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Oil Market

All articles tagged with #oil market

US Weighs Halting Intel and Arms to Ukraine Over Russian Energy Strikes
geopolitics1 day ago

US Weighs Halting Intel and Arms to Ukraine Over Russian Energy Strikes

The United States is considering suspending intelligence sharing and weapon purchases for Ukraine if Kyiv continues striking Russian energy infrastructure. This threat follows a failed 'energy ceasefire' announced by President Trump, which Ukraine rejected. The dispute centers on US efforts to stabilize global fuel prices through a diesel deal with Moscow, conflicting with Ukraine's strategy to degrade Russian refining capacity.

Treasury Secretary Bessent Predicts Iran’s Oil Revenue Will Collapse Within Two Weeks
geopolitics15 days ago

Treasury Secretary Bessent Predicts Iran’s Oil Revenue Will Collapse Within Two Weeks

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on September 27 that Iran will exhaust its remaining oil exports to China within two weeks, leaving the nation with no tradeable assets. He cited a US blockade and the 'Operation Economic Outcast' campaign as the drivers of this economic isolation. While President Trump rejected Tehran’s latest ceasefire proposal, Bessent argued that Iran’s desperation will force it to accept stricter terms in future negotiations.

Gas Prices Near 2026 Peak as Midterms Loom Amid Iran War
economy25 days ago

Gas Prices Near 2026 Peak as Midterms Loom Amid Iran War

U.S. gas prices have reached $4.46 per gallon, just 10 cents below the year’s high, as the Iran conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies. Diesel prices have hit record levels, raising costs for shipping and consumer goods. With less than eight weeks until the midterm elections, rising fuel costs are intensifying political pressure on the administration, which has faced skepticism regarding its claims that prices will drop sharply after the war ends.

economy25 days ago

U.S. Gas Prices Approach Record Highs as Geopolitical Crises Strain Supply

The national average for regular gasoline reached $4.43 per gallon on September 17, 2026, rising 16 cents from the previous week and exceeding the same period last year by over $1.20. This surge is driven by sustained high crude oil prices averaging $100 per barrel, exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. While gasoline demand and production have increased, analysts warn that diesel prices, which hit a record $6.40, will likely continue to rise, potentially turbocharging inflation for goods and heating costs. The current prices are approaching the 2026 record high of $4.56 set in May, though they remain below the all-time peak of $5.01 recorded in 2022.

US Lawmakers Pass Sweeping Russia Sanctions, Granting Trump Tariff Power Over China and India
politics26 days ago

US Lawmakers Pass Sweeping Russia Sanctions, Granting Trump Tariff Power Over China and India

The US House passed a major sanctions bill targeting Russia’s energy sector and leadership, granting President Trump authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. The measure, which follows a similar Senate vote, aims to pressure Moscow economically but risks disrupting energy supplies for China and India, two of Russia’s largest customers. While Ukraine welcomes the move, India and China have signaled they will continue purchasing Russian energy, creating potential diplomatic and trade tensions with Washington.

Saudi Pipeline Shutdown Exposes Fragility of Global Oil Supply Amid Iran War
energy-and-geopolitics28 days ago

Saudi Pipeline Shutdown Exposes Fragility of Global Oil Supply Amid Iran War

Saudi Arabia suspended operations on its 1,200km East-West pipeline after drone attacks from Iraq damaged infrastructure near Riyadh and Medina. The shutdown removes a critical bypass for the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 4-5 million barrels per day, exacerbating global oil supply shortages. While repairs may take five to six weeks, existing stockpiles in Yanbu and Egypt provide a temporary buffer. The incident has intensified diplomatic tensions, leading to the postponement of a Gulf-Iran meeting in Oman, and has driven Brent crude prices toward $108 per barrel.

Iran vows to rejoin peace pact if U.S. commits again as tensions rise
world1 month ago

Iran vows to rejoin peace pact if U.S. commits again as tensions rise

Iranian President Pezeshkian said Tehran will immediately return to the June Memorandum of Understanding if the United States resumes its commitments, while Russia voices solidarity with Tehran; the fragile ceasefire has frayed, with the U.S. and Iran exchanging fire and two Saudi crude tankers struck near the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices higher and adding to broader regional tensions amid sanctions pressure and Gaza-related confrontations.

Oil Dips as U.S. Iran Sanctions Push Raises 'Economic D-Day' Stakes
energy1 month ago

Oil Dips as U.S. Iran Sanctions Push Raises 'Economic D-Day' Stakes

Oil prices fell about 2% in early Asian trading as traders lock in profits ahead of a new U.S. sanctions package targeting Iran that Scott Bessent labeled an 'economic D-Day.' The market reaction comes as Tehran signals mixed responses and authorities tighten control of Hormuz shipping; analysts warn that the measures could tighten Iranian exports if buyers are deterred, with CENTCOM noting vessel redirections and Iran warning that involvement could be an 'act of war.'

SPR at 1982-Low Sparks Debate Over How Low Is Too Low
politics-and-government1 month ago

SPR at 1982-Low Sparks Debate Over How Low Is Too Low

Withdrawals have reduced the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to about 293.4 million barrels, the lowest level since December 1982, as a fifth month of releases continues to try to steady energy markets. The DOE says weekly withdrawals have averaged about 6.3 million barrels since April, with roughly 120 million barrels released in that period. Critics warn that further draining could damage salt caverns and threaten the SPR’s ability to be resurrected, while Trump-era officials have argued about how far the drawdown can go (up to about 172 million more barrels with roughly 70 million remaining). A Biden energy official cautions that lowering the reserve much further could “compromise” it to the point of never resurrecting it. The debate unfolds amid persistently high gas prices and ongoing strain over the Strait of Hormuz, which influences global oil flows.

Oil markets wobble as Iran war tightens Hormuz and China cools demand
markets2 months ago

Oil markets wobble as Iran war tightens Hormuz and China cools demand

Global oil markets are caught between a supply shock from the Iran war and a stubborn demand slump, led by China. After Hormuz briefly reopened, hundreds of millions of barrels moved, but buyers largely stayed away, forcing steep discounts and leaving some oil stranded on tankers. Iran has pushed its crude toward China, which has pared purchases as EV growth and refinery limits cap demand, aided by large Chinese stockpiles. Overall demand is about 4 million barrels per day lower than prewar levels, while regional refinery attacks keep supply volatile. With inventories like the US SPR at low levels and forecasters divided on the rebound (IEA, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs), any price recovery hinges on China restocking and broader demand revival, a path still uncertain as geopolitical tensions persist.

IEA foresees first global oil-demand dip since 2020 amid Hormuz disruption
business3 months ago

IEA foresees first global oil-demand dip since 2020 amid Hormuz disruption

The IEA forecasts world oil demand to fall by about 1 million barrels per day in 2026—the first annual decline since 2020—driven by the disruption of Middle East exports from the Strait of Hormuz. A gradual rebound is anticipated if a ceasefire and reopening of Hormuz materialize, but renewed clashes could derail the outlook. The market could swing back to a surplus toward year-end as other producers boost supply and demand remains softer than pre-war forecasts, though uncertainties from U.S.–Iran tensions persist.