Brent-WTI Spread

Fracking In California Under Spotlight As Some Local Municipalities Issue Bans

For the first installment of my API Chart of the Month series, let’s look at a pair of charts that show the strengthening of U.S. trade positions for petroleum – crude oil and refined products – and natural gas – supported by trade pacts such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This is… Keep reading →

Battle Looms For Coastal Wetland In Southern California

Today the US Energy Information Administration slashed its 2015 oil price forecasts, but the statistical arm of the DOE still expects total oil output to increase to volumes not seen since 1972. As we reported last week, it will take some time before current lower oil price levels manifest in lower US oil production volumes.… Keep reading →

A liquified natural gas (LNG) tanker sit

The US could run afoul of the WTO if LNG export approvals are not more quickly granted. “In a report commissioned by the National Association of Manufacturers, he [James Bacchus] wrote, ‘The tables may be turned on the United States directly in the WTO, but also through other countries walking away from core principles that… Keep reading →

bayway2

US refiners have had a tough 25 years, Pioneer Natural Resources Chairman and CEO Scott Sheffield said during a lunch keynote presentation at the Independent Petroleum Association of America Oil & Gas Investment Symposium in New York today. East Coast refiners face a competitive disadvantage to those located on the Gulf Coast because Eastern plants… Keep reading →

'Liberated' Eastern Libya Adjusts To Life Without Gaddafi Rule

The Brent-WTI spread narrowed further yesterday, with the price differential currently around $6/bbl, as Libya continues to shake up the international oil market. “Libya, the holder of Africa’s biggest crude reserves, has become the smallest producer in the 12-member Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries after protests halted production and shipments. Output shrank to 250,000 barrels… Keep reading →