In a heated exchange during a recent G7 summit video call, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer challenged U.S. President Donald Trump on his approach to Middle East policy, particularly regarding Iran\’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence. Starmer, echoing concerns from European allies, accused Trump of lacking a coherent strategy: \”You have no plan beyond bluster […]
Continue ReadingIn an increasingly volatile global energy landscape, China—the world\’s largest oil importer—relies heavily on discounted crude from sanctioned or geopolitically unstable suppliers to fuel its economy. Venezuela and Iraq together provide a significant portion of these imports, often at below-market prices due to sanctions on Venezuelan oil and competitive pricing from Iraqi heavy crudes. But […]
Continue ReadingIn a remarkable turnaround for Venezuela\’s beleaguered oil sector, crude exports surged in February 2026, doubling from January levels amid a U.S.-supervised deal that has reshaped the country\’s energy trade. This development not only boosts volumes but also enhances revenue, marking a shift from the discounted, shadow-market sales that dominated under previous sanctions. As the […]
Continue ReadingAmid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and a massive American military buildup in the Middle East, Iran has dramatically accelerated crude loadings at its primary export terminal on Kharg Island. Vessel-tracking and satellite data show Tehran is rushing to move as much oil as possible out of the Persian Gulf before any potential U.S. strikes disrupt operations. […]
Continue ReadingAs the world’s two largest oil importers grapple with geopolitical risks, supply disruptions, and the imperative of energy security, both China and India are pouring billions into boosting domestic oil and gas output. While progress varies sharply between the two Asian giants, the shared strategy underscores a long-term bet on self-reliance — even as new […]
Continue ReadingIn a stunning revelation that underscores the resilience of Russia\’s energy sector amid Western sanctions, the Financial Times has exposed a sprawling smuggling network responsible for moving at least $90 billion worth of Russian crude oil. Dubbed the \”Dark Fleet,\” this shadowy armada of aging tankers and opaque trading entities has been operating for years, […]
Continue ReadingThis article is from Andrew Korybko\’s Substack and Stu Turley will cover this on the next Energy News Beat Stand Up. The more pressure from the US military on the Dark Fleet appears to be an interesting way to end the Ukraine War. We will all be glad when that is done. A new US […]
Continue ReadingIn a landmark visit marking the highest-level U.S. energy-focused trip to Venezuela in nearly three decades, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright met with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and oil executives in Caracas. The February 2026 trip comes amid the Trump administration\’s efforts to revitalize Venezuela\’s beleaguered oil sector following the capture of former President Nicolás […]
Continue ReadingThe recent geopolitical shift in Venezuela, following the U.S.-led capture and removal of former President Nicolás Maduro in early 2026, has opened new doors for American energy companies. Chevron, the only U.S. oil major still operating in the country, is ramping up its activities amid eased sanctions and a special Treasury Department license. This development […]
Continue ReadingIn the ever-volatile world of global energy markets, January 2026 brought a notable dip in OPEC\’s crude oil production, largely attributed to political upheaval in Venezuela. According to recent surveys, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) pumped an average of 28.83 million barrels per day (bpd), marking a decline of 230,000 bpd from […]
Continue Reading