The Sahara Blend oil price surged to the top of the Arab and African crude rankings in February 2026, reaching an average of $73.59 per barrel according to the latest report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drove a sharp rise in global oil markets.
The Algerian flagship crude recorded a monthly increase of $5.86 compared with January, when it stood at $67.73 per barrel. The strong performance allowed Algeria’s benchmark oil to outperform several major regional crudes, including Libya’s Es Sider and Nigeria’s Bonny Light.
The price data was published in OPEC’s monthly oil market report, which tracks the performance of the organization’s reference basket and a range of international crude benchmarks. The figures show that while most oils benefited from the broader market rally, Sahara Blend managed to break ahead of its competitors.
Among African and Middle Eastern grades, Sahara Blend emerged as the highest-priced crude for February. Nigeria’s Bonny Light averaged $71.96 per barrel, while Libya’s Es Sider reached $71.14. Gabon’s Rabi Light stood at $70.63, followed by the United Arab Emirates’ Murban at $69.45.
Other regional crudes remained below the Algerian benchmark. Saudi Arabia’s Arab Light averaged $68.40 per barrel, Dubai crude stood at $68.26, Iraq’s Basrah Medium reached $66.77, Kuwait Export traded at $66.61, and Iran Heavy averaged $66.59.
Energy analysts attribute Sahara Blend’s strong performance largely to its quality characteristics. The crude is classified as light and sweet, meaning it has low sulfur content and produces a higher yield of refined products such as gasoline and diesel.
This quality advantage has become particularly valuable for European and Asian refineries seeking efficient feedstocks at a time when global energy markets face heightened uncertainty.
The surge in prices also reflects rising geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, which have increased fears of supply disruptions in key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. As concerns over shipping security intensified, oil markets reacted sharply, pushing crude prices upward across the board.
OPEC’s report shows that the organization’s reference basket price climbed to $67.90 per barrel in February, up from $62.31 in January. The $5.59 increase highlights the broader bullish momentum affecting oil-producing nations.
Market volatility has continued beyond the reporting period. Futures contracts for global benchmarks have risen rapidly as traders speculate on potential supply shocks linked to regional instability.
North Sea Brent crude has climbed above $90 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has traded above $86 in recent sessions. Some market activity even briefly pushed Brent close to $119 during a spike earlier in the week, reflecting the nervousness currently dominating the energy markets.
Within this volatile environment, the Sahara Blend oil price is becoming an increasingly strategic asset for Algeria. The country benefits not only from the rising global price environment but also from the premium associated with its high-quality crude.
With global demand remaining strong and supply concerns continuing to shape market behavior, Algeria’s position in the international oil market may become even more prominent in the months ahead as refiners seek reliable and high-value crude sources.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.