The global order of the energy industry is shifting and where the Permian Basin will fit in is an intriguing question. It will of course be very important, but in what relation to Russia, Saudi Arabia and the other members of OPEC and OPEC-Plus? How will Europe and Asia factor in with their massive and […]
Continue Reading
Even the most optimistic reopening of the Strait of Hormuz won’t deliver a quick fix. Physical barrels tell a far harsher story than paper futures. Art Berman (@aeberman12) nailed it in his May 25, 2026, post: There is no clean, modelable “successful reopening” of the Strait of Hormuz. Even in the wildly optimistic scenario, the […]
Continue Reading
In a decisive move that underscores its strategic pivot amid ongoing regional tensions and its recent departure from OPEC, the United Arab Emirates is accelerating infrastructure to dramatically expand its oil export capacity, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. On May 15, 2026, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed […]
Continue Reading
In a move that signals business-as-usual intent amid extraordinary disruption, OPEC+ delegates have outlined plans to press ahead with a series of oil production quota increases, aiming to fully unwind the final layer of voluntary cuts announced in 2023 by the end of September 2026. According to Bloomberg reporting, key members intend to raise targets […]
Continue Reading
Saudi Arabia has delivered a stark update to OPEC: its crude oil production plunged another 651,000 barrels per day (b/d) in April, hitting just 6.316 million b/d—the lowest level since the 1990 Gulf War. According to a monthly report from OPEC’s secretariat obtained by Bloomberg, the kingdom’s output has now fallen a cumulative 42% since […]
Continue Reading
Irina Slav did a great job today leading the discussion, and it was interesting with the great comments from the live audience. Irina had a great point about the new Ford’s ability to shut down or allow you to use your own car due to heightened stress. This is not good, and I will not […]
Continue Reading
In a one-two punch that is sending shockwaves through global energy markets, the United Arab Emirates has exited OPEC and OPEC+ — and is now openly discussing a currency swap line with the United States. The moves come at a moment of historic turmoil: an ongoing Iran war has disrupted oil flows through the Strait […]
Continue Reading
The United Arab Emirates’ announcement on April 28, 2026, that it will formally exit both OPEC and the wider OPEC+ alliance effective May 1 marks a seismic shift in global oil politics. As one of the cartel’s most significant producers with substantial spare capacity, the UAE’s departure delivers a major blow to an already strained […]
Continue Reading
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the broader OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1, 2026—marking the end of nearly 60 years of membership since 1967. This move strips OPEC of its third-largest producer and delivers a significant blow to the cartel’s ability to […]
Continue Reading
In a landmark testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee and follow-up statements, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has outlined a bold new strategy: expanding permanent dollar swap facilities with Gulf and Asian allies to reinforce U.S. dollar dominance amid global energy shocks. This comes as the traditional petrodollar framework—anchored by a 50-year arrangement with Saudi […]
Continue Reading