Iran’s crude production is expected to remain stable near 3.2 million bpd, with protests posing limited short-term risk to upstream operations. Heavy discounting to China and costly sanctions-evading logistics mean Iran captures only about two-thirds of benchmark oil prices. Chronic underinvestment, late-life fields, and the near depletion of the National Development Fund are undermining the […]
Continue ReadingIn a significant shift for global energy markets, Vitol, the world\’s largest independent oil trader, has begun offering Venezuelan Merey heavy sour crude to Chinese refiners at a narrowed discount of approximately $5 per barrel to ICE Brent. This move comes amid broader changes in Venezuela\’s oil sector following the U.S.-led capture of former President […]
Continue ReadingIn a bold escalation of its campaign against illicit oil trading, the United States has seized yet another vessel from the shadowy \”dark fleet\” — a network of aging tankers that evade international sanctions to transport crude from rogue regimes. The latest capture, the MT Veronica, marks the sixth such interdiction in recent weeks under […]
Continue ReadingIn the volatile world of energy markets, oil prices have stabilized around $60 to $65 per barrel throughout much of 2025 and into early 2026, a level that might typically pressure major oil companies\’ stock performance. Yet, industry giants Chevron (CVX) and ExxonMobil (XOM) have demonstrated remarkable resilience, with their shares holding steady or even […]
Continue ReadingIn a rapidly evolving global energy landscape, China\’s strategic partnerships and import trends are reshaping international relations. Recent developments highlight a surge in Canadian oil imports to China, facilitated by expanded infrastructure like the Trans Mountain pipeline. This comes amid statements from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasizing a \”new strategic partnership\” with China that […]
Continue ReadingIn the ever-volatile world of oil markets, few voices carry as much weight as that of Harold Hamm, the billionaire wildcatter and founder of Continental Resources. As oil prices hover in the low $50s to $60s per barrel amid global oversupply and weakening demand, Hamm has made headlines with his stark assessment: there\’s simply no […]
Continue ReadingIn a bold and unprecedented move, President Donald Trump has reshaped the global oil landscape by orchestrating the U.S. takeover of Venezuela\’s oil sector following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. This January 2026 intervention not only marked the end of Maduro\’s regime but also positioned the United States as the direct manager of […]
Continue ReadingIn a significant move to bolster its offshore energy sector, Norway\’s Energy Minister Terje Aasland announced on January 13, 2026, the award of 57 production licenses to 19 companies in the annual Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) licensing round. This allocation, up from 53 licenses in the previous year, focuses on mature areas of the […]
Continue ReadingIn a bold geopolitical maneuver, President Donald Trump has once again floated the idea of acquiring Greenland from Denmark, this time potentially tying it to U.S. participation in NATO. This hypothetical scenario raises intriguing questions about transatlantic alliances, defense spending, and the strategic value of the world\’s largest island. As the host of the Energy […]
Continue ReadingAs we kick off 2026, the commodities market is heating up with oil, gold, and silver all posting gains amid a cocktail of geopolitical risks, supply constraints, and economic uncertainties. I do not think this will end up being a new Christmas Carol, \”Silver, Oil and Gold\”, but rather the return to comedies is a […]
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