Oil Markets

How European crude became oversupplied amid deep supply crisis 04.06.2026 13mnt

The global crude oil market continues to see disrupted exports from the Middle East. Yet, with soft Asian demand and the release of strategic reserves around the world, Europe now finds itself struggling to place excess crude oil barrels ahead of peak summer demand. To examine the latest development in European crude oil balances, S&P Global Energy's Gary Clark, associate director, is joined by frontline price reporters Ernest Puey and Patrick McAllister to unpack supply drivers that have led to the current supply glut.

Tighter routes: How Hormuz disruption is reshaping Asian jet fuel markets 28.05.2026 10mnt

The disruption to flows through the Strait of Hormuz is rapidly reshaping the Asian jet fuel market at a critical juncture, just as seasonal demand accelerates ahead of the peak summer travel period. As one of the world's most important energy chokepoints, the Strait has long facilitated the movement of significant volumes of Middle Eastern jet fuel. The loss of these flows is now forcing market participants to reassess supply security, trade routes, and pricing dynamics across the region. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets Podcast, Jonathan Nonis, associate editorial director, is joined by members of the global editorial team — Lee Shu Ling and Aruni Sunil — to examine how the disruption is translating into the physical market. They explore the extent to which supply dislocations are tightening regional balances, the adjustments in trade flows and inventory strategies, and the emergence of demand destruction. They also look at how key benchmarks — including FOB Arab Gulf and FOB Singapore jet fuel, as well as the East-West arbitrage — are responding to tighter supply conditions.

The global LPG divide: Why Europe and Asia are moving in opposite directions 21.05.2026 12mnt

European and Asian LPG fundamentals have sharply diverged following the disruption to flows through the Strait of Hormuz in late February and early March. The supply shock sent Asian propane prices sharply higher, tightened availability, and disrupted petrochemical demand. Meanwhile, the European market, especially the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub, has remained comparatively well supplied and under pressure. To examine the latest trends in this segment, S&P Global Energy's Gary Clark, the associate director of the EMEA clean refined price reporting team, is joined by Senior Price Reporter Barbara Fernandez-Pita to help explain how record US exports, surging freight costs, a closed arbitrage window, and the end of the winter heating season have helped insulate European propane from the worst of the global squeeze.

US exports hit record high as Middle East war blocks Persian Gulf supply 14.05.2026 14mnt

US crude exports have hit record high in April as buyers looked far afield to replace barrels that have been blocked by the Middle East war and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The surge in demand has been a boon for US suppliers, and there has been a scramble to overcome infrastructure constraints in order to push exports even higher. With Persian Gulf supply unlikely to return at pre-war levels anytime soon, are markets seeing a temporary dislocation or a more durable shift in global crude flows? In this episode of Platts Oil Markets Podcast by S&P Global Energy, Oil Futures editor Chris van Moessner is joined by Americas oil news editors Binish Azhar and Ashok Dutta, and crude oil price reporter Lucas Casas to discuss what is driving these record exports, their near-term outlook, and how the US midstream and upstream business segments are reacting to this new paradigm.

Bonus episode: Hedging through the storm - can India's Dated Brent contract reshape risk landscape? 12.05.2026 21mnt

India's crude imports are climbing, not just in volume, but in complexity. As the country widens its pool of suppliers, it is also exposing itself to a more fragmented pricing landscape. But here is the challenge -- in a world where geopolitical conflicts and supply shocks can send prices soaring overnight, how do you protect the energy sector and the economy from extreme volatility? In this bonus episode of Platts Oil Markets Podcast by S&P Global Energy, Asia Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty is joined by Gouri Shankar, vice president for product strategy at the National Stock Exchange, Pulkit Agarwal, head of India Content, and John Morley, global head of crude oil pricing, to discuss the need for sophisticated benchmarks in managing risk, and what the latest NSE crude oil contract based on a physical price benchmark -- Platts Dated Brent -- can offer to Indian market participants.

European middle distillate flows shift on Persian Gulf supply constraints 07.05.2026 18mnt

With more than two months having passed since the beginning of the war in the Middle East, a conflict that has tightened refined oil product flows through the Strait of Hormuz, market participants have been grappling with major upheaval in middle distillate trade routes as Europe seeks to replace lost Middle East supply. To examine the latest trends in this vital segment, S&P Global Energy's Emma Kettley, associate director, price reporting, is joined by reporters David Neef and Patrick McAllister to unpack how Europe has adapted to the disruptions to its key supply source in the Persian Gulf.

Service company earnings: Infrastructure shifts, e-fleets, and Latin American growth 30.04.2026 22mnt

In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast from S&P Global Energy, host Jeff Mower dives into first-quarter earnings from major oil and gas service companies, including SLB, Baker Hughes, and Halliburton. Joined by S&P Global editors Binish Azhar, Sheky Espejo, and J. Robinson, the panel explores the sector's strategic pivot toward energy infrastructure and generation amid geopolitical uncertainties. Why are US shale producers still focused on completions despite high oil prices? How are surging diesel prices and record-low natural gas prices at the Waha hub driving the industry shift from diesel-powered frack spreads to natural gas and electric fleets? How is next-generation fracking technology being deployed in Argentina's Vaca Muerta? Are Pemex payments stabilizing in Mexico? Is there reason for cautious optimism surrounding Venezuela's future production goals? Join us for a wide-ranging conversation on these topics and more.

From Hormuz to Asia: the ripple effects on oil trade, prices, and economies 23.04.2026 21mnt

The conflict in the Middle East has sent ripples across the global energy landscape, with the spotlight on the Strait of Hormuz -- the critical artery for Asia-Pacific's energy imports. Amid trade flow disruptions, the path to recovery, the resilience of physical oil markets, and the broader economic consequences are under intense scrutiny. While the return to normalcy, the evolving dynamics of oil storage, the transmission of supply shocks to Asian economies, and the policy responses shaping the region's future energy strategy are some of the key themes that are dominating the discussions, the market is also looking for answers on transparency in pricing, benchmark adjustments, and market adaptation during turbulent times. In this episode of Platts Oil Markets Podcast by S&P Global Energy, Asia Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty discusses some of the key themes with Atul Arya, chief energy strategist; Daniel Colover, global head of oil and chemicals market engagement; and Vishrut Rana, Asia-Pacific senior economist at S&P Global Ratings.

Atlantic physical crude dynamics following Dated Brent's all-time high 16.04.2026 14mnt

Dated Brent's record high assessment by Platts of $144.42/barrel stole the headlines on April 7, but physical market fundamentals in the Atlantic basin have similarly brought cash differentials for individual crude oil grades across the North Sea, West Africa and the Mediterranean upwards to levels that, in some cases, have never been seen before. In this episode, Associate Director Emma Kettley is joined by frontline reporters Ernest Puey and George Delaney to explore the impact the war in the Middle East is having on the physical crude oil markets in the European and African region.

Hormuz chokepoint: Global scramble for diesel supply 09.04.2026 29mnt

As traffic inches back through the Strait of Hormuz, oil and product flows remain constrained, sending buyers scrambling to replace Middle East barrels and lock in reliable diesel supply. With nearly 6 million b/d of Middle East refining capacity at stake, and roughly 4 million b/d of refined products flows, diesel prices have soared, opening export opportunities. Where are buyers turning for diesel, and what policy tools are governments using to soften price shocks? Jeff Mower, Americas Oil News Director, unpacks these issues with Brazil Refined Products Manager Renato Rostas, Americas Middle Distillates Managing Editor Aaron Tucker, and Mexico Energy Editor Sheky Espejo.

Nigeria's Dangote refinery takes spotlight amid Middle East conflict 02.04.2026 19mnt

As the conflict in the Middle East has raised the specter of global fuel shortages, Nigeria's new Dangote refinery has attracted growing attention as an alternative supplier. After starting up in 2024, the refinery reached its initial 650,000 b/d capacity for the first time earlier in 2026 and has seen a growing demand for its products from markets further afield. In this podcast, Gary Clark, associate director, EMEA clean refined products at S&P Global Energy, is joined by Matthew Tracey-Cook, senior price reporter on West African refined products, and Kelly Norways, a journalist on the oil news team, to discuss the capacity of Africa's first megarefinery, regional supply risks, and where its product could end up.

CERAWEEK 2026: With Hormuz shut, who fills the gap? 31.03.2026 20mnt

From CERAWEEK 2026 in Houston, host Jeff Mower, Director of Americas Oil News, is joined by Senior Upstream Editor Ashok Dutta, oil news editor Binish Azhar, and oil policy reporter Eamonn Brennan to break down the conference's energy security focus. With the Strait of Hormuz largely closed and the Trump administration negotiating with Tehran while signaling it wants to cap oil price spikes, policymakers and executives clash over how fast supply can respond. The crew explores non-Middle East supply opportunities, including rising US Gulf Coast crude fixtures, constrained by pipeline and completion capacity, and a new wave of Canadian barrels pushing toward Asia via the Pacific. A high-stakes reform pitch for Venezuela meets some skepticism.

Strait of Hormuz uncertainty, Asia's LPG scramble as Middle East flows stall 26.03.2026 11mnt

Tensions between US-Israel and Iran are disrupting flows in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing Asia's LPG market to manage surging prices and shifting optimization to urgent supply management. With Middle East shipments threatened, especially for India and China facing low inventories and weak PDH margins, buyers are scrambling for alternative supplies and shipping. The Platts Oil Markets Podcast covers the immediate impacts: stalled vessels, rising freight rates, record high premiums, and a rapid move toward US LPG diversification, despite export terminal disruptions. The episode also looks ahead at inventory strategies, diversification of supply sources, and whether this crisis will permanently reshape the global LPG trade. Regina Sher, manager of the Asia oil products pricing team, and Norazlina Jumaat and Jeff Ong, reporters for Asia oil products, discuss the impact of this supply disruption on the LPG market.

Europe's jet fuel prices rally to record highs on Persian Gulf shut-in 19.03.2026 13mnt

Benchmark jet fuel assessments by Platts have reached all-time highs on the back of war in the Middle East. With vital middle distillate supplies locked in the Persian Gulf owing to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the knock-on impact for both physical and financial refined products markets in Europe has been unprecedented. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, Gary Clark, Associate Director for EMEA Clean Refined Products, is joined by frontline reporters Aruni Sunil and Patrick McAllister to discuss the latest dynamics in the European jet fuel market.

War, Hormuz and the Fuel Price Shock 12.03.2026 23mnt

After US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, oil markets have been on a rollercoaster. While crude has rallied above $100/b, refined fuels have surged even more sharply. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, host Jeff Mower, Director of Americas Oil News, is joined by Senior Refining Editor Janet McGurty and Senior Refined Products Price Reporters Ben Peyton and Laura Huchzermeyer to break down what's driving the spike in diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline prices. Is California heading toward a fuel shortage as refinery closures and global disruptions collide? How vulnerable is the West Coast fuel market, and why is it often described as an "energy island"? Could high diesel, jet, and gasoline prices start hitting the broader economy?

Crude and oil products markets shaken by major conflict in the Middle East 04.03.2026 15mnt

US and Israeli strikes on Iran since Feb. 28 have led to a major regional conflict, which has rocked geopolitics and resonated across the global oil supply chain. Vessel transits across the vital Strait of Hormuz have been stunted, while physical and financial oil markets have seen a major uptick in volatility. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, Herman Wang is joined by Lauren Holtmeier, Ada Taib, and Gary Clark to discuss the latest developments on the ground from the Middle East, in addition to the wider knock-on impacts for crude oil markets in Asia and refined products dynamics in Europe. Related content: FACTBOX: Oil prices surge as energy facilities hit in Middle East war Hormuz oil traffic still at standstill despite US insurance pledge (Subscriber content) Oil derivatives price action climbs amid ongoing Middle East conflict (Subscriber content) US Navy to begin escorting oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Trump (Subscriber content) PCAAS00 – Dated Brent (Subscriber content) PCAAT00 – Dubai Mo01 (Subscriber content) PJAAU00 - Jet CIF NWE Cargo (Subscriber content) AAEBS00 - Brent-Dubai at London MOC EFS Mo01 (Subscriber content) DEFSM02 - Brent Dubai at Singapore MOC Mo01 (Subscriber content) AAVBG00 - ULSD 10ppmS CIF NWE Cargo (Subscriber content)

Asian refiners weigh impact on crude flows from geopolitical developments 26.02.2026 19mnt

The outlook for Russian and Venezuelan crude flows, as well as geopolitical developments in Iran, are keeping Asian refiners on edge. Indian refineries have valued heavy Venezuelan crudes in their mix in the past, but will be looking out for signals of stable oil flows from the country. Meanwhile, the country's imports of Russian crude have decreased as sanctions have intensified. In this episode of Platts Oil Markets Podcast, Sambit Mohanty, Asia Energy Editor, Benjamin Tang, head of liquid bulk at S&P Global Commodities at Sea, and Pulkit Agarwal, Head of Content for India, discuss these market developments and more.

Dissecting the oil market headlines from London's IE Week 19.02.2026 12mnt

Geopolitics and its impact on pricing and trade flows were the talk of the town as oil market participants convened in the cobbled streets of London across Feb. 9-13 for International Energy Week, one of the most important events in the industry's calendar. Following a blockbuster 2026 edition, S&P Global Energy's John Morley, global director of crude and fuel oil markets, sits down with Associate Directors Emma Kettley and Gary Clark to discuss the key takeaways from the week covering the full breadth of the oil complex with crude, fuel oil and refined product dynamics in view.

Upstream Ambitions, Refining Resilience: What Earnings Season Signals for 2026 12.02.2026 23mnt

In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast by S&P Global Energy, host Jeff Mower, Director of Americas Oil News, is joined by Senior Refining Editor Janet McGurty and Senior Upstream Editor Ashok Dutta to break down the biggest takeaways from fourth-quarter oil earnings so far. How are Gulf Coast refiners positioning for a potential return of Venezuelan heavy crude — and what does it mean for heavy crude differentials? On the upstream side, are shale producers truly delivering "more with less" in the Permian through new technologies and lower costs? What's driving the next wave of M&A? From capital discipline to geopolitical risk, this episode explores whether 2026 is shaping up to be a year of measured growth — or strategic transformation — across upstream and refining.

EU sanctions reshape Europe's refined product flows 05.02.2026 16mnt

Europe's dependence on imported middle distillates is in sharper focus after the EU's 18th sanctions package halted imports of refined products processed from Russian crude from Jan. 21. Europe is leaning more heavily on replacement supply from the Middle East and the US—driving fresh volatility in diesel and jet fuel differentials even as underlying fundamentals remain mixed. Join Gary Clark, Aruni Sunil, Jan Kedzior, and Rebeka Foley as they unpack how trade flows are being reshuffled, why jet cracks have outperformed diesel, and how geopolitical risk and low buffer stocks are amplifying price swings across Europe's refined product markets.