WTI Crude--
Brent Crude--
Natural Gas--
ND Rig Count--
WTI Crude--
Brent Crude--
Natural Gas--
ND Rig Count--
BAKKEN WIRE
The Midday Take - Energy Market Briefing
Global Markets

Energy Market Briefing

Bakken Wire Staff·🔆Midday Wire·
Listen
0:00 / 4:16

Daily Energy Market Briefing Tuesday, August 25, iii

1. Headlines

Oil prices are sharply lower today. As of midday, WTI crude is trading at $82.21, down 3.29% (-$2.80), while Brent crude is at $87.45, down 3.41% (-$3.09). Natural gas is at $2.80, down $0.04. The Bakken differential to WTI is -$3.42.

Create a free account to continue reading

Sign up for free to get full access to Bakken Wire's daily energy market analysis, audio briefings, and more.

Create Free Account

Already have an account? Sign in

Share this article

PostShareShareEmail

Related Articles

Global Refining Shifts, Attacks Tighten Fuel Markets, Impacting Bakken - Bakken Wire
Global Markets

Global Refining Shifts, Attacks Tighten Fuel Markets, Impacting Bakken

China's largest oil refiner is planning a major business transformation as domestic fuel sales collapse, while Ukrainian drone attacks continue to disrupt Russian refining capacity, creating a complex global market for fuels that ultimately influences Bakken crude oil prices. Sinopec, the world's biggest refiner, reported that domestic consumption of refined products in China fell 8.6% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, according to a company release cited by OilPrice.com. Gasoline demand dropped 7.9% and diesel fell 11.5%, a decline the company attributed to high prices and accelerated substitution by new energy vehicles. In response, Chairman Hou Qijun stated the company will allocate more capital to new energy and chemicals by decade's end. "Gasoline was made for cars, yet half of new cars no longer need fuel ... Under these circumstances, how can producing more gasoline and diesel continue to generate revenue?" Hou told analysts, according to the source. Concurrently,...

🔆Midday Wire·Aug 25
The Morning Take - Energy Market Briefing
Global Markets

Energy Market Briefing

Energy Market Briefing for Bakken Wire Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 1. Headlines Oil prices are under significant pressure today. As of this morning, WTI crude is trading at $81.84, down $3.17 (-3.73%), while Brent crude is at $87.53, down $3.01 (-3.32%). Natural gas is also slightly lower at $2.81. According to Rigzone, this retreat comes as traders weigh new U.S. sanctions pressure on Iran, announced on Monday. The geopolitical backdrop remains tense. OilPrice.com reports that the U.S. Treasury has launched "Operation Economic Outcast," sanctioning 60 individuals, entities, and tankers involved with Iran's oil trade. In response, Iran's economy minister has threatened retaliation, stating, "Our defense is no longer so defensive; the enemies should wait for an attack." Meanwhile, the physical market is showing strain: Asian refiners are on course to nearly double their purchases of U.S. crude for September, a move Rigzone notes could squeeze domestic U.S. fuel makers...

☀️Morning Wire·Aug 25
Global Markets

Iran Sanctions, China Demand Peak Shape Global Oil Outlook

Geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran and a major downward revision to China's oil demand outlook are creating a mixed global backdrop for Bakken crude prices. While new U.S. sanctions threaten supply, emerging demand concerns could cap gains. The U.S. Treasury announced new sanctions on Monday, August 24, targeting Iran's trade partners under "Operation Economic Outcast," according to a report from OilPrice.com. The action sanctioned 60 individuals, entities, and tankers, with oil trade remaining a prime target. In response, Iran's economy minister Ali Madanizadeh threatened an aggressive retaliation, stating, "Our defense is no longer so defensive; the enemies should wait for an attack." However, analysts noted the latest sanction list did not include major Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iran's oil trade, as the U.S. is reportedly unwilling to risk Chinese retaliation. China is the biggest buyer of Iranian crude, taking in over 80% of the country's exports. The ongoing Strait...

☀️Morning Wire·Aug 25