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

Energy Market Briefing

Bakken Wire Staff·☀️Morning Wire·
Listen
0:00 / 4:07

Energy Market Briefing Wednesday, August 26,18, 2026

1. Headlines

Oil prices are down sharply today, with WTI falling 2.25% to $80.51 and Brent down 2.04% to $85.49. According to multiple reports from OilPrice.com and Rigzone, the sell-off is attributed to diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman regarding a potential "joint temporary navigational corridor" through the Strait of Hormuz. Traders interpreted this news as a sign the key chokepoint could see an interim reopening, despite Iran simultaneously warning that the strait would remain closed unless the U.S. ends the war.

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

Related Articles

Global Markets

Ukraine Strikes Russian Energy Assets, Raising Global Market Concerns

A Ukrainian attack on Russian energy infrastructure has introduced new volatility into global oil markets, a factor closely watched by Bakken producers. Ukraine said it attacked an oil refinery and a gas-processing plant in Russia overnight, according to a report from Rigzone. While the immediate impact on global supply is unclear, such geopolitical events typically create a risk premium in crude oil prices. Any sustained disruption or threat to Russian refined product exports can tighten global balances. For Bakken operators, a stronger global price environment for benchmark crudes like Brent and WTI directly supports the wellhead economics of North Dakota production. The Bakken formation, a major U.S. shale play, produces a light, sweet crude that is priced relative to these global benchmarks. Increased geopolitical tension, especially involving a major energy producer like Russia, often leads to increased market uncertainty and price support. This can improve cash flow for operators and...

☀️Morning Wire·Aug 26
The Afternoon Take - Energy Market Briefing
Global Markets

Energy Market Briefing

Energy Market Briefing Tuesday, August 25, 2026 1. Headlines Oil prices are sharply lower today. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at $81.08, down $3.93 or 4.62%. Brent crude fell $4.69 to $85.85. The sell-off comes alongside reports that Asian refiners are on course to nearly double their purchases of U.S. crude for September, a move that Rigzone reports could squeeze domestic fuel makers amid record high pump prices. The market is digesting conflicting supply signals. OilPrice.com, citing Rystad Energy and Bloomberg, reports that U.S. refiners face a new crude squeeze as Canadian oil sands output is set to drop by 300,000 barrels per day in September due to seasonal maintenance. Concurrently, OilPrice.com reports satellite imagery shows seven tankers loading Iraqi crude at once at the Al Basrah Oil Terminal, a sharp increase from recent sparse activity, though it cautions this is a one-day snapshot and does not signify a...

🌅Afternoon Wire·Aug 25
Global Markets

Norway's Troll Gas Acceleration Sustains European Supply, Affects Global Balance

Norway has commenced production from the second stage of its Troll Phase 3 gas development several months early and under budget, accelerating 55 billion cubic meters of supply to Europe, according to a report from OilPrice.com. The move reinforces Norway's role as Europe's primary pipeline gas supplier, a factor that influences the global gas market dynamics that ultimately affect Bakken energy prices and export opportunities. The project, which started production on August 22, does not add new reserves but brings forward existing gas from the Troll West reservoir. This helps sustain high delivery levels from the Troll A platform and Kollsnes processing plant as other Norwegian fields decline. Equinor reported the development cost tens of millions of dollars below the original $1.2 billion estimate. The accelerated gas volume is equivalent to almost two years of French gas demand, with the potential to add up to 7 billion cubic meters in...

🌅Afternoon Wire·Aug 25