Author: Stu

White House Signs Directive on Defense Production Act for Domestic Petroleum Production, Refining, and Logistics Capacity

In a decisive move to bolster U.S. energy security amid ongoing supply challenges and geopolitical tensions, President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Determination on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950 for domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity. The directive, addressed to the Secretary of Energy, […]

What Happens to the Oil Market if the Iran Talks Are Canceled?

As of April 20, 2026, U.S.-Iran negotiations remain in a state of high-stakes uncertainty. No final round of talks has been formally confirmed for this week, despite President Trump’s repeated statements that a deal is “very close” and that Iran has signaled willingness to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely in exchange for sanctions relief and […]

Wind and solar focus threaten America’s and South Africa’s economy

ENB Pub Note: This article is from America Outloud, and Ronald Stein, P.E., and Dr. Lars Schernikau have been on the Energy News Beat podcast! They are fantastic, and we recommend reading America Outloud.    An extensive economic review of South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan 2025 (IRP 2025), approved by Cabinet in October 2025 has been conducted by the authors, and the report […]

USA Rare Earth to Acquire Serra Verde in $2.8 Billion Deal

In a landmark move that could reshape the global rare earth supply chain, USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Serra Verde Group, the owner of Brazil’s Pela Ema rare earth mine and processing plant, in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $2.8 billion. The deal, announced on April […]

UAE Seeks US Dollar Capital Injection Amid Iran War Fallout

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has quietly opened discussions with the United States for emergency access to U.S. dollars, seeking a financial backstop as the recent Iran conflict strains its economy and disrupts key oil export routes. According to multiple U.S. officials cited in reporting, UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama raised the possibility […]

Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan Announce Moving Forward on the Western Gateway Pipeline Project

A Major Win for U.S. Consumers in California and the West Coast April 20, 2026 — In a significant boost for energy reliability and supply security across the Western United States, Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) and Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI) today announced they are advancing the Western Gateway Pipeline Project. The move follows a […]

Houthis Threaten to Block Red Sea Oil Exports as the Iran War Escalates

As the Iran conflict escalates with U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have issued a stark warning: they are prepared to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, effectively blocking oil exports through the Red Sea. Houthi Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein al-Ezzi stated, “If Sana’a decides to close the Bab […]

What is the Current Price of Oil? Well It Depends Who’s Asking

In the energy markets, there’s no single “oil price” anymore — and today’s fractured reality proves it. As highlighted in a sharp analysis posted this morning by commodity trader Jack Prandelli, the spreads tell the real story: Forties (physical) → $134 Dated Brent (physical) → $116 Brent futures → $99 WTI → $87 Canadian crude […]

The US’ Renewed Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Will Help Their Shared Indian Partner

ENB Pub Note: This article is from Andrew Korybko’s Newsletter on Substack. We recommend subscribing and reading for a different point of view as he has shown to be right many times!  Both benefit from this since the US wants to avoid India sliding into turmoil amidst the global energy crisis and possibly offsetting its […]

US Markets Look Like a Bull Run, but the Hormuz Dependent Countries are Looking Down

As U.S. stock futures surge ahead of Monday’s open, signaling yet another leg higher for the major indices, energy markets tell a very different story. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—following Iran’s recent declaration that the vital waterway is “completely open” during the ceasefire—has triggered a sharp plunge in oil prices. This is great […]