Today's Energy Pulse

Scania pilots vehicle‑to‑grid power for heavy‑duty electric trucks
Scania showcased one of the first V2G systems for heavy‑duty electric trucks using the Megawatt Charging System (MCS). The pilot demonstrated bi‑directional power flow, letting trucks feed stored electricity back to the grid while parked, with real‑time communication enabling dynamic charging and discharging. The company also opened orders for trucks equipped with an extra battery pack and MCS.
Also developing:

Update: Data Illustrates Global Fuel Shortage Is About To Impact
A recent Substack post highlights an accelerating global fuel shortage, with diesel tankers diverting from Europe to Asia and spot diesel prices at Rotterdam soaring to $223 per barrel. Data shows a sharp decline in oil-in-transit volumes while commercial crude storage in OECD regions rises, indicating exporters may be hoarding fuel. The author warns that continued conflict in Iran could exacerbate oil and food shortages worldwide, prompting intense bidding wars in cash markets. These dynamics suggest a near‑term spike in fuel prices and strained supply chains across multiple regions.

California Hits >
69 of 93 days in 2026 with >100% WindWaterSolar on the California ISO grid. Gas still down 59%, solar up 75%, batteries up 328% since '23 https://t.co/kVss7WH3VQ
DIY Plug‑In Solar Hits $0.65/W in US Market
DIY plug-in solar shows $0.65/W potential in US market #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/yUjVpIhAKW

The Two-Week Window That Could Break Global Commodity Markets
A fragile web of commodity chains—oil, gas, naphtha, fertilizer, helium and logistics—is shifting from price volatility to deliverability risk. Physical shortages are surfacing even as paper markets appear stable, and the next two weeks could see cascading disruptions that spark...

Does The Difference Between 87 And 88 Octane Even Matter?
The article explains that 88‑octane gasoline, often labeled E15, contains 15% ethanol versus 10% in standard 87‑octane fuel. It typically costs about $0.30 per gallon less, offering modest savings for drivers of 2001‑and‑newer vehicles. Ethanol’s oxygen‑rich chemistry cuts greenhouse‑gas emissions...

Avoid Dishwashing Detergent When Cleaning Solar Panels
Beware of cleaning photovoltaic panels with dishwashing detergent #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/Jq6N3feGyv https://t.co/gUxCyTsuqT
Utilities Lock in $30 Billion Power Deals as AI Data Centers Surge
Xcel Energy filed a 15‑year tariff for data centers using over 50 MW, and Entergy Louisiana sealed a $27 billion agreement with Meta to add 5.2 GW of gas‑fired generation and 2.5 GW of solar for the Hyperion AI hub. The moves underscore escalating...
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Southeast Asia saw sharp fuel price hikes in early 2026, with the Philippines posting a 54.2% increase, second only to Myanmar’s 55.4% surge. Thailand kept pump prices low by draining its Oil Fuel Fund at roughly $70 million per day, while...
Vietnam Secures Fuel Supply Through April as Middle East Crisis Surpasses 1970s Oil Shocks
Vietnam announced that its domestic fuel stocks will meet demand through the end of April 2026, despite heightened global oil market turbulence caused by the escalating Middle East conflict. The government activated a long‑term fuel‑supply scenario, boosting refinery output and...

WSJ Validation Sparks Unexpected Self‑doubt over Hypothesis
Just when I was ready to declare victory for my Hormuz Hypothesis, the WSJ agreed with me, which immediately made me question everything I wrote 😂 https://t.co/qaoPHfe9T9
Goldman Sachs Warns of Oil Supply Chain Strain
Golman Sachs. Running out of oil? Supply of supply chains. Derivatives and distillates. How long? Cost? Jobs?

Crude Check: Strength Intact in Oil Futures
Crude oil futures posted notable gains last week, with Brent climbing to $109 per barrel and India’s MCX crude reaching an all‑time high of roughly $125. Brent’s 7.8% jump on Thursday kept the bullish bias alive, while the MCX contract...
India Resumes Iranian Oil Imports Amid Tight Supply
This is a major signal shift: India a top global importer is openly buying Iranian oil again When supply tightens, politics gives way to reality. #Oil #EnergyCrisis #Iran #Geopolitics

Brent Dips to $109, but Spread Signals Monday Rally
Brent futures price fell $3.54 from $112.57 to $109.03 week ending April 3 12-month spread suggests strong upward price movement on Monday #energy #OOTT #oilandgas #WTI #CrudeOil #fintwit #OPEC #Commodities #commoditiesmarket https://t.co/oCVTbEi9lm

Video Interview: Global Oil & LNG Supply Disruption About To Strike - Implications
In a recent video interview, energy analyst Mario Innecco warned that escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf could trigger a significant disruption to global oil and LNG supplies. He outlined how regional naval confrontations, sanctions, and production bottlenecks could tighten...
CBS Lacks Credibility; California Refinery Faces Clear Monopoly
Of course CBS is not credible, the refiner problem in California is fairly straightforward monopolization.
China Adds 32.5 GW Solar as Polysilicon Prices Plunge
China PV Industry Brief: China adds 32.48 GW solar as polysilicon prices fall #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/Vdb2Zj2FSP

GAC Subsidiary Sells Lithium Mining Stake to Controlling Shareholder, Raising 1.92 Billion Yuan
GAC Group’s subsidiary Youpai Energy is selling a 12% stake in Xinjiang Kunlun Lanzuan Mining Development for roughly ¥1.92 billion (about $270 million) to the automaker’s controlling shareholder, Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group. The deal reduces Youpai’s holding from 20% to 8%, turning...

Farasis Energy Secures Next-Generation High-End Electric Bus Battery Pack Project From West European Bus Manufacturer
Farasis Energy announced a repeat partnership with a century‑old West European bus manufacturer to supply custom high‑end pouch battery packs for the client’s next‑generation flagship electric bus. The deal, while undisclosed in financial terms, confirms Farasis’s technology meets Europe’s stringent...

Govt to Release Remaining ₹17,500 Crore LPG Compensation to OMCs in FY27
The Indian government announced that it will disburse the remaining ₹17,500 crore (≈ $2.1 billion) LPG compensation to the three oil‑marketing companies in FY27, spread over seven equal tranches. This payment completes the ₹30,000 crore (≈ $3.6 billion) package approved in August 2025, which was intended to...

Trump's Speech Steadies Oil, Spreads Widen Sharply
Good job calming oil markets with your speech, Trump WTI 12-month spread widened $16.08 (63%) for the week ending April 3 6-month spread widened $17.46 (91%) & price rose $11.90 from $99.64 to $111.54 #energy #OOTT #oilandgas #WTI #CrudeOil #fintwit #OPEC #Commodities...

Trump Misreads Oil Markets: Global Pricing Overrides Independence
Trump thinks US energy independence protects Americans from Gulf shocks. But he FAILS TO SEE that global markets are pricing all barrels the same. TRUMP = CLEARLY DOESN’T UNDERSTAND THE MARKETS FOR OIL. https://t.co/tp5LhHAisM

U.S.-Iran War 'Tax' Begins to Hit American Businesses and Consumers
The U.S.–Iran war has triggered a sharp rise in diesel and jet‑fuel prices, turning fuel costs into a de‑facto tax on American businesses and consumers. Moving‑company College Hunks sees its fuel expense share double from 3‑5% to 6‑10% of revenue, while...
Europe Sees No Military Fix for Hormuz Crisis
Europe sees no military fix for Hormuz, says @BBC “No upside” to joining the war. The Gulf wants it to continue—until flows resume. Same crisis. Completely different incentives. #Oil #Hormuz #Geopolitics #EnergyCrisis
CMA CGM Kribi Becomes First Western Vessel to Cross Hormuz Amid Iran War
The Maltese‑flagged CMA CGM Kribi, owned by French logistics giant CMA CGM, sailed eastbound through the Strait of Hormuz on April 4, becoming the first Western‑flagged vessel allowed passage since the Iran‑Israel‑U.S. conflict began. The transit, coordinated with Iranian authorities, may mark...
Britain’s Grid Poised for First Zero‑Fossil Day Since 1882 This Easter
The National Energy System Operator (Neso) is preparing for a “gold window” this Easter when Britain’s electricity system could run entirely on renewable and nuclear power, marking the first time since 1882 that no fossil fuels are needed. The milestone...
California Extends Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Operations to 2045, Securing 8.5% of State Power
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a 20‑year license extension for PG&E’s Diablo Canyon nuclear plant, allowing it to operate until 2045. The move preserves roughly 2,200 MW—about 8.5% of California’s electricity—while the state legislature still must ratify the extension.
U.S. Intel: Iran Unlikely to Reopen Hormuz, Oil Leverage
U.S. Intel Warns Iran Has No Incentive to Reopen Hormuz as Oil Leverage Grows. Economic vs military advantage. Can and how can Iran’s grasp be stopped? Will there be a protracted military operation? As supply and supply chains struggle. ...
Amazon Adds 3.5% Fuel Surcharge for FBA Sellers Amid Soaring Oil Prices
Amazon announced a 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge for third‑party sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) in the U.S. and Canada, effective April 17. The fee, driven by a 7% jump in Brent crude to $108 per barrel, adds roughly...
Trackers and Vertical Agrivoltaics Boost Economic Returns
Agrivoltaics with trackers, vertical systems offer economic upside #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/gefwDlmmJq
India Resumes Iranian Oil Imports After Sanctions Eased
New Delhi confirms its buying oil from Iran (after US eased sanctions): “… Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran; and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports…”

Middle East War: Global Economic Fallout
Amid the escalating Middle East conflict, a handful of vessels—including French and Japanese‑owned ships—have resumed transiting the Strait of Hormuz, easing a near‑three‑week blockade that has strained global oil and LNG flows. The war has also triggered a cascade of...
Houston Remains Energy Capital, Beyond Oil & Gas
Houston is the Energy Capital of the world but Oil & Gas is just a cog in the machine now.

Iran Has a Shocking Money Strategy up Its Sleeve
The long‑standing petrodollar system compels oil sales in U.S. dollars, creating massive dollar reserves that finance U.S. Treasury debt. Iran has hinted it could restrict oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz unless the transactions avoid the dollar. Such a...

Germany Leads EU Push to Tax Energy Windfall Profits
Germany among states pushing the EU to tax energy windfall profits https://t.co/ik4V4nYwqA via @iaindrogers https://t.co/zhu4LTgKRe

Middle East Conflict Still Drives Markets, WTI Near $112
Week Ahead: Its Still Mostly about the War: The Middle East war remains the dominant fundamental condition. There continues to be some indication that market participants are hopeful of a resolution soon. The May WTI contract settled near $111.55 last…...

Turkey Weighs Raising Energy Prices
Turkey is debating whether to raise electricity and natural‑gas tariffs as global energy costs climb, potentially adding roughly $14 billion to the state budget. Any adjustment requires President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s sign‑off and could complicate the country’s aggressive disinflation programme. The government...

Turkey Raises Energy Prices
Turkey’s energy regulator announced steep hikes in electricity and natural‑gas tariffs, raising household electricity rates up to 25 % and introducing consumption‑based pricing. Public‑private services see a 17.5 % electricity increase, while industrial users face roughly 6 % rises for both electricity and...

How a 'Perfectly Symmetrical' 2D Perovskite Could Boost Tandem Solar Cells
Rice University researchers have engineered a multilayered 2D metal‑halide perovskite that approaches perfect crystal symmetry, enabling exciton diffusion beyond 2 µm—an order of magnitude improvement over prior perovskites and comparable to monolayer transition‑metal dichalcogenides. The material is produced via a high‑temperature...

Live: Oil Prices, Weak Dollar, Central Bank Gold Sales
I'm doing a livestream this morning at 9 am (ET) to talk through: (i) the different oil prices floating around and how they all fit together; (ii) how the Dollar is trading weak, with yesterday's payrolls another example; (iii) central...
5 Countries Ask Brussels to Tax Energy Companies Benefitting From Iran Crisis
Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain have asked the European Commission to introduce an EU‑wide windfall tax on energy companies profiting from the Iran war, echoing the 33% excess‑profit levy applied after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ministers propose a...
NUPPL Ghatampur Thermal Power Project Unit 3 Connects to Grid, Boosting Uttar Pradesh Power Capacity
Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL) linked the third 660 MW unit of its Ghatampur thermal power project to the 765 kV national grid on April 3, 2026, marking the final step toward full commercial operation. The plant’s total capacity of 1,980 MW now...

A Billionaire’s Pitch To Cut Power Bills Collides With California’s Real Costs
Tom Steyer, a billionaire cleantech investor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate, proposes cutting California electricity bills by at least 25% through retail competition, microgrids, and AI‑driven grid efficiency. He argues the state’s legal utility monopoly inflates costs, while experts contend that...
US Tokamak Fusion Breakthrough Solves Decades‑Old Heat‑Load Problem
Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) showed that the rotation of a tokamak’s plasma core—measured at 88.4 km/s—explains the long‑standing asymmetry in divertor heat loads. The finding, validated with DIII‑D data, lets simulations reliably predict exhaust behavior, accelerating fusion‑energy...
UK, Allies Mull Fresh Iran Sanctions as Hormuz Toll Threatens Oil Supply Chain
Britain and a coalition of allies announced they are drafting new sanctions on Iran after Tehran imposed a $2 million toll on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while European nations rebuffed President Trump’s request for military support. The move threatens...
US and Israel Strike Iran's Major Khuzestan Petrochemical Complexes
According to Iranian media, the US and Israel have attacked several large petrochemical sites in the Khuzestan province near the border with Iraq. The area between Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini are home to some of the Iranian largest petrochemical complexes.
Crypto Miners Soluna Secures $53M Wind Farm While TeraWulf Faces FERC Pushback Over Maryland Plant
Soluna Holdings completed a $53 million acquisition of the Briscoe Wind Farm in West Texas, securing renewable power for its AI‑focused data centers. At the same time, environmental groups urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reject TeraWulf’s purchase of a...
Fermi REIT Shares Tumble 41% After $750 M IPO, Raising AI Power‑Grid Concerns
Fermi REIT’s shares slid 41% in March, erasing much of the $750 million raised in its 2025 IPO. The drop follows a $150 million tenant withdrawal and looming lock‑up expirations, underscoring investor wariness about the REIT’s AI‑focused power‑grid ambitions.
Rishikesh Hotels Turn to Wood and Coal as LPG Shortage Hits Char Dham Season
Hotel and dhaba owners in Rishikesh are scrambling to keep kitchens running by switching to wood and coal after a prolonged LPG shortage. The crisis coincides with the start of the Char Dham pilgrimage, prompting state officials to revise LPG...
Middle East Conflict Lifts Crude to $111 a Barrel, Snarls Shipping and Spikes Global Inflation Risk
The war in the Middle East has pushed Brent crude to $111 a barrel, forced Indian refiners to divert tankers to China, and left basmati exporters invoking force majeure. The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz and airline routes is...