U.S. crude oil was expected to average $74.00 a barrel in 2010, a Reuters poll showed on Monday, as almost one third of analysts surveyed increased their forecasts on the back of a stronger economic outlook.

The poll of 29 analysts showed a higher average oil price forecast for the sixth consecutive month, up from $73.46 in September. In April of this year, the average analyst forecast for 2010 was just $65.95 a barrel.

For a graphic showing the Reuters oil price poll, click here here

"Fundamentals for the oil market look better and better with the IMF raising the forecast for global growth in 2010," said Frank Schallenberger, head of commodity research at Landesbank.

http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-43435320091026

I was hoping it stays $50-60 range

i think 2010 average is 80-90

 I agree with Klaabukosmos, and might even go further to guess that oil prices might even go as high as $100-110.

after all, with as little demand for oil in 2009, as many businesses went BK, and those still alive are cutting down energy costs, and oil prices now at roughly $80/barrel, I wouldn't put it past GS to prop oil prices way higher

with interest rates at 0% and the dollar losing its value, I fear oil price will surpass $100 summer 2010