Oil - Systems and Shadows

The crisis in oil pricing. What the “markets” aren’t telling you.

April 17, 2026April 17, 2026Paul

As of April 17, 2026, amid the ongoing 2026 Iran war, Platts physical oil benchmarks (e.g., Dated Brent and Dubai) have decoupled sharply from futures prices. Platts Dated Brent and Middle East spot assessments, which reflect actual traded cargoes for near-term delivery, remain elevated—often in the $130–$157 range (with Dubai hitting records near $157–$166/bbl in March). […]

The U.S. Intervention in Venezuela: Oil, Leverage, and Potential for Reform.

January 7, 2026January 7, 2026Paul

The media account is biased leaving the public uninformed. (As usual) In early January 2026, U.S. forces executed a daring military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, marking a dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward the troubled South American nation. President Donald Trump announced the capture triumphantly, declaring that the United States would temporarily […]

The Positives of the Venezuelan Leadership Change in 2026: Unlocking Oil Sector Potential

January 3, 2026January 3, 2026Paul

On January 3, 2026, a U.S.-led military operation successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a large-scale strike on Caracas and other targets. President Donald Trump announced the operation, which removed the couple from the country to face U.S. charges, including narco-terrorism. While the intervention has drawn international criticism and […]