By Stuart Turley, Energy News Beat Channel As tensions in the Middle East escalate into full-blown conflict, the global energy market is on high alert. The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, began on February 28, 2026, targeting Iranian leadership and infrastructure. In retaliation, Iran has effectively weaponized the Strait of Hormuz, the […]
In a heated exchange during a recent G7 summit video call, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer challenged U.S. President Donald Trump on his approach to Middle East policy, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence. Starmer, echoing concerns from European allies, accused Trump of lacking a coherent strategy: “You have no plan beyond bluster […]
In an increasingly volatile global energy landscape, China—the world’s largest oil importer—relies heavily on discounted crude from sanctioned or geopolitically unstable suppliers to fuel its economy. Venezuela and Iraq together provide a significant portion of these imports, often at below-market prices due to sanctions on Venezuelan oil and competitive pricing from Iraqi heavy crudes. But […]
In a significant disruption to energy flows in the Eastern Mediterranean, Chevron has declared force majeure at Israel’s Leviathan natural gas field following a government-ordered temporary shutdown. The halt, prompted by heightened security risks amid joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent regional retaliations, marks the second such interruption in less than a year. This […]
In a remarkable turnaround for Venezuela’s beleaguered oil sector, crude exports surged in February 2026, doubling from January levels amid a U.S.-supervised deal that has reshaped the country’s energy trade. This development not only boosts volumes but also enhances revenue, marking a shift from the discounted, shadow-market sales that dominated under previous sanctions. As the […]
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, remains one of the world’s most vital energy arteries. In 2024, approximately 20 million barrels per day (b/d) of crude oil, condensate, and petroleum products transited this chokepoint, representing about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption. Additionally, around one-fifth […]
In a landmark transaction shaking up the utility and power generation sector, a consortium led by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and Swedish private equity firm EQT AB has agreed to acquire AES Corporation for $15 per share in cash. This deal values AES at a total equity of $10.7 billion and an enterprise value […]
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, QatarEnergy, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, announced on March 2, 2026, a complete halt to its LNG production following Iranian drone strikes on key facilities. This decision, prompted by attacks on the Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City—home to the […]
The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, particularly affecting refined oil products like diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. As of March 2, 2026, the war—now in its third day—has led to sharp price surges, disruptions in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and heightened […]
The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, marked by military strikes and retaliatory actions, has thrust the global oil market into turmoil. As of March 1, 2026, Iran’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow waterway handling about 20% of the world’s oil trade—have already led to voluntary halts in tanker […]
