EIA Sees Massive Build in US Crude Inventories

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a surprise and historically large build in commercial crude oil inventories for the week ending August 7, 2026. Commercial stocks (excluding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve) rose by 17.4 million barrels to 424.4 million barrels—the largest weekly increase since January 2023 and well above analyst expectations of a draw […]

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The Hormuz Crisis Has Permanently Changed the Economics and Importance of Energy Security

The 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis—sparked by U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran beginning in late February and marked by Iranian attacks on shipping, assertions of control, U.S. naval responses and blockades, and sharply reduced tanker traffic—has delivered the largest oil supply disruption on record. At its peak, the effective closure or severe constriction of the waterway, […]

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Diamondback Energy’s new Midland Basin wells’ results are rising, not sputtering out. SM Energy’s Midland results are overcoming the E&P’s “science-heavy” spell.

In the heart of the Midland Basin, two pure-play Permian operators are delivering a clear message in mid-2026: well productivity is holding up—and in key cases improving—amid ongoing efficiency gains across the broader Permian. Recent Hart Energy/Oil and Gas Investor analysis highlights Diamondback Energy’s (FANG) new Midland Basin wells showing a strong rebound in early […]

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How much would America save at the pump if we got rid of ethanol?

Stu Turley, Energy News Beat Podcast Host, recently highlighted a long-standing debate over ethanol-blended gasoline. After filling up with 89-octane fuel containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) and driving 349 miles, the vehicle averaged 17.4 miles per gallon—well below its typical 22–24 mpg. Switching to ethanol-free gasoline restored performance to 22.3 mpg almost immediately. The […]

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Iran Rejects US Talks, and Trump is Showing Restraint

Iran has ruled out direct negotiations with the United States for now, citing repeated violations of a short-lived interim peace memorandum of understanding signed in June, while President Donald Trump has signaled a patient, restrained approach focused on economic pressure rather than immediate new military action. The standoff continues to leave the Strait of Hormuz—the […]

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