The Brent/WTI spread has historically ranged between $4/bbl and $8/bbl, but it can expand or contract based on factors related to U.S. and international supply and demand conditions. For example, the Brent/WTI spread hit nearly $14/bbl in April 2011 when protests sparked market fears of significant oil supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Oil prices ticked lower on Friday but remained on track for a second consecutive week of gains, drawing support from a large cut in U.S. interest rates and declining U.S. stockpiles, Brent futures were down 34 cents,

Crude prices surged past $70 this week, driven by a Federal Reserve rate cut and a decrease in US oil supplies.