Author: Stu

FT Uncovers $90 Billion Russian Oil Smuggling Operation: The Dark Fleet’s Shadow Over Global Energy

In a stunning revelation that underscores the resilience of Russia’s energy sector amid Western sanctions, the Financial Times has exposed a sprawling smuggling network responsible for moving at least $90 billion worth of Russian crude oil. Dubbed the “Dark Fleet,” this shadowy armada of aging tankers and opaque trading entities has been operating for years, […]

US Rig Count Holds Steady at 551: Insights from the Latest Baker Hughes Report

The U.S. rotary rig count remained unchanged at 551 for the week ending February 20, 2026, according to the latest data from Baker Hughes. This marks no shift from the previous week but reflects a decline of 41 rigs compared to the same period last year, when the count stood at 592. This stability comes […]

U.S. Export-Import Bank Invests $100 Billion in Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve

In a bold move to bolster America’s energy independence and secure vital supply chains, the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) has committed $100 billion to initiatives to strengthen U.S. and allied access to critical minerals, nuclear energy, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). This investment forms part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to achieve global energy […]

Can the Board of Peace Fully Replace the UN?

In an era of escalating global tensions, from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East to economic pressures on energy markets, questions about the effectiveness of international institutions are more pertinent than ever. The United Nations (UN), founded in 1945 to prevent future world wars and foster cooperation, has long been a cornerstone of global governance. […]

EIA: US Crude Inventories Drawn Down as Demand Increases

  The latest Weekly Petroleum Status Report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), released on February 19, 2026, reveals a significant drawdown in U.S. crude oil inventories for the week ending February 13, 2026. Commercial crude oil stocks fell by 9.0 million barrels to 419.8 million barrels, a stark reversal from the previous week’s […]

EQT Expecting $1B Windfall on Winter Storm Gas Price Rally

In a remarkable turn of events for the natural gas sector, EQT Corporation, the second-largest U.S. natural gas producer by volume, is poised to reap a staggering $1 billion windfall in February 2026 alone. This financial boon stems directly from the unprecedented price rally triggered by Winter Storm Fern, a historic freeze that gripped much […]

Coal Kept the Grid Alive During Winter Storm Fern

In the midst of Winter Storm Fern, which battered much of the United States in early February 2026 with extreme cold, heavy snow, and ice, coal-fired power plants emerged as the unsung heroes of grid reliability. As wind turbines iced over, solar panels were blanketed in snow, and natural gas supplies faced disruptions from freeze-offs […]

California’s National Security Crisis Has a Solution

In the heart of America’s most populous state, a self-inflicted energy crisis is brewing—one that threatens not just California’s economy but the nation’s security. Governor Gavin Newsom’s aggressive push toward Net Zero emissions by 2045 has accelerated the decline of the state’s oil and gas industry, leading to refinery closures, skyrocketing fuel prices, and increased […]

EU Considers Emergency Steps to Restore Russian Oil Through Druzhba Pipeline

The European Commission confirmed it is in contact with Ukraine over repairs to the Druzhba pipeline, while assuring no immediate supply risks for Hungary and Slovakia. Slovakia accused Ukraine of delaying oil flows for political leverage, as Hungary sought to import Russian crude via Croatia’s Adria pipeline. A Bulgarian think tank argued that Hungary no […]

U.S. Threatens to Quit IEA Over Green Energy Advocacy

In a bold move that could reshape global energy policy, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has renewed threats to withdraw the United States from the International Energy Agency (IEA), criticizing the organization for its heavy emphasis on climate advocacy at the expense of energy security. This warning comes amid growing frustrations that the IEA’s reports […]