President Trump Signs Executive Order Waiving Key Russian Sanctions and Tariffs Under the Graham Act, Helping Keep Oil Flowing

On October 16, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 while simultaneously waiving most of its new sanctions, restrictions, and duties. The move, taken under the Act’s national-interest waiver authority (Section 115), came just days before the measures were set to take […]

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Oil Over $100 as Markets Struggle to Balance Amid Tanker Attacks and Shipping Disruptions

Brent crude settled at $109.86 per barrel on Friday, October 16, after touching $110 intraday—the highest since May—while WTI closed at $101.41. The move capped a week of gains driven by persistent supply risks from the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict (now approaching eight months), Russian-Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure, Houthi activity, and a sharp acceleration in […]

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Oil Prices Slide as US Weighs Easing Sanctions on Shadow Fleet: Implications for Tanker Rates, Delivered Crude Costs, and Diesel Crack Spreads

Oil prices fell about 2% on October 15, 2026, after reports that the Trump administration is considering easing sanctions on vessels in the so-called “shadow fleet.” Brent crude futures dropped about $2.28 (2.2%) to around $103.78 a barrel, while WTI fell about $1.34 (1.4%) to roughly $93.75, reversing prior gains. The move reflected hopes that […]

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