Trading crude oil futures and options can be enticing: high volatility, global macro-driven moves, and big potential returns. But it also means higher risk. To navigate this space safely and effectively, especially in India where the market mechanics differ from equities, you’ll need the right app.
Below is a breakdown of what to look for in a commodity trading app, followed by some of the top apps in India suitable for trading crude oil.
Best Commodity Trading Apps for Crude Oil
Groww
Groww, India’s No. 1 stockbroker, recently launched its commodity-trading offering (October 2025), enabling trading in commodities like crude oil/crude oil mini on MCX/NSE alongside stocks/F&O. The app allows collateral margin (pledging your stock holdings) to trade commodity F&O.
Commodity trading hours are from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM (some contracts even up to 11:55 PM).
Why it stands out:
- Uses a unified account: the same balance can be used for equities, derivatives & commodities.
- The interface is fairly clean and accessible for someone who is already trading equities and wants to add commodities.
- Traders can view the full commodity option chain (strikes, premiums, open interest, etc.) and place trades for quick decision making.
- Real-time commodity news and trends are integrated within the app.
- Flat brokerage as equity, i.e., ₹20 per executed order
Dhan
Why it stands out:
- Specifically noted for commodity trading: supports commodity futures and options, including crude oil.
- Offers charts built in and dedicated commodity dashboard.
- Good fit if you want to trade commodity options and futures
Angel One
Why it’s worth considering:
- Angel One offers commodity trading, including crude oil.
- They provide a comprehensive service: research reports, support, leverage, and large network.
- Good for traders who want full-service broker support rather than just discount prices.
Upstox
Why it’s worth considering:
- Offers commodity trading too (futures & options).
- Brokerage is competitive: for commodity futures they charge up to ₹20 per order or 0.05% whichever is lower.
- Good for cost-conscious traders who still want a decent UI and tools.
Mirae Asset Sharekhan (via Sharekhan)
Why it’s worth considering:
- Provides commodity trading services, including the hard commodities (like crude oil) segment. Sharekhan
- Full-service broker backing: research, support structures, guidance, helpful if you’re new to commodities or want advisory support.
What to check before picking a commodity trading app
When you’re looking to trade in a commodity such as crude oil, consider the following features:
1. Exchange, instrument coverage & regulatory compliance
- Make sure the app allows you to trade crude oil futures (and optionally options) on the major Indian commodity exchange Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. (MCX).
- The app should be from a broker regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
- Transparent about margins, lot sizes, expiry, etc.
2. Margin, fees & brokerage structure
- Commodity trading typically has different margin requirements than equities.
- Some apps charge a flat broking, some a percentage of turnover. For example, Groww, one major Indian broker charges ₹20 or 0.03% per executed commodity order.
- Understand whether overnight/rollover charges apply (for futures) and whether options are supported.
3. Trading tools & data for crude oil
- Real-time quotes and charting tools (candlesticks, support/resistance), ideally specific to crude oil and other energy commodities.
- Access to option chains (if trading options) and Greeks for advanced strategies.
- Good analytics, news feeds, crude oil reacts to global supply and demand, geopolitical events, inventory data from US, etc.
4. Ease of use, user interface & account setup
- Ability to open a commodity segment in the same account (or seamlessly) as your equity/derivatives account.
- Clean UI, mobile + web, ability to monitor positions, margin usage, and risk.
- Good customer support and transparency.
5. Risk management features
- Tools for stop-losses, alerts, one-tap exit/reverse, and position tracking.
- Given how volatile crude oil is, these features matter.
- Also educational material, especially if you’re newer to commodity trading.
Conclusion
Crude oil trading can be both exciting and demanding; it’s one of the most volatile and globally influenced commodities. The right trading app can make all the difference between a smooth, informed trading experience and one full of friction or costly errors.
Ultimately, the best app depends on your trading style, risk appetite, and level of experience. Make sure to evaluate brokerage fees, margin requirements, ease of use, and available features before diving in.
