🛢️ Oil Price Calculator

How much would you have made investing in oil?

Data updates daily via Yahoo Finance

* This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

* Prices based on approximate yearly averages. Actual results may vary.

India is the world's third-largest oil importer, making crude oil prices directly relevant to the Indian economy. Oil prices affect fuel costs, inflation, and the trade deficit. Understanding oil price history helps Indian investors and consumers.

Indian investors can gain exposure to oil through commodity futures on MCX, international ETFs (USO, BNO), or energy stocks (ONGC, Reliance, IOC). Oil prices in INR are also affected by the USD/INR exchange rate.

Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Oil is extremely volatile - it went negative in April 2020 and has experienced multiple 50%+ crashes. Commodity futures carry additional risks including contango.

Enter your investment in ₹, select buy year (from 1986) and sell year (or 'Today'), and click Calculate.

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FAQ

What affects the price of oil?

Oil prices are driven by OPEC+ supply decisions, global demand, inventories, geopolitical events, and US dollar strength. India is the world's third-largest oil importer, making oil prices directly relevant.

How does the calculator compute returns?

Uses yearly average prices per barrel of WTI crude oil, calculates 'barrels' purchased at buy price, and multiplies by the sell price. Results shown in INR.

What is WTI?

WTI (West Texas Intermediate) is a grade of crude oil used as a benchmark in financial markets. India primarily imports Brent crude, but WTI closely tracks global oil prices.

What happened to oil in April 2020?

Due to pandemic demand collapse and storage shortages, WTI crude futures went negative to -$37/barrel — an unprecedented event. Indian oil companies were significantly impacted.

How can I invest in oil in India?

Through MCX crude oil futures, energy stocks (ONGC, Reliance, IOC, BPCL), international ETFs via LRS, or energy sector mutual funds.

What is contango risk in oil ETFs?

Oil ETFs suffer from contango — when future-month contracts cost more than current ones, the ETF loses money rolling contracts. USO lost 90%+ of its value over years even when oil prices recovered.

How does oil price affect India?

India imports ~85% of its oil needs. High oil prices increase the trade deficit, weaken the rupee, and drive inflation (fuel, transport costs). Low oil prices benefit the Indian economy and strengthen the rupee.

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📊 Data source: Yahoo Finance (Oil), updated daily

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🏆 Commodities

Created by Amiel Riss | SmartMoney77

Who Is This Calculator For?

Inflation hedgers

You've heard that Crude Oil (WTI) protects against inflation and want to see the actual numbers. This calculator shows real historical returns over any period — sometimes confirming the thesis, sometimes challenging it.

Portfolio diversifiers

You're considering adding Crude Oil (WTI) to your investment mix and want to understand how it's performed independently of stocks. Commodities often move differently from equities, which is exactly why they're used for diversification.

History enthusiasts

You want to explore how Crude Oil (WTI) prices responded to major events — oil crises, financial crashes, pandemics, wars. The historical price data reveals patterns that headlines alone can't capture.

Important Limitations

Spot price ≠ investment return

This calculator tracks spot commodity prices. In reality, most investors access commodities through ETFs, futures, or mining stocks — each with their own costs and tracking differences. ETF expense ratios, futures contract rollover costs, and contango can significantly reduce actual returns compared to spot price appreciation.

No storage or carrying costs

Physical commodities have storage, insurance, and transportation costs. This calculator shows price movement only — owning physical gold, silver, or oil barrels costs more than the price alone suggests.

Prices are in USD

All commodity prices are from Yahoo Finance in USD. If your local currency weakened against USD during the period, your actual return in local currency would be higher — and vice versa. We use current exchange rates, not historical ones.

Commodities don't generate income

Unlike stocks (dividends) or bonds (interest), commodities produce no cash flow. Returns come entirely from price appreciation. This matters for long-term comparisons with income-producing assets.

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