Iraq is rapidly expanding alternative oil export routes to reduce its heavy dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, aligning with long-standing strategies by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Even as some reports suggest potential easing of disruptions in the waterway, Baghdad is treating diversification as a permanent strategic priority rather than a temporary […]
This article was first published on the Energy Absurdities Substack by David Blackmon. We highly recommend following and subscribing to his Substack. For years, Americans have been subjected to a steady drumbeat of energy scarcity narratives, peak oil hysteria, and politically motivated predictions that hydrocarbons were on the verge of running out. These claims have […]
Iran is tightening its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, with new rules requiring ships to obtain permission and secure insurance from Tehran. This move explicitly paves the way for future tolls, even as a fragile U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed earlier this week aimed to normalize flows. […]
10 big stories on the Energy News Beat Stand Up It is a wild day on the Energy News Beat Stand Up. Make no mistake, time will tell if the Strait of Hormuz is open, but do not underestimate the importance that the Bank of London and Lloyds of London play in opening the Strait […]
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil is trading around $75 per barrel today, with Brent near $78. Following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, headline prices have eased significantly from the peaks above $120 seen during the conflict. Yet a growing disconnect exists between these paper/futures prices and the […]
Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, striking the Kapotnya (Moscow) Oil Refinery for the second time in less than a week. The assault caused fires, explosions, and significant disruption in the Russian capital, while also hitting targets in the Rostov region and occupied Ukrainian […]
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné recently put it plainly: US LNG cannot fully replace Qatar. Oil markets have substitutes and buffers that can ease pressure. Gas does not — at least not in time for winter 2026-27. This assessment comes amid a rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. Following Iranian strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan […]
Trump said the Iran agreement allows Washington to devote more attention to Ukraine and indicated he remains interested in pursuing a peace deal with Russia. Zelensky said G7 leaders showed unprecedented unity on the war and voiced optimism that the United States could provide additional Patriot missile support. Ukraine continues to combine diplomatic efforts with […]
The United Arab Emirates is accelerating an ambitious strategy to achieve zero dependency on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints. This comes amid recent regional tensions and a temporary closure of the strait following the Iran-US conflict earlier in 2026. Bloomberg reports, citing an interview with UAE Minister of […]
US physical crude prices are easing as the wartime risk premium fades and Middle Eastern barrels prepare to return to global markets. The shift comes amid clear signs of de-escalation in the US-Iran conflict, including the passage of Iranian tankers past the US naval blockade today and the resumption of flows through the Strait of […]
