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BAKKEN WIRE
The Midday Take - Energy Market Briefing
Global Markets

Energy Market Briefing

Bakken Wire Staff·🔆Midday Wire·
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Date: Friday, August 14, 2026

1. Headlines

Oil prices are edging higher midday, with WTI up 0.46% to $81.62 and Brent gaining 0.8% to $87.77. The primary driver cited by financial press is sustained supply anxiety from the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters, citing unnamed trade sources, reports that at least four major Asian refiners in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan have purchased U.S. crude this week for November delivery, paying premiums of $8-$14 per barrel over benchmarks. This signals a structural shift in trade flows as buyers seek alternatives to blocked Middle Eastern barrels.

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