Daily Energy & Shipping Briefing — Apr 16, 2026
Global markets showed cautious optimism on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with major US equity indices hitting new records amid hopes for a Middle East ceasefire. Crude oil prices climbed significantly, remaining elevated due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply concerns.
Energy Prices
Crude
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brent ICE | $/bbl | 99.39 | +4.46 |
| WTI NYMEX | $/bbl | 94.69 | +3.40 |
Products
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBOB Gasoline NYMEX | c/gal | 290.00 | +3.50 |
| ULSD Heating Oil NYMEX | c/gal | 320.00 | +4.00 |
Natural Gas
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Henry Hub NYMEX | $/MMBtu | 2.62 | +0.01 |
Natural Gas Liquids
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mont Belvieu Propane NYMEX | $/mt | 380.00 | +1.50 |
Price Spreads
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBOB Gasoline/Brent Crack Spread | $/bbl | 22.41 | +0.10 |
Shipping Rates & Bunkers
Dirty Tanker (Spot TCE, $/day)
| Vessel | Route | Spot TCE | Avg YTD |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLCC, 270 | AG-FE | 48,000 | 45,000 |
| Suezmax, 130 | WAF-UKC | 35,000 | 32,000 |
| Aframax, 100 | Carib-USG | 28,000 | 26,000 |
Clean Tanker (Spot TCE, $/day)
| Vessel | Route | Spot TCE | Avg YTD |
|---|---|---|---|
| LR2, 75 | AG-FE | 28,000 | 25,000 |
| MR, 37 | TC2 (UKC-USAC) | 22,000 | 20,000 |
Time Charter & Asset Values
| Vessel | 1yr ($/day) | Newbuild ($M) | 5yr ($M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLCC, 200+ | 55,000 | 130.0 | 115.0 |
| Aframax, 100 | 32,000 | 70.0 | 60.0 |
LNG Vessels ($/day)
| Type | Spot | Sentiment | 52wk Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160M3 Tri-fuel diesel electric (East) | 15,000 | Firm | 30,000 |
| 174M3 MEGI (Atlantic) | 18,000 | Firm | 35,000 |
Bunkers ($/mt)
| Port | VLSFO | HSFO | MGO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 745.0 | 660.0 | 900.0 |
LPG (Spot TCE, $/day)
| VLGC, 44 (AG-Japan) | 38,000 |
| VLGC, 44 (USG-Japan) | 42,000 |
Carbon Markets
| Instrument | Unit | Bid | Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union Allowances (Spot) | EUR/ton | 75.50 | 75.52 |
Equities & Currencies
| Index | Region | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | United States | 7,041.28 | +18.33 |
| Pair | Region | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/$ | European Union | 1.18 | 0.00 |
Developments
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Nasdaq notches 12th straight daily gain; longest winning streak since July 2009
The Nasdaq Composite continued its impressive rally, marking its twelfth consecutive day of gains, the longest such streak since July 2009. This contributed to major US equity indices reaching new record highs.
TheStreet · Apr 16, 2026
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Oil Prices Climb Amid Geopolitical Tensions, Brent Settles Above $99
Crude oil prices saw significant gains, with Brent crude settling at $99.39 per barrel and WTI at $94.69 per barrel. Prices remained elevated due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Investrade · Apr 16, 2026
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Global Bunker Prices Ease as Middle East Ceasefire Triggers Market Correction
Global bunker prices experienced a moderate correction across all main fuel segments, moving lower after a ceasefire announcement in the Middle East. Singapore saw a sharper fall in its spread compared to Rotterdam.
MABUX · Apr 16, 2026
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EU Carbon Permits Reach Highest Level Since February 2026
European Union Allowances (EUAs) increased to 75.51 EUR per ton, marking the highest price since February 2026. The market continues to react to policy developments and the ongoing war with Iran.
Trading Economics · Apr 16, 2026
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Hopes for US-Iran Ceasefire Extension Boost S&P 500 and Nasdaq to New Highs
Improved prospects for a negotiated resolution to the U.S.-Iran conflict, including a possible ceasefire extension, reassured investors and helped push the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to new record highs.
24/7 Wall St. · Apr 16, 2026
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US LNG Exports Flow Consistently Through Panama Canal as Asia Seeks Spot Cargoes
For the first time in five months, U.S. LNG exports are consistently transiting the Panama Canal, with at least one cargo per week shipped to Asia since early March, indicating strong Asian demand.
Liquidity Energy · Apr 16, 2026
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US Jobless Claims Fall More Than Expected, Labor Market Holds Steady
Initial jobless claims in the U.S. fell by 11,000 to 207,000 in the week ended April 11, signaling continued stability in the labor market with historically low layoffs.
TheStreet · Apr 16, 2026
