Kalshi has submitted a proposal to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to launch a perpetual futures contract linked to West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil. The filing, made around October 7, 2026, seeks to introduce a product that does not expire, allowing positions to remain open indefinitely without the need for rolling.
If approved, this would be the first US-regulated perpetual futures contract for oil. The exchange plans for a 24/5 trading schedule to align with regulatory standards for continuous energy trading. Currently, WTI crude is trading in the range of $88 to $93 per barrel.
The CFTC has a 45-day window to review the proposal. This move follows the regulator's approval of Kalshi's crypto-based perpetual futures in May 2026. The exchange aims to expand the perpetual model, which is common in offshore markets, into traditional asset classes under US federal oversight.
The initiative comes amid increased scrutiny from the CFTC regarding perpetual contracts tied to physical commodities. A public comment period on this subject concluded on August 26, 2026. Other market participants, such as CME Group, have also explored extended trading hours for WTI, sparking discussions on market volatility.
