Russia Following the Money: Shifting Gas and Oil Sales to Asia

In the wake of escalating geopolitical tensions and a rapidly evolving global energy landscape, Russia is decisively pivoting its gas and oil exports eastward. This strategic shift, driven by lucrative opportunities in Asia amid disruptions from the ongoing Iran conflict, is reshaping international energy dynamics. As Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak recently confirmed, negotiations are […]

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How Long Can China Survive After Losing Venezuela and Iraq\’s Discounted Oil Supplies?

In an increasingly volatile global energy landscape, China—the world\’s largest oil importer—relies heavily on discounted crude from sanctioned or geopolitically unstable suppliers to fuel its economy. Venezuela and Iraq together provide a significant portion of these imports, often at below-market prices due to sanctions on Venezuelan oil and competitive pricing from Iraqi heavy crudes. But […]

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Venezuela\’s Crude Exports Double in February Under US Oversight

In a remarkable turnaround for Venezuela\’s beleaguered oil sector, crude exports surged in February 2026, doubling from January levels amid a U.S.-supervised deal that has reshaped the country\’s energy trade. This development not only boosts volumes but also enhances revenue, marking a shift from the discounted, shadow-market sales that dominated under previous sanctions. As the […]

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Hormuz Dependency by Country: A Critical Energy Chokepoint Under Scrutiny

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, remains one of the world\’s most vital energy arteries. In 2024, approximately 20 million barrels per day (b/d) of crude oil, condensate, and petroleum products transited this chokepoint, representing about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption. Additionally, around one-fifth […]

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