The global oil market remains on edge as the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s most critical oil chokepoint — stays effectively paralyzed amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict that began in late February 2026. JP Morgan has issued a fresh, more urgent update, warning that the situation could drive Brent crude sharply higher in the […]
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The paradox gripping global energy markets in mid-June 2026 is stark. Brent crude futures — the benchmark “paper” oil traded on exchanges — have hovered around $90–$98 per barrel despite more than 100 days of war involving Iran that has severely disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly 20% of the […]
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In the most complex mix of geopolitical supply disruptions in modern history—over 100 days into the US-Iran conflict involving strikes, Hormuz transit risks, and broader Middle East tensions—the United States and China are effectively supplying a significant portion of global oil demand through their strategic and commercial reserves. They are doing so via sharply contrasting […]
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As of early June 2026, Kinder Morgan’s long-awaited Gulf Coast Express (GCX) pipeline expansion is entering service, marking a major step forward for natural gas takeaway from the Permian Basin. The fully contracted, $455 million project (Kinder Morgan’s share approximately $161 million) adds 570 MMcf/d of incremental capacity through new compression along the existing 500-mile […]
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In a significant move to bolster energy security amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Japan’s JERA — the world’s largest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) — has secured a landmark 20-year supply contract with Malaysia’s state-owned Petronas. The deal, announced today following high-level talks between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Malaysian […]
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Kuwait is actively pursuing pipeline routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz as ongoing tensions have effectively choked off the Persian Gulf’s primary oil export artery. Sheik Nawaf Al-Sabah, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Petroleum Corp. (KPC), the state-owned oil producer, disclosed the initiative during a conference in Washington on Tuesday. According to Sheik Nawaf, […]
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The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in April 2026, with exports hitting a record high as surging crude oil and petroleum product shipments more than offset a sharp rise in imports of computers, semiconductors, and telecommunications equipment tied to the AI data center boom. According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the trade […]
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In a striking confirmation of the enduring role of fossil fuels in global finance, the world’s 65 largest banks committed a record $906 billion to oil, natural gas, and coal companies in 2025 — an 8% jump from $869 billion the year before. This marks the second straight year of rising fossil fuel financing after […]
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The Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and significant LNG volumes flow — has remained effectively closed since early March 2026 following the escalation of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. Iran has suspended talks and signaled the blockade could become permanent absent major concessions. In a wide-ranging interview with […]
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has joined Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in hitting the pause button on tax incentives for new data centers. On June 5, 2026, Pritzker directed the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to stop processing new agreements under the Data Center Investment Program effective July 1. This move mirrors Ohio’s […]
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