CFTC Seeks Comment on 24/7 Energy Futures and Perpetual Energy Contracts

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is seeking public comment on two potential developments in energy derivatives: extending standard futures contracts to 24/7 trading and listing perpetual contracts that reference physically delivered or storable energy commodities such as crude oil.

The request for comment is focused on how these market designs could affect energy derivatives markets. For standard futures, the CFTC is asking about a 24/7 schedule without changing fixed expiration, while also considering material economic changes to delivery or settlement terms. For perpetual contracts, the agency is asking about products that reference deliverable or storable energy commodities.

The CFTC said it will use the comments to inform its understanding of these developments. Written comments are due within 30 days of the request’s publication in the Federal Register.

Why it matters

Energy futures already trade across long global sessions, but true 24/7 access would change risk management for traders, brokers, and clearing firms. Weekend trading can alter gap risk, margin monitoring, liquidity assumptions, and how platforms handle outages or thin order books.

Perpetual contracts tied to physical commodities would also raise different questions than crypto-style perpetuals because energy markets have delivery, storage, financing, and manipulation risks that are closely linked to physical supply chains.

What to watch next

Traders should watch whether exchanges propose pilot programs, contract-specification changes, or additional guardrails around liquidity and settlement. The most practical questions will be how brokers handle margin calls, risk limits, and client communications if energy derivatives move toward round-the-clock trading.