Why is the CFTC seeking feedback on perpetual futures for energy commodities?

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is seeking feedback on whether perpetual futures structures can work for physical energy commodities such as crude oil. The consultation will help the agency assess market design, pricing and regulatory considerations before any potential rulemaking.

What are perpetual futures contracts and how do they differ from standard futures?

Perpetual futures contracts do not have an expiry date and use funding payments to keep prices aligned with the underlying asset. Standard futures contracts have fixed expiration dates and settlement or delivery requirements.

How could crude oil markets be affected by perpetual futures contracts?

The CFTC is examining how perpetual futures linked to crude oil would interact with storage costs, delivery logistics and seasonal supply factors. These characteristics differ from digital assets and may affect how perpetual contracts function in energy markets.

What does the CFTC's 24/7 trading consultation involve?

The CFTC is asking whether existing futures contracts could operate continuously without changing their expiration, delivery or settlement terms. The review covers energy futures and other contracts traded on regulated US exchanges.

How does Bitcoin (CRYPTO) relate to the CFTC's consultation?

Bitcoin (CRYPTO) perpetual futures were recently approved in regulated US markets, creating a framework that the CFTC is now evaluating for other asset classes. The agency has stated that agricultural and energy products could also be assessed for similar contract structures.

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CFTC seeks feedback on perpetual oil futures

Written by Brie CarterPublished Jun 23, 2026, 1:25 AM

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission opened a public consultation on 24/7 futures trading and perpetual contracts linked to physical energy commodities.
The review could expand the perpetual futures model beyond crypto markets into products such as crude oil.
The agency said feedback will help assess how new contract structures interact with market integrity and anti-manipulation safeguards.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) launched a public consultation seeking feedback on round-the-clock futures trading and perpetual contracts tied to physically delivered energy commodities such as crude oil.

The request follows the agency's recent approval of regulated perpetual Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) futures and its broader examination of how perpetual contract structures could apply to other asset classes.

“As registered entities extend trading hours and introduce new contract designs, this request reflects the Commission's commitment to supporting responsible innovation while preserving the protections against manipulation and market disruption that participants and the public rely on,” said CFTC Chairman Michael Selig.

The consultation asks how standard futures contracts would operate on a 24/7 schedule without changing expiry or settlement terms and how perpetual contracts would function when linked to physical commodities that involve storage and delivery costs.

The CFTC said comments will be accepted for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register and will be used to inform future policy considerations, while Following the announcement no rule changes or new contracts were approved.

Perpetual futures have become a dominant product in cryptocurrency markets because they allow continuous trading without expiry dates, using funding payments to keep prices aligned with underlying assets.

The consultation also follows a legal dispute between CME Group and the CFTC, with CME arguing that perpetual futures should be regulated as swaps rather than standard futures contracts.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $64,129.99.

CFTC seeks feedback on perpetual oil futures

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