Energy markets close the week with their steepest decline since late June, as OPEC+ meeting anticipation and US government shutdown concerns overwhelm modest Friday gains on October 3, 2025. WTI crude rose 0.60% to $60.84 per barrel, settling near four-month lows despite the rebound. Brent gained 0.56% to $64.47, but both benchmarks head for approximately 8% weekly losses—the largest since June. Henry Hub natural gas fell 0.31% to $3.43 per MMBtu, though maintaining strong monthly gains of 11.63%. The week's decline reflects mounting oversupply pressures. Wednesday's EIA report showed crude inventories rising 1.79 million barrels, contradicting API's 3.67 million barrel draw and confirming demand weakness with gasoline consumption at six-month lows. Refinery utilization dropped to 91.4% from 93% due to seasonal maintenance, while crude imports fell 7.5% year-over-year. The data shift from last week's geopolitical rally to this week's fundamental reality marks a critical sentiment change. OPEC+ meeting anticipation dominates Friday positioning. Sunday's October 5 gathering may approve output increases of 411,000 to 500,000 barrels per day for November, potentially tripling October's hike as Saudi Arabia aims to regain market share. The group has cumulatively raised quotas over 2.5 million bpd since April's voluntary cut unwinding began. Reports suggest aggressive supply acceleration, though OPEC cautioned the 500,000 bpd figure is "misleading". Global crude exports are forecast to surge 600,000 bpd in October to a record 41 million bpd, driven by Middle East shipments. Analyst forecasts turned sharply bearish. JPMorgan believes September marked a turning point toward "sizeable surplus," while Macquarie cut price targets citing weaker demand and substantial supply additions. The IEA projects record 2026 global glut, with Brent expected to average $59-$62 in Q4 2025, potentially falling to $49-$50 by early 2026. The EIA forecasts Brent averaging $51 per barrel next year. Wall Street banks anticipate Brent sliding into the $50s range, marking a dramatic shift from recent geopolitical premiums. The US government shutdown entered its third day Friday, dampening demand outlooks and delaying crucial economic data releases. The shutdown fuels concerns about curtailed economic activity and oil consumption, compounding oversupply fears. Markets struggle to assess consumption trends without timely data, adding uncertainty to already bearish fundamentals. G7 finance ministers pledged to intensify sanctions measures against Russia, targeting entities expanding Russian oil purchases. The commitment aims to tighten enforcement of existing restrictions and close circumvention loopholes, though effectiveness remains uncertain given Russia's successful pivot to Asian markets. Kurdish export resumption adds downward pressure, with Turkey's Ceyhan terminal loading cargoes at 240,000 bpd after the 2.5-year halt. Natural gas showed relative strength despite Friday's dip. The November 2025 NYMEX contract rose to $3.476 per MMBtu, up 34 cents from the previous week. Monthly gains of 11.63% and year-over-year increases of 20.23% reflect tightening fundamentals from flat production and rising LNG exports. The EIA's Q4 forecast of $3.70 per MMBtu remains supported, though warmer-than-usual weather through mid-October could reduce heating demand. Middle East investment remains robust despite price pressures. The region plans $130 billion in oil and gas supply for 2025, representing 15% of global investment. Saudi Arabia leads at $40 billion upstream spending, while clean energy attracts $10 billion. Renewable generation is expected to grow 14% annually through 2027, predominantly solar PV. Gas-fired generation accelerates as countries transition from oil, aiming to become the primary power source. Russia's energy strategy continues evolving under sanctions pressure. Ukrainian drone attacks have idled nearly 40% of refining capacity, causing gasoline shortages and 10% production declines. Moscow considers eliminating gasoline import tariffs and increasing Belarus fuel imports to stabilize domestic markets. Russia's budget deficit is projected at 2.6% of GDP in 2025, driven by diminished oil and gas revenues. Despite challenges, Russia deepens Asia pivot with LNG exports to China via Arctic LNG 2 and Sakhalin 2, while advancing Power of Siberia 2 pipeline. Technically, WTI's break below $62 targets $60 support, with $58 next if selling accelerates. Brent's $64 level is critical; break below eyes $62 then $60. Natural gas holds $3.40, with $3.70 Q4 target intact on LNG export strength. Friday's modest gains reflect position squaring ahead of OPEC+ rather than fundamental improvement. This episode analyzes how energy executives should position for markets where the week's 8% decline marks a decisive shift from geopolitical premiums to oversupply reality, with Sunday's OPEC+ decision critical for Q4 direction.

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