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Crude Oil

After the oil selloff, we await progress on Strait of Hormuz flow

Tuesday, oil prices recovered after a sharp drop the previous session. This was supported by a tempered optimism about the U.S.-Iran Peace Talks. Investors awaited more clear signs of progress on restoring crude flow through the 'Strait Of Hormuz. Brent crude futures rose 24 cents or 0.38% to $78.15 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate was up 33 cents or 0.46% at 0026 GMT. Prices dropped more than 3% after the United States granted Iran 60 days of sanctions relief following initial peace talks. Officials also reported that the hostilities had ceased in Lebanon as a result of the wider...

Energy Markets

Oil prices fall as worries about rates offset optimism over Iran talks.

As expectations for a rise in interest rates pushed up U.S. Treasury Yields, global stocks were mostly flat Monday. Oil prices fell as optimism about progress?in U.S.Iran talks was offset. U.S. Vice-President JD Vance stated in Switzerland that Iran has agreed to let nuclear inspectors enter the country. The conversations about the inspections could begin as early as this week. Treasury Department of the United States authorized Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals and petroleum products sales through August 21. This eases decades-old sanctions as the United States moves toward a final deal with Iran in exchange for nuclear inspections and a...

Oil & Gas

US Loans 500,000 Barrels of Oil from Strategic Petroleum Reserve

The U.S. Energy Department announced on Monday that a single energy 'firm' had borrowed 500,000 barrels of crude oil, or 1.25% of all the barrels available in the latest allocation under the Trump Administration's efforts to reduce fuel prices. In March, the Trump administration released 172 million barrels of oil from the SPR as part of a coordinated effort with the International Energy Agency. The goal was to reduce fuel prices which spiked following the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran that began on February 28. U.S. has so far granted contracts for the loan of approximately 133 million barrels....

Crude Oil

The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve has seen its lowest oil stocks since 1983

The?stocks of crude oil in the United States have fallen to their lowest level since June 1983. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve dropped to 331.2 million 'barrels' last week. This is the lowest level since June 1983, according data from the Department of Energy. Supplies continued to tighten as a result of the U.S. - Iran war. The government's emergency stock fell by 9.05?barrels. This is the third-largest draw ever recorded. The drawdowns were a part of an agreement between the U.S. and Canada to release 172 millions barrels from the facility in order to lower fuel prices. U.S. crude oil...

Crude Oil

The FOREX Dollar gains after US-Iran discussions, but the pound is choppy due to Starmer's exit.

The dollar rose on Monday, as the first round U.S.-Iran negotiations boosted?optimism about a possible peace deal. Meanwhile, the pound gained in choppy trade after British 'Prime Minister Keir?Starmer announced his resignation. JD Vance, the U.S. vice president, said that talks with Iranian officials held in Switzerland laid "a good foundation" for an eventual peace agreement despite tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. crude dropped 2.61%, to $74.60 per barrel. Brent was down to $77.98 a barrel, a 3.21% drop on the day. However, the declines were kept in check by threats made by U.S. president Donald Trump to...

Oil & Gas

US approves Iranian oil sale amid final peace talks

The U.S. Treasury Department approved the production, sale and delivery of Iranian oil on Monday. This was a promise made by Washington and Tehran in an agreement last week. The general license announced by the two sides as they continue their talks to reach a final agreement on peace allows for the production, sale and delivery of crude oil, petrochemicals and petroleum products with Iranian origin through August 21. In a recent post on X, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Iran had 'committed' to allowing free and open passage through the Strait of Hormuz as well as allowing?International Atomic...

Oil & Gas

JODI data show that Saudi Arabia's crude exports in April fell to the lowest level ever recorded.

According to data released by the Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI), Crude Oil exports from Saudi Arabia fell for the second consecutive month in April to a new record low. The Iran War?disrupted?shipments?from the Gulf Region. Exports dropped to 3.990 million barrels a day from 4.974 in March. JODI data on Saudi Arabian crude oil exports, and production, dates back to 2002. In April, crude oil production in the country was at its lowest ever level, 6.316 million barrels per day, down from 6.967 in March. Riyadh, along with other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC), provides...

Oil Refineries

Russell: There is plenty of crude oil in Asia, but the refined fuels are scarce.

Asia's crude oil imports are expected to return to pre-Iran Conflict levels, but the flow of refined products is still constrained. Fuel prices reflect this supply stress. According to data compiled by Kpler, the world's largest energy consumer region is expected to import 22.18 millions barrels of crude per day in June. This represents an increase from 20.35million bpd imported in May. The arrivals in June are still below the 26.76m bpd average for the three months leading up to the United States' and Israel's attack on Iran, which took place on February 28. The figures are still well above...

Energy Markets

FOREX Dollar gains as investors monitor US-Iran discussions; yen nears a 40-year-low

Dollar remained firm as investors grew optimistic about a possible deal after the first round U.S. Iran talks. The yen remained near a 40-year-low and the pound slipped when UK Prime Minister Keir starmer announced he would resign. Qatar and Pakistan, who act as mediators between the U.S.A. and Iran, said that the two countries had agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement to end the conflict in 60 days. Investors were worried about the threats of U.S. president Donald Trump to restart war in the Middle East. They also fretted over the announcement by Tehran that it...

Crude Oil

Russell: There is plenty of crude oil in Asia, but the refined fuels are scarce.

Asia's crude oil imports are expected to return to pre -Iran Conflict? levels, but the flow of refined products is still constrained. Fuel prices reflect this supply stress. According to data compiled by Kpler, the world's largest energy consumer region is expected to import 22.18 millions barrels of crude per day in June. This represents an increase from 20.35million bpd imported in May. The arrivals in June are still below the 26.76m bpd average for the three months leading up to the United States' and Israel's attack on Iran, which took place on February 28. The figures are still well...

Crude Oil

Oil prices fall as US and Iran reach peace agreement, but Asian stocks remain steady

Investors assessed the progress made in ending the Middle East war after the U.S. president and Iran's president signed an interim peace agreement, but uncertainties still lingered. The text of the agreement was released by both countries. It had circulated widely prior to its publication. The agreement extends the ceasefire that was announced in April for another 60 days, allowing both sides to negotiate an end to hostilities. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has threatened to resume his attacks on Iran and to kill Iranian officials who fail to honor their commitments. Kyle Rodda is a senior analyst for Capital.com....

Crude Oil

Oil and stocks are higher following recent losses.

The U.S. Dollar and major stock indexes gained on 'Wednesday, ahead of Kevin Warsh making his debut as Federal Reserve Chair. Oil prices also rose after doubts arose over the U.S. Iran peace deal. At the first Fed meeting, which will be chaired Warsh, the Fed is expected hold the interest rate steady. A new policy statement as well as economic projections are likely to reflect the growing concern over the inflation caused by the Iran War even after the recent peace agreement. In March, most committee members projected that they would cut rates. Adam Sarhan of 50 Park Investments,...

Europe

Crude Oil

Oil prices fall as worries about rates offset optimism over Iran talks.

The global stock market was mostly flat Monday, while oil prices dropped. This was due to a combination of 'expectations' that higher interest rates would be imposed on the U.S. Treasury. U.S. Vice-President JD Vance stated in Switzerland that Iran has agreed to let nuclear inspectors enter the country. The conversations about the inspections could begin as early as this week. Treasury Department of the United States authorized Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals and petroleum products sales through August 21. This eases decades-old sanctions and pushes towards a final peace agreement with Iran. In exchange for?commitments to nuclear inspections and free...

Energy Markets

Oil prices fall as traders consider fragile Iran peace talks

European stocks and U.S. Futures dropped slightly, while oil prices dipped Monday. This was after Iranian negotiators announced that 'progress' had been made with peace talks between the United States and Iran. This helped calm fears about the fragile process of ending the Iran War. After Prime Minister Sir Keir announced his resignation, UK assets remained steady. This paved the way for a seventh leader in ten years. Iran war talks were overshadowed earlier by Tehran's announcement that it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping had slowed down after U.S. Central Command reported 55 vessels had passed...

Crude Oil

Oil prices fall as traders consider fragile Iran peace talks

After Iranian negotiators announced that 'progress was made in peace negotiations with the United States, this helped calm fears about the fragile process of ending the Iran War. Qatari and Pakistani officials also released a joint statement announcing that the first round of talks was over and that progress had been made in a roadmap for a final agreement to be reached within 60 days. The talks were overshadowed earlier by Tehran's announcement that it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping had slowed down after U.S. Central Command?said 55 ships passed on Saturday. This prompted U.S. president...

Western Europe

East Asia

Crude Oil

Asia shares fall as markets revalue Fed expectations and oil gains

After the U.S. lifted sanctions against?Iran on Tuesday, oil prices rose and traders were concerned that the Federal Reserve might take more aggressive measures to combat inflation in the second half of the year. S&P 500 futures and MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific index outside Japan both fell by 0.5%. Brent crude rose 0.2% to $78.03 a barrel. The Nikkei was down 0.6%. This is a reversal of some losses. Data showed that Japan's manufacturing industry experienced robust growth in the month of June. New orders surged at their highest rate in over four years. South Korean stocks fluctuated between gains, losses,...

Energy Markets

ADNOC sold at least 18,000,000 barrels of oil in the third tender, traders claim

Sources in the trade said that Abu Dhabi National Oil Company sold "at least 18,000,000 barrels" of crude oil from United Arab Emirates during its third spot tender this month. ADNOC has sold at least 48,000,000 barrels of crude oil in June, according to calculations. ADNOC is also offering more volumes in a 4th?tender due to close this week. Kpler data showed that the UAE exported 101.4 million barrels of oil in January, and 95.2 millions in February before the U.S. - Iran war blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Two trade sources reported that an Indian refiner bought 2 million...

Energy Markets

Investors relax as they consider US-Iran talks of peace; the yen is nearing a 40-year-low

Global shares fell on Friday as U.S. negotiators and Iranian negotiators canceled peace talks. Meanwhile, the possibility of an official Japanese intervention was brewing. The yen traded near a '40-year low. The dollar is on its way to its biggest weekly gain in over a month. This was mainly due to the weakening of the yen. It has been falling for five of the six last weeks, and now trades at its lowest level since late 1986. Officials in Tokyo have warned that they are considering intervening. The MSCI All-World Index was down by 0.15% after U.S. vice president JD...

Crude Oil

Stocks fall as Fed rate outlook offsets optimism about Iran deal

The global stock market was torn Thursday between optimism and concern over the possibility of an increase in U.S. interest rates?this coming year following the Federal Reserve meeting. The United States and Iran released their agreement on Wednesday, which extends the ceasefire that was announced in April for another 60 days. This will allow both sides to negotiate a peace. The agreement also calls for the full resume of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz "without charge". Oil dropped 2.8% more to $77 per barrel. This is the lowest price since early March. Futures and shares fell in Europe,...

Energy Markets

The stakes are high for the morning bid in Europe.

Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets Kevin Warsh, Federal Reserve chairman, held his first press conference. He revealed an ambitious review that had broad implications and he was tacitly hawkish in his tone by highlighting the central bank's determination to bring inflation under control. Nine of the Fed’s 19 policymakers expect at least one hike in interest rates by the year 2026. Warsh did not provide a rate prediction of his own. He said that markets should price assets according to their own interpretation of the data, and not second-guess...

Crude Oil

Welcome to the Warsh era with MORNING BID AMERICAS

Anna Szymanski is the Editor-in Charge of Open Interest. As markets awaited the first meeting of the new Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh at the helm?of the U.S. Central Bank, global stocks were stable on Wednesday. Investors will focus on the message today as policymakers are expected to leave interest rates unchanged. Oil prices stabilized on Tuesday after falling below $80 per barrel for the first time since months, as new details about the U.S. Iran memorandum emerged. This included the possibility of lifting sanctions on Iranian oil. Below, I'll go into more detail. Listen to the Morning Bid podcast....

Oil & Gas Refining

Sources: China announces second batch of import quotas for naphtha

Two?sources who are familiar with the?matter? said that China had?issued a?second batch of 2026 import quotas. This batch is likely to be lower than the first batch issued for 'this year', as the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran has curtailed imports of petrochemical feedstock. Sources said that the second batch of quotas totaled 9.9 million tonnes (89 millions barrels) bringing the 2026 total import quota for 11 companies to 21.7million tons. One of the sources stated that PetroChina, unlike in the first batch, was not given any volume for the second batch. In the first batch, PetroChina was allocated...

Energy Markets

Asia markets temper Iran deal optimism, BOJ hikes rates

Asian stocks gained modestly on Tuesday, following a rally the previous day?on news of a U.S. peace deal with Iran?. Investors also assessed a widely anticipated Bank of Japan interest rate?increase to a high of 31 years. The Nikkei rose 0.9%, to a record high of 70,000. This was after the Japanese central banks voted to raise its benchmark rate to 1%. S&P 500 futures recovered from early losses and traded flat. MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific index outside Japan rose 0.4%. Korean shares rose 2.3%. Stocks in Hong Kong weighed down the benchmark index after China's retail sales and fixed asset...

Oil Refineries

Singapore's oil products inventories fall to a near 13-year low

Official data on Thursday showed that oil product inventories in Asia's main trading hub Singapore fell to their lowest level?in almost 13 years. This was due to a'sharp' decline in residual fuel stocks as the Middle East conflict continued. Enterprise Singapore's data shows that the combined onshore oil products stocks fell to 34.41 millions barrels during the week ending June 10. This is the lowest level since July 2013. The oil inventories at global storage hubs are shrinking, as Middle Eastern shipments continue to be curtailed by the U.S. - Iran?war. In the week ending June 10, inventories of residual...

Oil & Gas Refining

Saudi crude oil supply to China remains at record low

Saudi Arabian crude oil sales to China will likely remain at record lows this month as the high 'prices' in the wake of the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran continue to impact demand. Market participants closely monitor the allocations as a measure of Chinese demand. They indicate that refiners are reluctant to import barrels at high prices after run cuts, and because they have exhausted their domestic stocks. Saudi Aramco will ship 12 million barrels to China customers for July loading. This is about 387.096 barrels a day. Sources'requested anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak with the media....

Oil & Gas Refining

Sources say that China's Hengli is looking for oil in the Middle East and West Africa after sanctions.

Hengli Petrochemical in China, which was sanctioned by the U.S. because it allegedly purchased Iranian oil, bought at least 2 million barrels of West African crude and is seeking more mainstream supply. Six people have said that Hengli is seeking to buy oil from sources not sanctioned by Washington. The company was penalised in April for buying Iranian oil and denied doing so. Hengli, a privately owned refinery that operates in Dalian (northeast China) and produces 400,000 barrels per day, inquired recently about purchasing cargoes from West Africa and non-Iranian Middle Eastern oil?for deliveries starting June, according to multiple sources....

Energy Markets

Oil prices rise as Middle East tensions increase, Asian stocks fall

Asian stocks dropped on Wednesday, while oil prices surged as escalating Middle East tensions unsettled the markets. Dimming hope for an end to a months-long conflict that has driven commodities higher and stoked concerns about inflation. After President Donald Trump claimed that Tehran had shot down an American Apache helicopter in Strait of Hormuz investors were on edge about a fragile ceasefire. The broadest MSCI index of Asia-Pacific stocks outside Japan fell 0.6%. The Nikkei of Japan fell by 0.9%, while the South Korean KOSPI, which is dominated by tech stocks, dropped 2%. In early trading, oil prices rose about...