The total US rig count has fallen to 588, according to Baker Hughes data. This represents a decrease from the prior count of 593 active rigs.
Read moreAUGUST 21ST, 2026
US Total Rig Count Falls to 588, Baker Hughes Reports Refining Capacity Shock Keeps Fuel Supply Tight A significant shock to global refining capacity is tightening fuel supplies. This disruption is expected to exert upward pressure on oil prices. The situation warrants monitoring by traders in both crude oil and refined product markets.
Read moreUS Refiners Face Looming Crude Supply Drop From Top Foreign Supplier US refiners anticipate a substantial reduction in crude oil supply from their primary foreign supplier. This supply cut occurs amid strong oil demand, potentially affecting crude oil prices and refinery operations.
Read moreIndian Energy Companies Pay High Prices for Spot LNG Indian energy companies are paying some of the highest prices in years for liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the spot market. Supply disruptions stemming from the Iran war are driving these increased costs. This situation points to strong demand for LNG coupled with ongoing supply constraints.
Read moreRussian Urals Crude Trades at Premium to Brent in India Russian Urals crude is now trading at a premium to Brent crude for delivery in India. This marks the first time Urals has commanded a premium over the international benchmark in the Indian market. Traders report Urals selling at a $4-5 per barrel premium to Brent for March and early April deliveries to Indian ports.
Read moreUS Natural Gas Rises on Hot Weather, Texas Power Forecasts US natural gas prices increased today as hotter weather forecasts across the country are expected to boost demand. Anticipated power generation needs in Texas also contributed to the price rise. This news directly impacts natural gas futures.
Read moreGold Rebounds on Bond Jitters, Debt Fears, Weaker Dollar Gold prices are rebounding as investors seek safe-haven assets. Concerns about bond market volatility and increasing debt levels are driving this demand. A weaker US dollar is also making bullion more attractive to buyers.
Read moreRussia-Ukraine Conflict Drives Wheat Prices Higher Russia and Ukraine continue to attack port infrastructure, disrupting shipments from the "breadbasket of Europe." This ongoing conflict is driving up global wheat prices. The situation adds to existing pressures on the global food supply.
Read moreOil Prices Rise as US Vows Increased Economic Pressure on Iran Oil prices are set for a second consecutive weekly increase after the US announced plans to escalate economic pressure on Iran. This move raises concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply, specifically impacting Iranian oil exports.
Read moreIraq Discusses OPEC Output With Saudi Arabia Iraq has dispatched ministers to Saudi Arabia to discuss OPEC output. This meeting between the two major oil-producing nations could indicate upcoming changes in oil production policies. Any alterations to OPEC output levels have the potential to directly impact global crude oil prices.
Read moreShipowners Reroute Saudi Oil Exports Via Northern Route Due to Militant Attacks Shipowners, including Sinokor, are rerouting Saudi Arabian crude oil exports via a northern passage. This decision comes in response to attacks by Iran-backed militants targeting Saudi shipments at the Bab el Mandeb chokepoint. The altered shipping routes are expected to lengthen transit times and increase costs.
Read moreSpot Gold Climbs 1% to $4,562.65/Oz Spot gold prices increased by 1% to reach $4,562.65 per ounce. This rise reflects immediate market demand for the precious metal. The price action indicates a bullish sentiment among traders.
Read moreUS Blockade Squeezes Iranian Oil Supply to Chinese Refiners US sanctions are tightening the supply of Iranian crude oil to Chinese refiners. This blockade reduces the overall availability of oil in the global market. The disruption could lead to higher prices for crude oil.
Read moreChina Refiners Keep Crude Purchases Below Pre-Iran War Levels Chinese refiners are keeping crude oil purchases below levels seen before the Iran war. Analysts estimate current imports are nearing 10 million barrels per day. This cautious approach to demand persists despite an overall increase in import figures, driven by resilient oil prices.
Read moreChina Limits Oil Purchases as Crude Prices Remain Above $90 China is moderating its crude oil purchases as prices remain above $90 per barrel. This action by a major global consumer could temper demand and influence price stability, suggesting a strategic response to high energy costs.
Read moreStrait of Hormuz Crossings Remain Low, Signaling Continued Oil Disruption Shipping data shows Strait of Hormuz crossings remain at single-digit levels. This indicates continued disruptions to maritime traffic in the critical oil chokepoint. The reduced flow suggests ongoing pressure on global oil supply and prices.
Read moreUS Strategic Oil Reserve Hits 43-Year Low The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has decreased by 5.3 million barrels, bringing its total to 293.4 million barrels. This marks the lowest level for the SPR since 1982.
Read more