WTI Tops $75 as Bakken Differential Holds Steady; Vivakor Announces Major Crude Deal

West Texas Intermediate crude oil traded at $75.92 per barrel at midday Wednesday, a gain of 65 cents. The global benchmark, Brent crude, rose 57 cents to $79.53, according to live price data. Natural gas prices saw a slight decline, trading at $3.16.

The price move higher for crude comes alongside news of significant commercial activity in the Bakken formation. Vivakor, Inc. announced its commodities trading platform has secured a one-year crude oil transaction expected to generate approximately $115 million in annualized gross revenue, according to a company statement. The deal covers about 120,000 barrels per month and is set to run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

For Bakken operators, the price of their crude is benchmarked against WTI, minus a regional differential. That differential was holding at -$3.42 per barrel versus WTI on Wednesday. This means Bakken crude at the wellhead is priced approximately at $72.50 based on the current WTI price.

The Vivakor transaction underscores the integrated infrastructure strategy companies are employing in the region. The crude volumes will be delivered through Vivakor's pipeline-connected injection facilities at Stanley and Beaver Lodge, North Dakota. "This transaction demonstrates the value of integrating commodity marketing with physical infrastructure," said James Ballengee, Chairman and CEO of Vivakor, in the statement.

The company noted that inclusive of this new deal, its recurring contracted commercial activities represent approximately $300 million in annualized contracted revenue opportunities for 2026. The arrangement expands the commercial footprint of Vivakor Supply & Trading in the Bakken and increases utilization of its gathering and logistics assets.

"The Bakken remains one of North America's most important crude oil producing regions, and this agreement further strengthens our commercial presence in the basin," Ballengee stated in the release. The deal reflects ongoing efforts by midstream and marketing firms to secure long-term, recurring revenue streams by leveraging physical infrastructure to move basin production to market.

Steady differentials and firm outright prices provide revenue predictability for producers. The announcement of a substantial, recurring supply deal also signals confidence in the basin's long-term output and the infrastructure network's ability to handle it. For royalty owners and operators, sustained commercial activity at the marketing level supports the overall economic viability of Bakken production.