Oil prices showed signs of stability on Friday, February 13, 2026, as investors balanced recent U.S. inflation data with looming supply developments from major producers. Brent crude futures ticked up slightly to about $67.61 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate held near $62.84, after both benchmarks pared earlier losses.
The market had dipped earlier in the session following reports that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) is considering resuming oil output increases from April, a potential shift that could boost global supply ahead of peak demand season.
Traders were cautious after the Reuters report on OPEC+ supply intentions, which pushed Brent down below $67 before buyers stepped in. Analyst Ole Hansen of Saxo Bank noted that unexpected production policy shifts often grab market attention.
Oil prices rebounded after U.S. consumer price index figures for January showed a smaller-than-expected rise in inflation, a result that could underpin expectations of future Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and encourage risk appetite among investors.
The softer inflation data suggested that U.S. monetary policy may ease later this year, supporting broader markets and providing some upside pressure on crude prices.
Geopolitical risk factors also influenced the market earlier in the week; oil had strengthened on fears the U.S. might confront Iran over its nuclear programme, but those concerns eased after comments from U.S. President Donald Trump about a possible deal with Tehran.
Elsewhere, Russia said the next round of peace talks on Ukraine is expected next week, a development that could affect regional supply dynamics if sanctions or energy exports are altered.
U.S. officials said the Treasury will issue more sanction waivers on Venezuelan energy exports this week, and U.S.-controlled oil sales from Venezuela have surpassed $1 billion since January, with billions more expected in coming months.
The combination of potential higher production from OPEC+ and easing geopolitical risk has tempered oil’s recent rally, keeping prices modestly stable but below earlier highs reached amid Middle East tensions.
Overall, market participants ended the week with caution as weekly losses remained evident for both Brent and WTI, and traders continued to weigh supply prospects against economic signals from the United States and beyond.