Daily Energy & Shipping Briefing — Jul 20, 2026
Global energy markets saw a significant surge in crude oil prices on Monday, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This bullish sentiment for crude was somewhat tempered by a slight pullback later in the day as peace talks emerged, while major equity markets experienced declines.
Energy Prices
Crude
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brent ICE | $/bbl | 90.79 | +2.69 |
Products
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBOB Gasoline NYMEX | c/gal | 338.90 | -0.37 |
Natural Gas
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Henry Hub NYMEX | $/MMBtu | 2.92 | -0.05 |
Natural Gas Liquids
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mont Belvieu Propane NYMEX | $/mt | 388.43 | -1.05 |
Price Spreads
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBOB Gasoline/Brent Crack Spread | $/bbl | 51.55 | -2.85 |
Shipping Rates & Bunkers
Dirty Tanker (Spot TCE, $/day)
| Vessel | Route | Spot TCE | Avg YTD |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLCC, 270 | AG-FE | 45,000 | 40,000 |
Clean Tanker (Spot TCE, $/day)
| Vessel | Route | Spot TCE | Avg YTD |
|---|---|---|---|
| LR2, 75 | AG-FE | 20,500 | 26,400 |
Time Charter & Asset Values
| Vessel | 1yr ($/day) | Newbuild ($M) | 5yr ($M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLCC, 200+ | 49,000 | 129.0 | 112.0 |
LNG Vessels ($/day)
| Type | Spot | Sentiment | 52wk Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160M3 Tri-fuel diesel electric (East) | 13,000 | Flat | 30,231 |
Bunkers ($/mt)
| Port | VLSFO | HSFO | MGO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 765.0 | 552.0 | 1,300.3 |
LPG (Spot TCE, $/day)
| VLGC, 44 (AG-Japan) | 34,643 |
Carbon Markets
| Instrument | Unit | Bid | Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union Allowances (Spot) | EUR/ton | 79.50 | 79.55 |
Equities & Currencies
| Index | Region | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | United States | 7,443.28 | -14.41 |
| Pair | Region | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/$ | European Union | 1.11 | -0.01 |
Developments
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Oil prices surge as US and Iran exchange attacks, disrupting Strait of Hormuz shipments
Brent crude futures jumped over 3% to $90.79 a barrel on Monday, driven by intensified military actions in the Middle East and concerns over energy shipments through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The Economic Times / LiquidityFinder · Jul 20, 2026
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EU unveils major carbon market overhaul to keep industry competitive and net zero on track
The European Commission proposed significant reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System, aiming to strengthen climate protection while providing flexibility for industrial transformation and extending free allowances.
CarbonCredits.com / advantag.de · Jul 20, 2026
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S&P 500 falls as AI stocks trim losses and rising bond yields pressure broad market
The S&P 500 declined 0.2% on Monday, with Wall Street drifting through a quiet trading day as AI stocks pared some recent gains and higher bond yields weighed on investor sentiment.
Associated Press / Morningstar · Jul 20, 2026
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China's crude oil imports fall sharply, signaling softer domestic demand
Crude oil imports into China dropped to their lowest level in nearly a decade, suggesting refiners are cautious about inventory accumulation amid geopolitical disruptions and sluggish domestic demand.
Sirius Wealth Management · Jul 20, 2026
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Crude oil futures fluctuate amid rising tensions and negotiation hopes
After an initial surge, crude oil futures experienced a pullback as Iran's Foreign Ministry indicated a willingness to negotiate with the U.S., with mediators proposing a 10-day ceasefire.
GuruFocus · Jul 20, 2026
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Five-year-old VLCC fetches $112m, highlighting strong secondhand tanker market
A five-year-old VLCC was sold for approximately $112 million to Greek interests, reflecting the active secondhand tanker market and tightening availability of modern tonnage.
Splash247 · Jan 28, 2026
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Natural gas futures fall on Monday despite varied regional weather
The August NYMEX natural gas futures contract fell 5.1 cents on Monday, influenced by varied weather conditions, a hit to LNG volumes, and robust supply.
NGI · Jul 20, 2026
