 | −$0.92 |
| Oct 3, 1996 | $24.85 | $23.63 | −$1.22 |
| Oct 4, 1996 | $24.75 | $23.88 | −$0.87 |
| Oct 7, 1996 | $25.25 | $24.28 | −$0.97 |
| Oct 8, 1996 | $25.45 | $24.55 | −$0.90 |
| Oct 9, 1996 | $25.00 | $24.58 | −$0.42 |
| Oct 10, 1996 | $24.30 | $23.63 | −$0.67 |
| Oct 11, 1996 | $24.65 | $23.85 | −$0.80 |
| Oct 14, 1996 | $25.50 | $24.75 | −$0.75 |
| Oct 15, 1996 | $25.45 | $24.58 | −$0.87 |
| Oct 16, 1996 | $25.10 | $24.50 | −$0.60 |
| Oct 17, 1996 | $25.40 | $24.83 | −$0.57 |
| Oct 18, 1996 | $25.80 | $25.18 | −$0.62 |
| Oct 21, 1996 | $25.85 | $25.08 | −$0.77 |
| Oct 22, 1996 | $25.79 | $25.40 | −$0.39 |
| Oct 23, 1996 | $24.78 | $24.60 | −$0.18 |
| Oct 24, 1996 | $24.55 | $24.28 | −$0.27 |
| Oct 25, 1996 | $24.80 | $24.13 | −$0.67 |
| Oct 28, 1996 | $24.75 | $24.45 | −$0.30 |
| Oct 29, 1996 | $24.15 | $23.30 | −$0.85 |
| Oct 30, 1996 | $24.40 | $23.15 | −$1.25 |
| Oct 31, 1996 | $23.25 | $22.80 | −$0.45 |
| Nov 1, 1996 | $23.00 | $22.30 | −$0.70 |
| Nov 4, 1996 | $22.80 | $22.10 | −$0.70 |
| Nov 5, 1996 | $22.65 | $21.85 | −$0.80 |
| Nov 6, 1996 | $22.75 | $21.85 | −$0.90 |
| Nov 7, 1996 | $22.80 | $21.75 | −$1.05 |
| Nov 8, 1996 | $23.60 | $22.40 | −$1.20 |
| Nov 11, 1996 | $23.35 | $22.70 | −$0.65 |
| Nov 12, 1996 | $23.40 | $22.38 | −$1.02 |
| Nov 13, 1996 | $24.25 | $22.88 | −$1.37 |
| Nov 14, 1996 | $24.35 | $23.18 | −$1.17 |
| Nov 15, 1996 | $24.15 | $23.28 | −$0.87 |
| Nov 18, 1996 | $23.85 | $22.75 | −$1.10 |
| Nov 19, 1996 | $24.50 | $23.13 | −$1.37 |
| Nov 20, 1996 | $23.75 | $23.40 | −$0.35 |
| Nov 21, 1996 | $23.90 | $22.90 | −$1.00 |
| Nov 22, 1996 | $24.15 | $23.86 | −$0.29 |
| Nov 25, 1996 | $25.75 | $23.22 | −$2.53 |
| Nov 26, 1996 | $23.70 | $22.78 | −$0.92 |
| Nov 27, 1996 | $23.70 | $23.07 | −$0.63 |
| Nov 28, 1996 | — | $23.00 | — |
| Nov 29, 1996 | $23.70 | $23.17 | −$0.53 |
| Dec 2, 1996 | $24.70 | $23.50 | −$1.20 |
| Dec 3, 1996 | $24.80 | $24.12 | −$0.68 |
| Dec 4, 1996 | $25.00 | $24.21 | −$0.79 |
| Dec 5, 1996 | $25.60 | $24.49 | −$1.11 |
| Dec 6, 1996 | $25.60 | $24.56 | −$1.04 |
| Dec 9, 1996 | $25.15 | $24.18 | −$0.97 |
| Dec 10, 1996 | $24.25 | $23.74 | −$0.51 |
| Dec 11, 1996 | $23.40 | $22.95 | −$0.45 |
| Dec 12, 1996 | $23.75 | $22.65 | −$1.10 |
| Dec 13, 1996 | $24.45 | $22.83 | −$1.62 |
| Dec 16, 1996 | $25.70 | $23.98 | −$1.72 |
| Dec 17, 1996 | $25.70 | $24.05 | −$1.65 |
| Dec 18, 1996 | $26.05 | $23.69 | −$2.36 |
| Dec 19, 1996 | $26.55 | $24.18 | −$2.37 |
| Dec 20, 1996 | $26.10 | $23.96 | −$2.14 |
| Dec 23, 1996 | $26.40 | $23.51 | −$2.89 |
| Dec 24, 1996 | $25.05 | $23.66 | −$1.39 |
| Dec 26, 1996 | $25.10 | — | — |
| Dec 27, 1996 | $25.20 | $23.55 | −$1.65 |
| Dec 30, 1996 | $25.35 | $23.95 | −$1.40 |
| Dec 31, 1996 | $25.90 | $23.90 | −$2.00 |
“—” means EIA published no price for that benchmark on that date.
Source and methodology
| Provider | Series | Units | Coverage | Latest observation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Energy Information Administration | RWTC — WTI spot price FOB | $/bbl | Jan 2, 1996 – Dec 31, 1996 | Dec 31, 1996 |
| U.S. Energy Information Administration | RBRTE — Brent spot price FOB | $/bbl | Jan 2, 1996 – Dec 31, 1996 | Dec 31, 1996 |
| U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | CUUR0000SA0 — CPI-U, all items, NSA | index, 1982–84=100 | monthly and annual average | September 2026 |
Inflation adjustment: real = nominal × CPI-U(September 2026) ÷ CPI-U(period). Annual figures use the BLS annual average CPI-U; a year without one uses the mean of the months published so far.
Last updated: Oct 21, 2026, 5:27 PM CDT. Raw values are shown in source units; any conversion is labeled. See methodology and data sources.
Download:1996 daily prices (CSV)