In a development that echoes broader regional efforts to reduce vulnerability to the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, ExxonMobil is emerging as a key partner in Iraq’s drive for energy self-sufficiency—particularly by ending its costly and geopolitically sensitive dependence on Iranian natural gas. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met directly with ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods in […]
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Chevron Corp. is set to sign non-binding memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the Iraqi government on Friday, advancing negotiations for major investments in two of Iraq’s key oil fields while joining efforts to develop pipelines that would allow Iraqi crude exports to bypass the vulnerable Strait of Hormuz. The move signals deepening U.S.-Iraq energy ties […]
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Iraq has suspended crude oil loading operations at all its southern export terminals following a drone incident at the Basra (Basrah) terminal complex in the Persian Gulf. The move affects a significant portion of the country’s exports, which normally average around 3.3–3.6 million barrels per day (bpd) via these facilities (with some market commentary citing […]
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NB Pub Note: By RFE/RL staff – Jul 15, 2026 – I am old enough to remember a few years ago when a single tanker was hit by Iran, and oil jumped $30 per barrel. Russia has lost over 60% of its downstream capabilities, and in the last 3 weeks, over 90 vessels, including 20 tankers. The […]
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ENB Pub Note: This article originally ran on RHG Phoenix’s site by Randy Green. We will be visiting with them on the podcast soon. The global oil market is navigating a complex rebalancing act amid geopolitical disruptions, sanctions evasion, and shifting supply dynamics. As of mid-July 2026, Brent crude trades in the low-to-mid $80s per […]
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The Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil chokepoint carrying roughly 20% of global oil trade (around 20–21 million barrels per day pre-disruptions), is rapidly losing its stranglehold. According to Goldman Sachs analyst Alexandra Paulus, pipeline projects across the Gulf are on track to divert up to 45% of pre-war Persian Gulf oil exports […]
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In a significant development for U.S.-Iraq energy relations, President Donald Trump hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House on July 14, 2026. The meeting focused on deepening strategic ties, advancing major oil and gas investments, and discussing infrastructure projects—including a revived pipeline that could bypass the volatile Strait of Hormuz. Trump also […]
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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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The conflict involving Iran has rapidly expanded beyond direct U.S.-Iran clashes into a broader regional war, with proxy actions, naval disruptions, and threats spanning the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Yemen, and even the Caribbean. Oil prices are climbing on heightened supply risks, with Brent crude recently trading around $83–85 per barrel amid fresh attacks […]
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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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