Geopolitical risks are colliding across multiple theaters in early August 2026, creating a perfect storm for energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz is flaring again, with Iranian loadings collapsing toward zero. Saudi Arabia’s Jazan refinery has been hit by Houthi drones for the second time in weeks. Ukraine continues deep strikes on Russian refining infrastructure, […]
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Stu Turley, Energy News Beat Podcast Host, recently highlighted a long-standing debate over ethanol-blended gasoline. After filling up with 89-octane fuel containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) and driving 349 miles, the vehicle averaged 17.4 miles per gallon—well below its typical 22–24 mpg. Switching to ethanol-free gasoline restored performance to 22.3 mpg almost immediately. The […]
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On the night of August 7-8, 2026, Russia and Ukraine exchanged strikes targeting energy infrastructure and civilian areas. Russian forces launched ballistic missiles and drones at the Kyiv region and capital, while Ukrainian forces conducted long-range drone strikes on two Russian oil refineries. Russian strikes hit the Brovary district near Kyiv and areas in the […]
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U.S. commercial crude oil inventories rose last week, but Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) draws and sharp declines in key refined products left overall oil and product stocks tighter, according to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Weekly Petroleum Status Report released today for the week ending July 31, 2026. Key Inventory Highlights (Week Ending July 31, […]
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Global oil refineries outside active conflict zones are operating near or at maximum capacity, with almost no remaining buffers to absorb further shocks. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser made the point clearly this week: the system is stretched thin, leaving “little shock absorbers or buffers” against higher fuel prices. A combination of the ongoing war […]
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The global energy landscape remains highly volatile in early August 2026, shaped by overlapping geopolitical, security, and climate pressures. Disruptions centered on Russia’s refined product exports, ongoing uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz, escalating risks in the Bab el-Mandab Strait, and a severe drought across Europe are tightening supplies of crude oil, petroleum products, LNG, […]
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California’s energy debate often rests on a convenient narrative: gasoline and diesel demand is falling, so aging refineries can—and should—simply close. A recent CalMatters commentary by Ranjit Deshmukh, an environmental studies associate professor at UC Santa Barbara, advances exactly this view. Titled in essence “Aging oil refineries don’t need more public dollars. California should let […]
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The paper oil markets continue to signal relative calm, with WTI futures hovering in the low-to-mid $80s per barrel range in late July 2026, even as the physical markets scream warnings of tightening supplies and stress. Futures traders appear focused on hopes of de-escalation, adaptability of flows, and potential diplomatic pauses. Yet the actual delivery […]
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The Refining Capacity Shortage and Demand Destruction Quest Brent crude oil prices surged more than 3% today, breaking above $86 per barrel (reaching $86.06 in early London trading). This extends a sharp ~12% rally since Friday, driven by escalating geopolitical risks across key oil chokepoints and infrastructure. The immediate spark came from Iranian cruise missile […]
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Despite crude oil prices easing significantly after the sharp spikes tied to the 2026 Iran-related conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, retail prices for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel remain elevated or are rebounding. This is creating pain at the pump and for businesses, even as the broader “crude crisis” appears to be fading. As […]
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