Global energy commodity price index 2013-2025
The global energy price index stood at around 106.9 in 2023. This was a decrease of 45 points compared to the previous year, when fuel and power demand increased as the economies recovered from the coronavirus pandemic. For 2024, forecasts suggest the price index would decrease to 104. Price indices show the development of prices for goods or services over time relative to a base year. Commodity prices may be dependent on various factors, from supply and demand to overall economic growth.
Electricity prices around the world
As with overall fuel prices, electricity costs for end users are dependent on power infrastructure, technology type, domestic production, and governmental levies and taxes. Generally, electricity prices are lower in countries with great coal and gas resources, as those have historically been the main sources for electricity generation. This is one of the reasons why electricity prices are lowest in resource-rich countries such as Qatar, Russia, and the United States. Meanwhile, many European governments that have introduced renewable surcharges to support the deployment of solar and wind power and are at the same time dependent on fossil fuels imports, have the highest household electricity prices.
Benchmark oil prices
One of the commodities found within the energy market is oil. Oil is the main raw material for all common motor fuels, from gasoline to kerosene. In resource-poor and remote regions such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Cyprus, it is also one of the largest sources for electricity generation. Benchmark oil prices such as Europe’s Brent, the United States' WTI, or the OPEC basket are often used as indicators for the overall energy price development.