Energy Market

Argentina accelerates development of Vaca Muerta shale as global energy markets shift, attracting major oil firms and boosting long-term production outlook amid supply chain uncertainty.

Major institutions including the UN, OECD and IMF have lowered global growth forecasts, warning that Middle East tensions, energy market volatility and persistent inflation could further weaken the world economy.

Global oil and gas M&A activity in 2026 is shifting toward natural gas assets, Canadian oil sands and secondary basins, as major energy companies retreat from mega-mergers and focus on strategic consolidation.

Global oil prices fell sharply as optimism over US–Iran peace talks eased Middle East supply risks, with WTI and Brent dropping to two-week lows despite continued US inventory draws.

Brazil's oil and gas production reached a record 5.53 million boe/d in March 2026, driven by strong growth in pre-salt offshore fields, according to ANP data.

China's imports of U.S. ethane are set to reach a record high in April as Middle East conflict disrupts naphtha and LPG supplies, forcing Asian petrochemical producers to seek alternative feedstocks.

The United Arab Emirates will exit OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1, a move set to weaken the group's control over global oil supply and prices while reshaping energy markets worldwide.

Global oil prices jumped over 3% after renewed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz despite a claimed U.S. ceasefire, intensifying supply concerns and forcing airlines to cut capacity worldwide.

EU fuel prices surged in March, with diesel rising over 19% month-on-month and gasoline up more than 10%, according to Eurostat, highlighting broad inflationary pressure across member states.

Global urea supply chains are under severe strain as geopolitical conflict, energy price spikes, and infrastructure disruptions trigger widespread production cuts, tightening fertilizer availability ahead of spring planting season.