energy prices

The IEA does not expect distillate stocks to rebuild before the second half of 2027, and new missile strikes on Saudi energy sites threaten the Gulf export recovery that was easing prices, so fuel clauses in 2027 freight contracts need to hold up for another year.

Retail diesel is above $6 a gallon after a record above $6.50. Analysts say the announced Russian volumes are small against U.S. demand and the red-dye diesel order is short on specifics, so freight budgets should assume elevated fuel costs.

Middle East Gulf tanker rates hit a record, European diesel cargoes are up about 70% since February, and Morgan Stanley sees oil markets in deficit into early 2027. Here is what that means for freight, energy and petrochemical-based categories.