The Energy Forum

From 'Baker Briefing': Why the Middle East Oil Shock Is Raising Gas Prices

As conflict and instability in the Middle East continue to shape global energy markets, Americans are beginning to feel the effects far beyond the gas pump. Host David M. Satterfield [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/david-m-satterfield] speaks with energy experts Kenneth B. Medlock III [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/kenneth-b-medlock-iii] and Mark Finley [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/mark-finley] about why oil prices react so sharply to geopolitical shocks. They discuss how those shifts ripple through airline fares, travel costs, inflation, and household budgets, and what could transpire in the months ahead as conflict in the Middle East continues. This conversation was recorded on May 13, 2026. Featured: * Mark Finley [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/mark-finley] * Kenneth B. Medlock III [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/kenneth-b-medlock-iii] Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baker-briefing/id1668671313], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1HLgLgaZDq5zmssZv2BVXk?si=a24d2a633b694dbc&nd=1&dlsi=73ce928119c34155], https://afripods.africa/podcast/781425b6-9ead-455e-a70d-dc1d5ec4f48bor your preferred podcast platform.   You can follow @BakerInstitute on X [https://twitter.com/BakerInstitute], Instagram [http://instagram.com/bakerinstitute], LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/james-a--baker-iii-institute-for-public-policy---rice-university], and YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/user/bakerinstitute]. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org [http://bakerinstitute.org].

From 'Baker Briefing': Inside Guyana’s Energy Strategy with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali

Guyana sits at the center of one of the fastest energy expansions in the world — at a moment when geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and market volatility are reshaping global energy systems in real time. But rapid growth brings difficult questions: What are the risks, tradeoffs, and strategies behind turning a historic resource boom into lasting national development? During a visit to Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy on May 4, 2026, His Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali shared his perspective on the country’s rise as a global energy player. Since oil production began in 2019, Guyana has rapidly emerged as a major force in global energy markets — making its policy choices increasingly relevant far beyond its borders. This episode is the second part of this conversation. Building on his earlier remarks, Ali sits down with Francisco J. Monaldi [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/francisco-j-monaldi] for a candid armchair discussion on what comes next. Together, they explore the practical realities of execution — from managing hydrocarbon expansion and attracting investment to building the infrastructure needed to sustain long-term growth. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience on May 4, 2026. Learn about future live recordings of the “Baker Briefing” podcast by subscribing to our “Events Digest” newsletter at https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter].   Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baker-briefing/id1668671313], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1HLgLgaZDq5zmssZv2BVXk?si=a24d2a633b694dbc&nd=1&dlsi=73ce928119c34155], https://afripods.africa/podcast/781425b6-9ead-455e-a70d-dc1d5ec4f48bor your preferred podcast platform.   You can follow @BakerInstitute on X [https://twitter.com/BakerInstitute], Instagram [http://instagram.com/bakerinstitute], LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/james-a--baker-iii-institute-for-public-policy---rice-university], and YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/user/bakerinstitute]. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org [http://bakerinstitute.org].

From 'Baker Briefing': President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali Explains the Nation’s Energy Boom

Guyana, on the northern coast of South America, has become one of the fastest-growing energy producers in the world. Since oil production began in 2019, the country has quickly emerged as a major force in global energy markets, at a time when geopolitical tensions and market volatility are reshaping the global energy landscape. During a visit to Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy on May 4, 2026, His Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali shared his perspective on Guyana’s rise as a global energy player. Speaking before a live audience, Ali outlined his administration’s strategy for balancing rapid energy development with economic diversification while navigating an increasingly uncertain global environment and rising expectations around sustainability. This is the first of two episodes featuring remarks from that event. In this episode, Ali delivers prepared remarks outlining his broader vision for Guyana’s future — from energy and infrastructure to human capital and environmental stewardship. The second episode features an armchair discussion with Baker Institute Fellow Francisco J. Monaldi [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/francisco-j-monaldi] on the practical challenges of implementing that vision. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience on May 4, 2026. Learn about future live recordings of the “Baker Briefing” podcast by subscribing to our “Events Digest” newsletter at https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter].   Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baker-briefing/id1668671313], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1HLgLgaZDq5zmssZv2BVXk?si=a24d2a633b694dbc&nd=1&dlsi=73ce928119c34155], https://afripods.africa/podcast/781425b6-9ead-455e-a70d-dc1d5ec4f48bor your preferred podcast platform.   You can follow @BakerInstitute on X [https://twitter.com/BakerInstitute], Instagram [http://instagram.com/bakerinstitute], LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/james-a--baker-iii-institute-for-public-policy---rice-university], and YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/user/bakerinstitute]. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org [http://bakerinstitute.org].

26: Live from CERAWeek: Latin America’s Growing Role in Global Oil Markets

Recorded live at CERAWeek in Houston, this episode of The Energy Forum features Kenneth B. Medlock III [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/kenneth-b-medlock-iii] in conversation with Francisco J. Monaldi [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/francisco-j-monaldi] on the forces reshaping oil markets across Latin America. They examine Venezuela’s changing outlook after Maduro’s capture, the investment prospects ahead, and how countries like Brazil, Guyana, Argentina, and Bolivia are redefining the region’s role in global energy.   This episode was recorded on March 25, 2026 on-site at CERAWeek.

25: Strait of Hormuz Disruption: What It Means for Oil Prices and Global Supply

Tensions in the Middle East are reshaping global energy markets, and the impacts are already being felt. In this episode of The Energy Forum, Abhi Rajendran [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/abhi-rajendran], Skip York [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/harold-skip-york], and Kristian Coates Ulrichsen [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/kristian-coates-ulrichsen] break down the latest developments around the Strait of Hormuz and what they mean for oil supply, global trade, and energy security. As supply chains tighten and demand rises heading into summer, this episode explains why global energy markets may face continued pressure and what to watch for next. This episode was recorded on April 1, 2026.