Energy Roundup: Oil markets are once again reacting to renewed uncertainty in the Middle East as the Strait of Hormuz remains operating well below pre-war shipping levels and no formal peace agreement has been reached. 🔹 Brent crude has climbed sharply over the past week as prolonged supply disruptions and ceasefire instability continue to pressure global energy markets 🔹 Several US E&P operators are now cautiously increasing drilling activity and 2026 capital spending plans in response to expectations for higher-for-longer oil prices 🔹 The upcoming Louisiana Energy Conference will feature extensive discussions around energy transition, LNG, carbon capture, power generation, nuclear, infrastructure, and future energy investment themes Read Richard Tullis's full report for all the details! #Energy# #Oil# #NaturalGas# #OilandGas# #MiddleEast# #EnergyMarkets# #LNG# #Infrastructure# #Investing# #WaterTowerResearch#

Energy markets are foundational to our economy. They keep the lights on, fuel our industries, and provide price signals that businesses and consumers rely on every day. Yesterday's energy roundtable with leaders from across the industry will help guide the @CFTC toward making it easier for companies to access our markets and hedge their risk while they work to unleash American energy dominance.

HORMUZ SHIPPING SLUMPS AS ENERGY MARKETS TIGHTEN Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell 19% last week, with daily crossings dropping to 25 from 120 before the conflict. Freight rates declined but remain nearly double pre-conflict levels. Meanwhile, refinery damage has tightened fuel supplies, boosting refining margins and petrochemical profits, while global crude inventories continue to fall.

US PROPOSES $5B FUND TO REBUILD GULF ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE • TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PROPOSES $5 BILLION TO KICKSTART A NEW MIDDLE EAST ENERGY REBUILDING FUND, WSJ REPORTS • US SEEKS MATCHING $5 BILLION FROM 8 REGIONAL PARTNERS, TARGETING A $10 BILLION FUND • PARTNERS COULD INCLUDE SAUDI ARABIA, UAE, QATAR, BAHRAIN, KUWAIT, OMAN, IRAQ AND JORDAN • FUND WOULD HELP REBUILD ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGED DURING THE SEVEN-MONTH IRAN WAR • PLAN AIMS TO REDUCE GULF COUNTRIES' RELIANCE ON THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ FOR OIL AND GAS TRANSPORT • CONFLICT HAS DISRUPTED GLOBAL ENERGY MARKETS AND DAMAGED REGIONAL PIPELINES AND REFINERIES • PROPOSED FUND WOULD BE CALLED THE PARTNERSHIP FOR ALLIED TRUST AND CONSTRUCTION — “PACT” • REBUILDING COULD REQUIRE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT AS DAMAGED ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE IS COSTLY TO REPLACE

Our intelligence shows major efforts to game energy markets. U.S. Govt elements use gullible media to influence prices for personal gain and keep POTUS mired in a losing war. Israel-aligned actors also promote war with rosy assessments. U.S. consumers feel the real bottom line.

How is China reshaping global energy markets? Kathryn Neville analyzes how China's energy strategy has evolved through stockpiling, supply management, and diversification efforts, highlighting Beijing's growing influence in global oil markets. Full article linked in comments.

"Energymaxxer" China continued to boost its energy supply lead over the US in 2025. ROI's Gavin Maguire explores this and other trends in a five-chart breakdown of global energy markets

As America’s war on Iran roils energy markets, China’s clean-energy companies should be cashing in. Register for free to learn why they are in turmoil instead Photo: Getty Images