2017 was another volatile year for oil. While crude started in the mid-$50s, it plunged into the low-$40s by mid-summer before recovering into the $60s by year-end. This year, however, has been tamer through the first couple of months, with crude averaging more than $60 a barrel thanks to relatively stable market conditions because several factors are currently working in harmony to keep it at that level. However, volatility could quickly return to the oil market if any of these factors change or others get thrown into the mix. Here are 10 things that are either currently influencing, or could be set to influence oil prices this year.
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