Story perspectives

Oil inventories near critical low, prices could hit $150.

6/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

US analysts say the global oil system will hit operational stress by June as inventories dwindle.
An ExxonMobil senior executive warned investors the industry is approaching unheard-of inventory levels.
The absolute operational minimum is about 6.8 billion barrels, leaving roughly 1.7 billion barrels of usable stock.
Executives expect oil prices could rise to $150 a barrel or higher once tank bottoms are reached, after July 31 WTI futures settled at $90.54 a barrel.

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Story summary

US analysts say the global oil system will hit operational stress by June as inventories dwindle.
An ExxonMobil senior executive warned investors the industry is approaching unheard-of inventory levels.
The absolute operational minimum is about 6.8 billion barrels, leaving roughly 1.7 billion barrels of usable stock.
Executives expect oil prices could rise to $150 a barrel or higher once tank bottoms are reached, after July 31 WTI futures settled at $90.54 a barrel.