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BAKKEN WIRE
The Afternoon Take - Energy Market Briefing
Global Markets

Energy Market Briefing

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·
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Afternoon Energy Market Briefing for Bakken Wire Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

1. Headlines

Crude prices posted modest gains today against a backdrop of severe product tightness. WTI closed at $84.25 (+$0.19) and Brent at $91.46 (+$0.44). According to Rigzone, the gains are attributed to intensifying Gulf tensions and surging U.S. refinery demand. The price action, however, is muted compared to the historic squeeze in diesel markets. OilPrice.com reports the U.S. diesel crack spread hit triple digits this week, reaching as high as $102 per barrel, signaling extreme physical tightness for the critical industrial fuel.

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