Daily Oil Fundamentals

Never a Dull Day, Never a Dull Week

12 Jan 2026

Never a Dull Day, Never a Dull Week

The new year got off to a frenetic start, even by the standards of the incumbent US administration. What has been discernible, and admittedly may prove a premature observation, is that Donald Trump’s attention has shifted from domestic matters to his international agenda. Notwithstanding this change in focus, the methods employed to conduct business remain the same. A recalcitrant attitude, coupled with a “might is right” approach, has been imposed, or is about to be inflicted, on several countries, which are watching in horror as events unfold.

Daily Oil Fundamentals

Going Cold on Venezuelan Oil, Anxious about Iran

09 Jan 2026

Going Cold on Venezuelan Oil, Anxious about Iran

Unilaterally monopolising a country’s energy sector was always going to be fraught with stumbling blocks, but until now, it has not been clear what those obstacles would be, nor from which direction they would emerge. Reluctance on the part of international oil companies is one possible hurdle to fulfilling the US President’s wish to channel an unlimited amount of Venezuelan oil to the United States.

Daily Oil Fundamentals

Fragile Confidence in Growing Supply Surplus

08 Jan 2026

Fragile Confidence in Growing Supply Surplus

It always takes a day or two to diligently assess any earth-shattering event that has the potential to shake markets to their very core. In the current scenario, this refers to the impact of the Venezuelan crisis, precipitated by the US capture of the country’s former strongman and the appointment of his replacement—his deputy—rather than the legitimate opposition leader.