The all-time record high for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil occurred during the commodities super-cycle peak on July 11, 2008, when spot prices surged to an intraday high of approximately $147.27 per barrel (with front-month futures closing above $145). This historic peak was driven by surging global demand from emerging markets, speculative capital inflows, and tight structural supply constraints before the 2008 financial crisis triggered a sharp global contraction.