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Bullish As of Aug 12, 2026 17:00 ET Download PDF

Daily Energy & Shipping Briefing — Aug 12, 2026

Global energy markets are largely bullish on crude oil, driven by persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, which continues to restrict shipping and support higher prices. Natural gas markets, however, show ample supply with robust production offsetting some demand, leading to more stable pricing. Equities are mixed, reacting to inflation data and corporate earnings.

Energy Prices

Crude

Instrument Unit Last Δ Day
Brent ICE $/bbl 89.03 +0.12
WTI NYMEX $/bbl 83.20 +1.07

Products

Instrument Unit Last Δ Day
RBOB Gasoline NYMEX c/gal 313.11 -0.55
ULSD Heating Oil NYMEX c/gal 425.25 +6.27

Natural Gas

Instrument Unit Last Δ Day
US Henry Hub NYMEX $/MMBtu 2.80 +0.03

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 42.48 -0.35

Shipping Rates & Bunkers

Dirty Tanker (Spot TCE, $/day)

Vessel Route Spot TCE Avg YTD
VLCC, 270 AG-FE 55,000 45,000
Suezmax, 130 WAF-UKC 32,000 28,000
Aframax, 80 Carib-USGC 28,000 25,000

Clean Tanker (Spot TCE, $/day)

Vessel Route Spot TCE Avg YTD
LR2, 75 AG-FE 22,000 20,000
MR, 37 TC2 (UKC-USAC) 18,000 16,000

Time Charter & Asset Values

Vessel 1yr ($/day) Newbuild ($M) 5yr ($M)
VLCC, 200+ 52,000 130.0 115.0

LNG Vessels ($/day)

Type Spot Sentiment 52wk Avg
160M3 Tri-fuel diesel electric (East) 15,000 Flat 28,000

Bunkers ($/mt)

Port VLSFO HSFO MGO
Singapore 520.0 440.0 600.0
Rotterdam 510.0 430.0 590.0

LPG (Spot TCE, $/day)

VLGC, 44 (AG-Japan) 38,000

Carbon Markets

Instrument Unit Bid Offer
European Union Allowances (Spot) EUR/ton 82.32 82.34

Equities & Currencies

Index Region Last Δ Day
S&P 500 United States 7,728.20 -23.18
Dow Jones Industrial Average United States 53,791.85 -184.13
Pair Region Last Δ Day
EUR/$ European Union 1.15 0.00
USD/JPY Japan 159.16 -0.06

Developments

  • Oil Prices Rise as Strait of Hormuz Talks Advance but U.S.-Iran Disputes Stall Reopening

    Crude oil prices saw gains as ongoing talks regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz faced complications due to U.S.-Iran disputes, keeping supply concerns elevated. Shipping through the crucial waterway remains low, impacting global oil flows.

    Sprague/Transport Topics · Aug 12, 2026

  • US Natural Gas Stocks Reach Decade High Amid Strong Production and Reduced LNG Demand

    The U.S. is on track for record natural gas production in 2026, with inventories expected to reach their highest pre-winter levels in a decade. This surge is driven by robust output and reduced demand from LNG export facilities undergoing maintenance.

    Farms.com/EIA · Aug 12, 2026

  • S&P 500 Climbs Following Key Inflation Report and Upbeat Tech Earnings

    U.S. equities, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, opened higher as investors digested largely in-line inflation data and strong earnings reports from AI infrastructure companies. This provided a boost to market sentiment despite earlier concerns.

    Reuters/WTVB · Aug 12, 2026

  • Brent Crude Holds Near $89 as Geopolitical Tensions Support Bullish Setup

    Brent crude oil remained volatile but held firm around $89 per barrel, extending its gains for a sixth consecutive session. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, continue to stoke supply concerns.

    Trading Economics/The Daily Star · Aug 12, 2026

  • European Carbon Prices Fluctuate Around €82/ton Amid ETS Reform Discussions

    EU Carbon Permits traded around €82 per ton, showing a slight decline for the day but remaining above €80/t. The market is factoring in the impact of proposed reforms to the Emissions Trading Scheme, which could lead to a structural deficit.

    Trading Economics/GMK Center · Aug 12, 2026