Market View: US Gas Futures Tumble to 18-Month Low
U.S. natural‑gas futures dropped to an 18‑month trough this week as seasonal demand weakened during the shoulder months. A brief burst of colder weather was insufficient to lift prices, which slipped to roughly $1.70 per MMBtu, the lowest level since late 2022. The decline reflects a broader trend of muted consumption ahead of the summer cooling season, putting pressure on producers and traders. Market participants are watching weather forecasts and storage data for clues on the next price move.
Big Rift, Closed Strait Loom Large Ahead of US-Iran Talks
U.S. and Iranian delegations will convene in Pakistan on Saturday to negotiate a cease‑fire that could end the ongoing Middle‑East war. The meeting comes amid a deep diplomatic chasm, with Tehran demanding sanctions relief and nuclear concessions while Washington insists...
Japan Plans Another Oil Reserves Release
Japan announced it will release an additional 20 days' worth of strategic oil reserves beginning in May, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said at a cabinet meeting. The release follows earlier drawdowns aimed at stabilizing domestic fuel prices amid heightened global...
Oil Prices Rise as Gulf Tankers Remain at Standstill
Oil futures climbed Thursday after a sharp sell‑off on Wednesday when traders reacted to the fragile cease‑fire between the US and Iran in the Gulf. The cease‑fire, brokered by Washington, eased immediate geopolitical risk but left uncertainty over longer‑term supply...
Saudi Arabia Confirms Iranian Strikes on Key Assets
Saudi officials confirmed that Iranian strikes have damaged the kingdom's East‑West Pipeline, cutting roughly one‑tenth of its throughput. The pipeline is a vital overland route that allows crude to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil shipments....
Oxy Says US Gulf Oil Find Has Tie-Back Potential
Occidental Petroleum announced an oil discovery at its Bandit prospect in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The find is estimated to contain several million barrels of recoverable oil. Oxy says the reservoir can be developed as a subsea tie‑back to...
Market Watch: US Gas Futures Tumble to 17-Month Low
US natural‑gas futures slipped 5.4 cents on Thursday, settling at $2.67 per MMBtu, the lowest level in 17 months for the prompt‑month contract. The decline followed a larger‑than‑expected weekly build in storage, which analysts at Gelber & Associates said confirms...
US Budget Proposal Would Advance Energy Policy Priority Shift
The White House released its FY 2027 budget, signaling a decisive pivot toward clean energy. The proposal earmarks roughly $15 billion for renewable‑technology research, expands tax credits for wind and solar through 2032, and trims federal subsidies for oil and gas by...
Oil Prices, Apr. 9, 2026
Oil prices surged on April 9 as a fragile US‑Iran ceasefire failed to quell market nerves, pushing Brent above $85 per barrel while spot prices held steadier. Iranian missile strikes on Saudi oil assets trimmed OPEC‑Plus output by roughly 200,000...
Natural Gas Spot Prices, Apr. 9, 2026
On April 9, 2026 a cluster of natural‑gas market developments were reported. The EU announced a softening of its methane‑emission regulations to avert a potential supply crunch, while Israel’s Energean signaled the restart of production at the Karish offshore field....
Exxon, Shell See Silver Linings as War Disrupts Operations
Shell and Exxon Mobil saw Middle‑East war disruptions curtail production and trade flows, yet first‑quarter results revealed that soaring oil prices and regional arbitrage lifted earnings. Both majors posted higher realized margins as Brent and WTI rallied above $90 per barrel....
How Oil Shocks Cause Demand Destruction
The twin oil shocks of the 1970s eliminated roughly 6 million barrels per day of demand growth in the first crisis and a further 14 million barrels per day in the second. Analysts attribute the destruction to emergency policies, shifts in consumer...
New Carbon Trading Regimes Advance, Details Change
Developing and middle‑income nations are rolling out a new wave of emissions trading systems (ETS) as climate goals and trade pressures intensify. The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a key catalyst, prompting countries to keep carbon revenues domestically....
Adani Green CEO Sees Massive Scalability for Solar, Wind
Adani Green Energy has surpassed 19 GW of renewable capacity and is targeting 50 GW by 2030‑32, cementing its role as a global leader. The company’s Khavda solar‑wind hub in Gujarat already hosts 9.4 GW and is slated to expand to 30 GW by...
Santos Eyes Alaskan Quokka Oil Unit Development
Australian independent oil producer Santos is assessing a two‑drill‑site development on its Quokka unit in Alaska’s North Slope. The move follows a successful appraisal well that confirmed the reservoir’s commercial potential. Santos aims to tap the prolific Arctic basin to...
Gas and LNG Markets, Apr. 8, 2026
The ongoing Middle‑East conflict is driving sharp price volatility that is boosting first‑quarter oil trading results for both Shell and Exxon Mobil, even as their regional operations face disruptions. QatarEnergy has begun restarting its LNG plant now that the Strait...
Brent Holds Steady as Ceasefire Deal Fizzles
Benchmark Brent crude held steady on Monday as traders weighed the prospect of a cease‑fire in the five‑week‑old Middle East conflict. The market’s cautious optimism was tempered by the collapse of the cease‑fire negotiations, keeping risk premiums elevated. Prices edged...
Commonwealth LNG's Jera Offtake Contract Canceled
Japan’s Jera has terminated its firm offtake agreement with the Commonwealth LNG project in Louisiana, creating an unexpected obstacle as the venture approaches a final investment decision. The cancellation strips away a key revenue anchor for the $20 billion, 15 mtpa plant...
Natural Gas Spot Prices, Apr. 6, 2026
On April 6, 2026 the industry released volume‑weighted average natural‑gas spot prices for next‑day flow and weekend delivery. The data set includes both wellhead and delivered price composites, offering a comprehensive view of market pricing. Accompanying the price figures are the daily...
Critical Notices, Apr. 6, 2026
The latest Critical Notices highlight three key energy developments. Polar LNG asserts that Alaska can support two new LNG export projects, underscoring the state’s growing strategic importance. Chevron has resumed production at Israel’s Leviathan gas field, a vital supply source...
Market Watch: May Nymex Dips After Above-Average Storage Build
May NYMEX natural gas futures slipped 1.9 ¢ to $2.80 per MMBtu, marking the first decline of the month. The drop was driven by an unexpectedly large weekly storage build, which lifted inventories above seasonal norms. Analysts attribute the easing to...
Comparative Fuels, Apr. 2, 2026
The piece titled “Comparative Fuels” offers no substantive text, but its headline signals a focus on the emerging segment of alternative and renewable fuels. Industry analysts project the global comparative fuels market to exceed $250 billion by 2030, driven by stringent...
Western-Insured Tankers Continue to Load Urals Crude
Western‑insured, primarily Greek‑owned, tankers are still loading Russia's Urals crude at Black Sea and Baltic ports. The FOB price of the blend has risen to roughly $100 per barrel, more than twice the EU price‑cap of $44.10. Despite heightened sanctions,...
Iraq Inks Contract to Export 50,000 B/D of Crude via Syria
Iraqi state marketer Somo has signed a contract to export 50,000 barrels per day of crude oil by truck through Syria to the Mediterranean, marking the first such shipment. The route will deliver the oil onward to European customers, offering...
US Natgas Storage Rises by 36 Bcf
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a 36 billion‑cubic‑feet (Bcf) increase in natural‑gas inventories for the week ending March 27, pushing net working inventories to 1,865 Bcf. The build reflects a modest supply surplus after a relatively mild winter heating season. Analysts note...
Algeria to Launch New 2026 Onshore Auction
Algeria announced a second onshore licensing round slated for April 19, aiming to attract roughly $60 billion in upstream investment between 2025 and 2029. The initiative seeks to expand the country’s oil and gas output, reinforcing its role as a critical energy...
Russia Bans Gasoline Exports as More Refineries Hit
Russia announced a full ban on gasoline exports from April 2 through July 31, expanding earlier limits to include all producers, including refineries. The decision follows a string of refinery outages that have shaved roughly 10% off domestic fuel output. By halting...
Asian Buyers Remain Wary of Iran Oil Sanctions Waiver
The Trump administration issued a 30‑day waiver that temporarily allows Iranian crude to be sold at sea, aiming to ease global oil market pressure. Two weeks after the announcement, Asian buyers remain hesitant, citing heightened compliance and reputational risks. The...
New Zealand Rethinks LNG Imports Amid War-Driven Prices
New Zealand’s newly appointed energy minister has publicly questioned the viability of the country’s planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal. The skepticism comes as the war in the Middle East has driven global LNG prices to multi‑year highs, making...
Hormuz Disruption Roils African Oil Markets, Economies
A prolonged shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz is set to severely disrupt oil flows to and from sub‑Saharan Africa, threatening export revenues and import costs across the region. The bottleneck pushes global freight rates higher and forces African refiners...
Upstart Polar LNG Offers New Export Proposal for Alaska
Polar LNG, a newly formed company, has submitted a proposal to build a near‑shore liquefaction plant on Alaska’s North Slope, aiming to export stranded natural gas. The project envisions a $10‑plus billion investment and a 5 million‑tonne‑per‑year capacity, but it currently lacks...
Egypt Advances Upstream Projects to Ease Gas Supply Crunch
Egypt is courting British oil major BP for new upstream investments to revive its dwindling oil and gas output. The push comes as the country grapples with a severe gas supply crunch intensified by the ongoing Middle East conflict, which...
Crude Futures Close Memorable March in Decline
Crude oil futures ended March with a modest daily decline but posted robust monthly gains, driven by heightened geopolitical tension. The ongoing war in the Middle East and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have constrained supply and...
Oil Prices, Mar. 31, 2026
On March 31, 2026, global crude oil prices edged higher, with Brent crude closing near $85 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) around $80. The rise reflected OPEC+’s decision to extend voluntary output cuts and a modest draw...
Market Watch: May Nymex Contract Inches Lower
May natural‑gas futures slipped slightly, closing at $2.884 per million British thermal units after peaking at $2.977 on Tuesday. Analysts attribute the dip to record U.S. production and a seasonal warming trend. Demand estimates show residential and commercial consumption at...
Comparative Fuels, Mar. 31, 2026
Energy Intelligence’s March 31 roundup highlights a resurgence of LNG development, with Polar LNG unveiling a near‑shore liquefaction plant on Alaska’s North Slope—an idea dismissed in 2018. Egypt is accelerating upstream gas projects to relieve a regional supply crunch, while...
Germany's SEFE to Launch Major LNG Buy Tender
Germany’s state‑owned energy trader SEFE (Securing Energy for Europe) announced it will issue a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchase tender on Tuesday, targeting deliveries to Northwest Europe. The tender is designed to bolster regional supply security as the Middle...
Egypt, Cyprus Sign Framework Deal Amid Energy Crisis
Egypt and Cyprus signed a gas framework agreement to cooperate on the development of the Cronos offshore field. The Cronos reservoir holds about 3.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in Cypriot waters. The parties stopped short of a final investment...
Four IOCs Working on Lithium Extraction in US Smackover Play
After a 90% plunge in lithium carbonate prices from 2022 to 2025, U.S. brine projects in the Smackover Formation stalled, but a recent price rebound has revived interest. Equinor has secured an anchor off‑taker, while Exxon Mobil, Occidental Petroleum and Chevron...
Topsoe, First Ammonia Terminate Electrolyzer Supply Deal
New York‑based First Ammonia is moving ahead with the first phase of its 200 MW green ammonia project in Victoria, Texas, slated to break ground this year. The company announced the termination of its 100 MW electrolyzer supply agreement with Danish catalyst...
Nuclear Takes Another Step Toward Spotlight
Nuclear energy took center stage at the CERAWeek 2026 conference in Houston. Industry leaders and policymakers gathered to address the growing importance of nuclear power amid heightened concerns over global energy security. The forum highlighted accelerating investment, emerging reactor designs,...
Brent Heads Into Weekend on High Note
Brent crude futures surged into the weekend, climbing roughly 5% to around $85 a barrel, the highest level in several months. The rally was driven by lingering supply worries as the war in the Middle East shows no sign of...
Summit Midstream Aims to Clear 'Hidden' Permian Gas Constraints
Summit Midstream is exploring a capacity expansion on its interstate pipeline that transports natural gas from the Permian Basin’s Delaware subbasin to the Waha Hub, linking Southwest and Gulf Coast markets. The move targets “hidden” constraints—primarily gathering and processing bottlenecks—that...
Market Watch: April Nymex Expires at $3.095/MMBtu
April Nymex natural gas futures rose 9.6 cents to close at $3.095 per MMBtu, while the May contract, set to become the prompt‑month contract on Monday, gained 9.7 cents to $3.025. Gelber & Associates noted that prices below $3 continue to draw...
US Natgas Storage Falls by 54 Bcf
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a 54 billion‑cubic‑foot (Bcf) draw in natural‑gas inventories for the week ending March 20. Net working gas fell to 1,829 Bcf, tightening the supply balance ahead of the summer heating season. The draw reflects higher demand from...
Mideast Gulf Players Take Steps to Manage Output, Secure Assets
Major energy producers and operators across the Middle East Gulf have implemented drastic measures to curb output and protect facilities as the regional conflict enters its third week. The moves include temporary shutdowns, reduced drilling rates, and heightened security protocols...
Brent, WTI Crude Prices, Mar. 26, 2026 - TK
The article is a placeholder for a daily Brent and WTI crude price snapshot dated March 26, 2026, but it contains no actual price data or commentary. Typically such reports would list spot prices, price changes, and market drivers for the two...
China's CNOOC Tempers Production Growth, Spending Trajectory
China National Offshore Oil Corp.’s listed arm CNOOC announced a modest 0.3%‑1.6% rise in oil and gas output for 2026 and plans to keep capital spending flat or lower. The guidance marks a sharp deceleration from the rapid expansion of...
Adnoc Advances Gas Projects Amid Mideast War
Abu Dhabi‑listed ADNOC Gas has secured the primary contractors for two large‑scale gas and liquids projects in the emirate. The contracts cover a new gas processing plant and a liquids extraction facility, both slated for rapid execution. Despite the ongoing...
China's Hydrogen Industry Eyes Rapid Scale-Up
China’s hydrogen sector is moving from pilot projects to full‑scale commercialization, as highlighted at a recent Beijing conference. Executives and government officials pledged to accelerate deployment over the next five years. The shift signals a coordinated push to build production...
