Oil markets remain volatile, torn between escalating geopolitical risks from Iran unrest and Arctic tensions, and harsh supply realities as a rally fades amid fears of oversupply. 

Oil Rally Fizzles: Glut Fears Crush Risk Premium

Oil prices are swinging between geopolitics and fundamentals. Crude briefly surged to multi-month highs on fears of possible U.S. strikes on Iran, before retreating as concerns over a global supply glut resurfaced.


Oil Caught Between Conflict & Excess Supply | World Business Watch

Oil prices are swinging between geopolitics and fundamentals. Crude briefly surged to multi-month highs on fears of possible US strikes on Iran, before retreating as concerns over a global supply glut resurfaced. With forecasters warning of surplus barrels, the oil market is being pulled in opposite directions, leaving prices volatile and the outlook uncertain. 


Oil prices retreat after multi-month highs

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced reforms centralizing oil dollar revenues into two sovereign funds on January 15, 2026, to stabilize the bolivar and fund reconstruction amid post-Maduro recovery.


Venezuela Pools Oil Dollars in Stability Funds

Global oil prices are swinging sharply as geopolitical tensions flare across key crude-producing regions, fuelling fears of a fresh oil price shock. Analysts warn the volatility could push up inflation, rattle financial markets and limit the scope for interest rate cuts, adding new pressure to the global economy.


Oil Shock Fears Grip Global Markets as Geopolitical Tensions Rise 

Global oil markets are on edge as fears of a possible supply shock grip investors amid rising geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Venezuela. Analysts report that oil prices have climbed to multi-week highs as traders price in risks to crude exports from Iran, where unrest and uncertainty could disrupt output, and uncertainty around Venezuelan supply despite resumed exports. Market watchers warn that escalating geopolitical instability could keep oil prices volatile and heighten concerns about inflation and economic growth worldwide.


Oil Shock Fears Grip Global Markets As Iran And Venezuela Tensions Raise Supply Concerns

Trump warned Cuba that it will no longer receive oil or financial support and urged Havana to reach an agreement with the United States before it is "too late," saying the island once relied heavily on Venezuelan oil and money.

US vs Cuba: Trump Vows To Halt Oil, Money Flow To Cuba From Venezuela

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. It is the world’s most important oil transit checkpoint. handling around 21 million barrels daily. It supplies 80 per cent of Asia's oil and a quarter of global LNG. 

‘Strait of Hormuz’: Why it matters for global energy markets

Venezuela’s main revenue source now faces fresh turmoil as the latest U.S. Action brings exports to a standstill. PDVSA , the state-run oil company, is cutting production and shutting down oilfields as storage fills up. Despite the turmoil, global oil prices remain steady, cushioned by ample supplies elsewhere.


Venezuela-U.S.: Export Standstill Hits Venezuela’s Main Revenue Source

President Trump has openly stated that the U.S. wants “total access” to Venezuela’s oil and resources. With the world’s largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela is at the center of a high-stakes geopolitical power play. Critics warn democracy may be secondary, as Washington exerts economic and military pressure while framing its actions around migration and drugs.  

Trump Says U.S. Needs 'Total Access' to Venezuela's Oil, Resources | Explained

Recent political and military developments in Venezuela are unlikely to have a meaningful impact on India’s economy or energy security. This is largely because trade ties between the two countries have weakened significantly over the past few years.


India relatively shielded from Venezuela's 'oil quarantine' 

President Trump said US oil firms will invest billions to restore Venezuela's oil infrastructure, following a military operation that captured Nicolas Maduro. Under Trump 2.0, American firms are not only driving record domestic oil and gas output, but they are also asserting their influence globally. This is in keeping with Trump's expansive vision of US Energy domination, which includes his plan for Venezuela.


Geopolitics in 2026: Trump's big bets on defence & oil 

Russia’s oil money is drying up, and faster than anyone expected. Data from the international energy agency shows Moscow’s export revenues plunging to their lowest monthly level since the Ukraine invasion began in 2022.


Russia’s Oil Revenues Sink to War-low

Petrol never fully freezes but thickens at -40°C to -60°C. Diesel struggles much sooner, turning cloudy at 32°F and gelling at 10-15°F when wax hardens and blocks filters. Winter additives prevent gelling, and mixing kerosene helps diesel keep flowing even in -40°C cold.

Does petrol freeze in extremely cold temperatures?

Moscow’s crude oil shipments dropped sharply in November as U.S. sanctions on Russian energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil took effect. According to data from Kpler, the restrictions have significantly disrupted Russia’s global export flows. This video explains how the sanctions work, the impact on global markets, and what to expect next.


US Sanctions Choke Russian Global Oil Supply, Rouble Faces New Pressure

Do you know petrol has a shelf life? Leaving fuel sitting unused for a few months can cause chemical changes that might harm your engine. Know how long it can last, and why it degrades.

Does petrol have an expiry date?

Premium petrol has a higher octane rating but only helps cars designed for it. Most regular vehicles see no mileage improvement, while high-performance engines may gain just 1-2 km/l. Premium fuel’s additives can help engine health, but driving habits matter far more for fuel economy.

Do premium petrol variants actually improve mileage?

Petrol is a volatile liquid, which means it can turn into vapour, especially in warm conditions. Petrol evaporates faster in summer heat due to increased temperature and volatility, but modern cars trap vapour for reuse. 

Why petrol evaporates faster in summer?

Cold weather makes cars burn more fuel due to thicker engine oil, longer warm-up times, denser air and extra strain on batteries and tyres. With winter reducing fuel efficiency by up to 15%, simple habits like correct tyre pressure and smoother driving can help save fuel.

Does cold weather make your petrol last longer?

After 40 tense days, America’s longest-ever government shutdown may finally end. A bipartisan Senate group has reached a deal to reopen federal operations and reinstate affected employees, ensuring protections against future mass dismissals. As Washington moves toward resolution, millions of Americans wait to see how this political standoff reshapes Capitol Hill’s balance of power.


OIL Gains On Optimism: US Government To Reopen

OPEC+ has decided to increase oil output by 137,000 barrels per day in December 2025, continuing a steady pattern of modest monthly rises after similar increments in October and November. However, the group plans to pause further production hikes during the first quarter of 2026 due to seasonal demand weakness and uncertainties surrounding sanctions on Russian producers.


OPEC+ Agrees to Moderate Oil Production Increase, Plans Early 2026 Pause 

China’s state-owned oil giants have suspended purchases of seaborne Russian oil following fresh US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Moscow’s oil producers, multiple trade sources told Reuters on Thursday.


Breaking: China imports 1.4 million barrels of Russian oil per day

Russia's seaborne crude oil shipments have surged to a 28-month high...
As production ramps up and the ongoing conflict with ukraine continues to disrupt refinery operations.The latest data reveals a notable shift in how russia is exporting its oil. As the war has pushed moscow to divert supplies away from refineries toward export terminals.

Russia's Crude Exports Hit 28-month High 

Nigeria has lost over 600,000 barrels of oil after a three-day nationwide strike over mass layoffs at the Dangote refinery disrupted production, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has confirmed.

Dangote Refinery Strike Cuts Nigeria Oil Output By 600,000 Barrels

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