In a move that underscores the ongoing ripple effects of Western sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, at least one independent Chinese refiner—commonly known as a “teapot”—has snapped up Russian ESPO crude at a significant discount. The purchase, made late last week, came at a markdown of $7 to $8 per barrel below the ICE Brent […]
In a major boost for U.S. energy infrastructure and Alaska’s economy, the Alaska LNG project has secured all necessary federal permits ahead of schedule, paving the way for what could become one of the largest natural gas developments in North America. This milestone, achieved under the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council’s oversight, marks the end […]
Or is this about the Monroe Doctrine? 1. The Trump administration’s actions against Venezuela, including the capture of a “dark fleet” oil tanker. We discuss whether this is more about oil or a show of force against the Venezuelan government. Stu chimes in that Panama is not renewing their “Belt and Road” initiative with China, […]
In a world increasingly focused on energy transitions and geopolitical tensions, recent projections paint a picture of sustained growth in global oil demand. According to a report from the CNPC Economics and Technology Research Institute, global oil demand is expected to continue rising until peaking in 2040 at 4.8 billion tons, marking a significant upward […]
Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has long been a pivotal player in global energy dynamics. However, years of political turmoil, economic mismanagement, and stringent U.S. sanctions have crippled its oil industry, reducing production from peaks of around 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in the mid-2010s to roughly 900,000 bpd today. […]
The artificial intelligence revolution is reshaping industries worldwide, and nowhere is this more evident than in Texas, where a flood of data center projects is straining the state’s energy infrastructure. With requests for over 220 gigawatts (GW) of new electricity connections by 2030—more than twice the grid’s current peak demand—Texas is at the epicenter of […]
In a series of bold operations, Ukrainian forces have intensified their drone campaigns against Russian energy assets, underscoring the ongoing geopolitical tensions’ profound impact on global oil markets. The latest strikes, including a significant hit on the Afipsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai, highlight Ukraine’s strategy to disrupt Russia’s oil production and export capabilities. Additional […]
The European Union’s decision to indefinitely freeze approximately €210 billion ($246 billion) in Russian central bank assets, announced on December 12, 2025, marks a significant escalation in the bloc’s response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. These assets, primarily held in Belgium through the Euroclear clearinghouse, have been immobilized since early 2022, generating billions in […]
In a bold display of defiance against US sanctions, two shadowy supertankers—operating under the pseudonyms “Crag” and “Galaxy 3″—have docked at Venezuela’s Jose port to load nearly 4 million barrels of Merey 16 crude oil destined for Asia. These vessels, part of the infamous “dark fleet” used to evade international restrictions, highlight the ongoing cat-and-mouse […]
In-brief analysis December 12, 2025 EIA forecasts U.S. crude oil production will decrease slightly in 2026 Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), December 2025 In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast U.S. crude oil production will average 13.5 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2026, about 100,000 b/d less than in 2025. This […]
