Oil struggles for direction as IEA flags greater volatility ahead, OPEC cuts demand forecast

The Ateela 2 Oil Tanker boat navigates the sea on April 28, 2026 on Qeshm Island, Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Asghar Besharati | Getty Images Oil was struggling for direction Thursday as traders weighed OPEC 's lower demand outlook for this year, while the International Energy Agency flagged greater volatility ahead. International benchmark Brent crude futures for July were down 0.21% at $105.42 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for June fell 0.16% at $100.87 per barrel. …