Crude Oil Mini Futures & Options Expiry 2026

The futures & options contracts of crude oil mini are viable for traders who want to participate in the crude oil market with lower capital and a smaller lot size. These contracts are suitable for traders aiming to capitalise on the short-term price movements in crude oil. However, it is imperative that traders be aware of the expiry dates of futures and options contracts. Let’s take a look at the crude mini futures & options expiry dates in 2026.

What is Crude Oil Mini Futures & Options Expiry?

Crude oil mini F&O contracts allow traders to invest, hedge, or speculate on crude oil prices. These contracts have a smaller lot size, making it more accessible for traders.  

Crude oil mini futures & options (F&O) contracts are derivative contracts of crude oil. The parties to crude oil mini-derivative contracts agree to purchase or sell the commodity at a predetermined price and specific date, known as the expiry date. The value of these contracts changes with a change in the price of crude oil. The contracts have no intrinsic value and expire on a specific date. The expiry date is the last day these contracts are traded. After the contracts expire, traders can choose to settle them by cash settlement or physical delivery.

Crude Oil Mini Futures Expiry Dates 2026

Here are the expiry dates for MCX crude oil mini futures contracts in 2026 -

Crude Oil Mini Options Expiry 2026

Here are the expiry months for MCX crude oil options contracts in 2026 -

Factors That Affect Crude Oil Mini Prices on Expiry

Crude oil mini F&O contracts are derivative contracts of crude oil. As a result, changes in crude oil prices affect the value of futures and options contracts. Let’s look at some of the key factors impacting price.

Global Demand and Supply

Crude oil prices are heavily influenced by the global demand and supply environment. When supply is less than demand, it can drive up crude oil prices. On the contrary, if the supply of crude oil exceeds the demand, the price of crude oil declines.

Economic and Geopolitical Environment

The economic and geopolitical environment is crucial to crude oil prices. Factors such as inflation, GDP growth, and manufacturing activity affect crude oil prices. Geopolitical events, including political instability, trade restrictions, taxes, and the regulatory framework surrounding crude, are additional factors that traders should be aware of.

Crude Oil Inventory

While trading crude oil mini futures & options, monitoring crude oil inventory levels can provide valuable insights into global demand and supply dynamics. Certain agencies release crude oil inventory levels on a weekly or monthly basis. A higher inventory of crude oil indicates lower consumption, a sign of lower demand. A decline in inventory indicates that crude oil demand exceeds supply.

Import Costs

At the domestic level, crude oil prices are affected by currency rates. When the local currency is weak, importing crude oil becomes more expensive. As a result, the domestic price of crude oil also increases. Traders should keep a close eye on foreign exchange rates while trading crude oil mini contracts.