Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, for countries that began Ramadan on February 18. This date is contingent upon the visibility of the Shawwal crescent moon, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid festivities.

For those countries that commenced Ramadan a day later, on February 19, 2026, Eid may be declared on Saturday, March 21, 2026, due to crescent visibility issues. The Shawwal crescent moon will not be visible on March 18, making it impossible to declare Eid on that day.

The UAE federal government has announced that the holiday for Eid Al Fitr will extend from March 19 to March 22, 2026. In Saudi Arabia, the Eid Al Fitr holiday will commence at the end of the workday on March 18, allowing citizens to prepare for the celebrations.

On March 19, 2026, the crescent moon is expected to set 29 minutes after sunset in Abu Dhabi, while visibility will be extremely difficult and may require a telescope. In Riyadh, the moon will set 30 minutes after sunset, and in Amman and Jerusalem, it will set 36 minutes after sunset. These timings highlight the challenges in determining the exact date for Eid based on lunar observations.

Countries where Ramadan began on February 18 are expected to complete a full 30 days of fasting, which is a significant aspect of the Islamic tradition. The observance of Eid Al Fitr is a time for communal prayers, feasting, and giving to charity, marking the end of a month of fasting and reflection.

In Bangladesh, the government has declared March 18, 2026, a public holiday, indicating that the country may align its celebrations with those observing Eid on that date. This decision reflects the importance of the holiday across different regions and cultures.

As the date approaches, observers are keenly awaiting the official announcements regarding the moon sighting and the final confirmation of Eid celebrations. Details remain unconfirmed, and variations in the observance of Eid Al Fitr highlight the diverse practices within the Muslim community.

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Oil prices have seen a significant decline today, with Brent crude trading at $89.31 per barrel, down 9.75%. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has fallen to $85.90, marking a decrease of 9.36%. This sharp drop follows a surge earlier in the week when oil prices exceeded $100 per barrel, nearing $120.

Causes of the Price Drop

The recent volatility in oil prices can be attributed to several geopolitical factors and production adjustments by key oil-producing nations. Iraq has announced a drastic cut in output at its main southern oilfields, reducing production by 70% to approximately 1.3 million barrels per day. Additionally, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has begun reducing its production and has declared force majeure, further tightening supply.

Saudi Arabia has also joined in the trend of trimming output, contributing to the overall instability in the oil market. Tehran has issued warnings regarding the export of oil from the region, stating it would not allow ‘one litre of oil’ to be exported if U.S. and Israeli strikes continue. This rhetoric adds to the uncertainty surrounding oil supply and pricing.

Market Reactions and Future Expectations

The G7 finance ministers have indicated their readiness to take action to stabilize the oil markets, reflecting the global concern over fluctuating energy prices. Meanwhile, Chinese assets have rallied as energy costs have fallen, suggesting that the economic implications of lower oil prices are being felt in various markets.

Former President Donald Trump has suggested that the conflict with Iran may soon come to an end, which could alleviate fears of prolonged disruptions to global crude supplies. However, analysts like Tony Sycamore have noted that crude oil is expected to remain highly volatile, predicting it will trade within a wide range between $75ish and $105ish in the sessions ahead.

Uncertainties Ahead

Despite the current trends, uncertainties remain. It is unclear how Iran will react if there were a cessation of attacks from the U.S., and the exact impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions on oil prices remains uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed, and market participants are advised to stay vigilant as the situation evolves.

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