Baker Hughes reports that US drillers have added oil and gas rigs to their fleet for the first time in 3 weeks.
Baker Hughes, a?energy services firm?, said on Thursday that U.S. firms added to the number of oil and gas rigs operating for the first time since three weeks. The number of oil and 'gas rigs, an early indicator for future production, increased by five in the week ending April 2. Baker Hughes reported that despite this week's increase in rigs the total count is still 42 rigs or 7.1% lower than this time last year. Baker Hughes reported that oil rigs increased by two this week to 411, while gas rigs increased by three to 130.
Verbio CEO: Middle East war drives demand for local biofuel
Verbio's chief executive said that the rising fuel prices are "extraordinarily advantageous" for its biofuel producer. The company is experiencing a rise in demand as countries and companies look to cut energy costs and secure supplies. Verbio, a German company, produces biomethane, bioethanol, and other renewable fuels from local organic materials such as agricultural wastes and food scraps. It is thus protected from the negative impacts of the Middle East Conflict.
As the Middle East conflict shakes markets, global companies are delaying IPOs and cutting dividends.
The Middle East conflict is affecting global financial markets. It has also affected logistics and hampered the supply of raw materials that are essential to many industries. In alphabetical order, here is a list of some of the companies that have reacted to the crisis by delaying their initial public offering or withdrawing dividend proposals. The Swedish outdoor technology firm has withdrawn its dividend proposal for SEK 1,00 ($0.11) per share and instead proposed no dividend?for 2025.
India may reduce import duties and exports to ensure local supply
India's director of foreign trade announced on Thursday that it would reduce import duties or regulate exports to ensure adequate supplies at home for a number of?essential goods whose availability has been restricted due to the war in the Middle East. The conflict that began in February when the United States and Israel attacked Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz. This is the usual route of about 20% of world oil. As a result of the conflict…
Palm prices rise on Mideast unrest and weak supply outlook
Malaysian palm futures rose a day after falling in the previous session. This was boosted by the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict and the expectation of a fall in March's output. The benchmark palm oil contract on Bursa Derivatives Exchange for June delivery gained 25 ringgit or 0.52% to 4,794 Ringgit ($1,187.81). According to Paramalingam Supramaniam of Selangor brokerage Pelindung Bestari, the palm oil market is still uneasy due to ongoing negotiations.
Sources say that OPEC+ is likely to increase oil production on Sunday.
Two OPEC+ source said that OPEC+ will likely consider a new oil production increase at their meeting on Sunday. This would allow key producers to 'add more barrels' if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, the world’s most important oil route which is currently closed by the U.S./Israeli war against Iran. OPEC+ decided to 'adjust' its output to 206,000 barrels a day in April at their?last meeting, held on March 1. This was after the group had kept output constant during the first quarter due to concerns about oversupply.
Energy ministry reports that Morocco has enough diesel to last for 51 days.
The 'energy' ministry announced on Thursday that Morocco, which is heavily dependent on imports, has enough diesel to last for 51 days or 55 days respectively, and that gas and coal supplies are?secured until the end of the month. The war in the Middle East has caused an unprecedented disruption in energy supplies, leading to record gains in crude oil prices. This is especially painful for Morocco because it has no refining capacity at home.
EUROPE GAS-European Gas Prices Rise as Hopes Fade on Quick End to Iran War
Standard Dutch and British wholesale prices for gas rose on Thursday morning, after U.S. president Donald Trump pledged'more aggressive strikes against Iran, without committing to any specific timeline to end the war, worrying investors who were worried about 'prolonged disruptions to global supply. The benchmark Dutch front month contract at the TTF Hub opened 6.25% higher, at 50.48 Euros per Megawatt Hour (MWh), but then trimmed gains to 3.56%, at 49.20 Euros/MWh or around $16.62/mmBtu by 0853 GMT. ICE data revealed this.
Fears of a prolonged Middle East conflict has caused most Gulf stocks to retreat.
The major Gulf stock markets dropped in the early hours of trading on Thursday, after Donald Trump said that the U.S. will continue to attack?Iran without indicating a definite end date. In a late-night prime-time speech, Trump stated that the U.S. was planning to launch aggressive attacks on Iran in the coming two to three week period and were close to achieving their main strategic goals?in this conflict. Emaar Properties, the blue-chip developer that is Dubai's largest shareholding company, saw its shares fall 1.6%.
India's palm oil imports in March fell to a 3-month low due to a price surge
Five dealers said that India's palm-oil imports dropped nearly 19% to a new low in March, as the price of tropical oil, which tracks energy markets, rose. This prompted refiners, who track the energy markets, to reduce?purchases, and wait for correction. Reduced imports may deplete stocks, support local oilseeds prices and force the world's largest edible oil importer in the coming months to increase overseas purchases to replenish stock.
Oil shock resilience in march - or just smoke and mirrors? Mike Dolan
The energy shock caused by the Iran war is unprecedented. So far, the real economy has been hit hard. The fact that the only immediate information available is market sentiment, pricing or anecdotes makes it difficult to invest in a sudden crisis such as the Middle East conflict. When reliable data about the economic impact of a crisis finally appears, the crisis has often already passed. The most immediate shock was in the energy markets and prices. Brent crude futures have surged to $100 per barrel.
Palm prices rise on Mideast unrest and weak supply outlook
Malaysian palm oil futures rose more than 1% after the previous session. Prices were supported by the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict and expectations of a drop in March production. By midday, the benchmark contract for palm oil delivery in June on the Bursa Derivatives exchange had gained 65 ringgit or 1.36% to 4,834 Ringgit ($1,199.50). Palm oil traders are unsure about the future of negotiations. Washington and Tehran have sent mixed signals…
Baker Hughes' drilling equipment company HMH is valued at $815m amid market turmoil
HMH Holding, a provider of drilling equipment, was valued at 815 million dollars?after its shares dropped 5.5% on Wednesday in its Nasdaq début?amid fragile sentiments and persistent geopolitical uncertainties. Houston-based Akastor, a joint venture between Norway's Akastor and oilfield services firm Baker Hughes, has pushed forward with its long-sought New York IPO despite the Middle East conflict boosting oil prices. Brent crude futures are up 67% in the last year, but they were down 1.9% on Wednesday.
Russell: The war between Iran and the ROI is both a boon and a danger to Australia's LNG.
The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran changed the global market of?liquefied gas (LNG), giving a boost to the producers outside the Middle East. This boost will likely last for many years after the conflict ends. Australia is one of the biggest beneficiaries, having last year dropped to third place in the world for super-chilled fuel exports behind the United States of America and Qatar. The 'effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz' has stopped Qatar from exporting?LNG…
Energy officials in Thailand say that Thailand wants more LNG from Malaysia
Thai energy officials said on Wednesday that Thailand actively seeks additional 'LNG' supplies from Malaysia due to disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Watcharin Boonyarit said that Thailand will need to diversify its LNG supply, which is estimated to be between 5% and 10%. He was speaking on the sidelines at the Offshore Technology Conference held in Kuala Lumpur. He said that "roughly two to three LNG ships arrive…
Thailand Seeks LNG Supplies from Malaysia Due to Middle East Conflict
Thailand is actively seeking additional LNG supplies from Malaysia following disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict, Thai energy government officials said on Wednesday.Thailand would need to diversify some of its LNG supply away from the Middle East, estimated at roughly 5% to 10%, said Watcharin Boonyarit, the Energy Ministry's deputy director general of its Energy Policy and Planning Office, on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference in Kuala Lumpur."Roughly two to three LNG vessels arrive from the r
Palm oil futures decline despite Indonesian biodiesel drive
Malaysian palm futures declined on Wednesday. This was a reversal of?course following four consecutive sessions of gains. The benchmark palm oil contract for June delivery at the?Bursa Derivatives exchange shed 60 ringgit or 1.24% to 4,768 Ringgit ($1,184.89). Anilkumar bagani, head of commodity research at Sunvin Group in Mumbai, said that crude palm oil futures were higher by midday following confirmation of Indonesia's biodiesel program and the upward trend in energy prices.
Gas prices in Europe fall amid hopes that the Iran war will end soon
The benchmark Dutch and British wholesale gasoline prices dropped on Wednesday morning, based on the hope that the Middle East conflict would soon be resolved following the comments of U.S. president Donald?Trump. ICE data shows that the benchmark Dutch front-month 'contract' at the TTF hub was 3.466 euros lower at 48.32 Euros per megawatt hour (MWh), which is around $16.40/mmBtu at 0755 GMT. ICE data shows that the British April contract is down 6.7 pence to 121.4 pence per therm.
Palm oil prices rise for the fifth consecutive day as biodiesel and crude oil boost palm prices
The market for Malaysian palm oils futures rose on Wednesday for the fifth consecutive session, as the market was supported by the announcement of Indonesia's rollout of B50 biodiesel and the rising prices of crude oil. By midday, the benchmark palm oil contract for?June deliveries on the Bursa Derivatives Exchange had gained 33 ringgit or 0.68% to 4,861 Ringgit ($1,204.71). Anilkumar bagani, head of commodity research at Sunvin Group in Mumbai…
India increases jet fuel and commercial LPG prices in response to the Mideast crisis driving global surge
Indian fuel retailers increased jet fuel - and commercial liquefied petrol gas (LPG), prices on Wednesday. This was in response to a sharp rise in global prices caused by the U.S./Israeli war on Iran. India, the world's second largest LPG importer is battling the worst gas crisis it has seen in decades. The government is cutting gas supplies to industries so that households are not affected by shortages. The Indian Oil Corporation…