Topic
petroleum
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Reopening: Mine Clearance Delays Threaten Weeks-Long Recovery for Oil Shipping
The US-Iran tentative agreement ends the three-month Middle East conflict, but the Strait of Hormuz faces a slow recovery due to mine clearance and shipping bottlenecks. Over 20% of global oil supply was disrupted, with 500 vessels stranded. Shipping resumes gradually, with analysts warning of weeks to months for normal flows.
Commodities US Strategic Petroleum Reserve Falls to Lowest Level Since 1983 Amid Iran War
The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 340.3 million barrels as of June 12, 2026, its lowest since July 1983, as the Trump administration continues emergency releases to mitigate economic damage from the war with Iran. The reserve has dropped 75 million barrels (18%) since the conflict began in late February. Officials warn the stockpile must remain at least 20% full to be operational.
Trade India hikes windfall tax on diesel and ATF exports, petrol levy unchanged
India hiked the windfall gains tax on exports of diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) effective June 16, while keeping the levy on petrol unchanged. The special additional excise duty on diesel was raised to Rs 14 per litre and on ATF to Rs 12.5 per litre. The tax is revised fortnightly and aims to ensure domestic fuel availability amid West Asia tensions.
Commodities India caps diesel sales after bulk users divert 3.5 lakh tonnes to retail outlets
The Indian government capped diesel sales at retail outlets after bulk industrial and commercial users diverted 3.50 lakh tonnes to retail stations in May 2026, driven by a ₹40-42 per litre price gap. The Oil Ministry limited sales to 200 litres per person per day and reported 1,330 FIRs filed since March in LPG cases. The diversion affected 80 districts with over 30% sales shift.
Commodities Brent Crude Falls to $83 on US-Iran Deal, UK Petrol Prices Set to Drop Further
Brent crude oil prices have fallen to around $83 a barrel following a US-Iran framework deal that ended the war and raised hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. UK petrol prices, which peaked at 159.53p on 28 May during the conflict, have started declining, with the RAC forecasting a further drop to 148p if oil stabilises around $85. The article details the impact of the war on global oil flows and UK retail fuel costs.
Commodities Crude Oil Prices Stabilize Below $100 Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Crude oil prices on the NYMEX have stabilized below $100 per barrel, despite significant disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Alternative supply routes and reduced Chinese demand have helped prevent a spike to $200.