Focus on Fuels

Focus on Fuels Ep. 22: Oil Prices Today, Strait of Hormuz Closure, and Diesel Market Volatility

Oil prices remain volatile as ceasefire headlines collide with a still-closed Strait of Hormuz. In this episode of Focus on Fuels, StoneX energy experts Alex Hodes and Trevor McClanahan analyze the latest oil market developments and what they mean for crude and diesel pricing. They discuss how conflicting signals around U.S.–Iran negotiations are impacting market sentiment, why physical oil flows remain constrained, and how a prolonged disruption is influencing global supply and demand. The episode also highlights early demand destruction in Asia, ongoing production outages across key Gulf producers, and tightening diesel fundamentals. Hodes and McClanahan explain how backwardation is shaping the forward curve and what that means for fuel buyers evaluating hedging strategies. They also outline practical approaches to managing price risk, including forward contracting and options structures in a high-volatility environment. For businesses exposed to fuel costs, this episode provides timely insight into oil price trends, diesel market outlook, and risk management strategies. Explore StoneX Market Intelligence: https://shop.stonex.com/collections/energy/?utm_source=focus_on_fuels&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=energy #OOTT #OATT #EnergyMarkets #RiskManagement #CrudeOil #FuelPrices

Focus on Fuels Ep. 21: Strait Disruption, $100 Oil, and Diesel Risk

In this episode of Focus on Fuels, StoneX energy experts Alex Hodes and Trevor McClanahan examine the impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions on global oil markets. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and supply disruptions mounting, they break down what a multi-million barrel per day deficit means for crude and diesel pricing. The discussion explores competing market scenarios, including the potential for a toll system to restore flows versus the risk of further escalation and direct military involvement. They analyze how these outcomes could affect global supply chains, refinery operations, and price volatility. Hodes and McClanahan also highlight tightening diesel fundamentals, regional supply imbalances, and the role of backwardation in shaping hedging decisions. For fuel buyers and risk managers, the episode outlines key considerations for navigating near-term uncertainty and managing exposure in a rapidly shifting market environment . Need more insights? Start your free 14-day trial: Explore StoneX Energy solutions: https://shop.stonex.com/collections/energy/?utm_source=focus_on_fuels&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=alex_hodes

Focus on Fuels Ep. 20: Crude Trends, Refining Constraints, and Diesel Market Signals

In this episode of Focus on Fuels, StoneX energy experts Alex Hodes and Trevor McClanahan examine the latest moves in crude and refined product markets. They discuss current price trends, shifting supply dynamics, and what’s driving volatility across the complex. The conversation highlights ongoing constraints in global refining capacity, regional supply disruptions, and how these factors are shaping diesel markets. Hodes and McClanahan also break down key demand signals, including seasonal shifts and global trade flows, and what they may mean for prices in the near term. They close with a look at forward market opportunities and considerations for fuel buyers as uncertainty persists across crude and refined products. For market participants, the episode provides a clear view of the forces influencing diesel pricing and risk management decisions heading into the next phase of the energy cycle.

Breaking News: Oil and Diesel Jump as Iran Tensions Rattle Markets

In this breaking news episode of Focus on Fuels, Alex Hodes and Trevor McClanahan of the StoneX Energy Desk spotlight the sharp rise in oil and diesel prices following renewed geopolitical tensions involving Iran. They break down what triggered the sudden rally, including political developments, market positioning, and the role of headline-driven and algorithmic trading. The episode examines whether recent price moves are supported by fundamentals, with a close look at Iranian crude exports, supply disruption risks, and the importance of the Strait of Hormuz. The team also explains why diesel prices tend to react more aggressively during geopolitical events and why, despite the rally, the broader supply outlook still points to downside risk once markets move past the headlines.

Crude Prices Bounce as Geopolitical Risks Offset a Surplus Market

In this episode of Focus on Fuels, Alex Hodes and Trevor McClanahan of the StoneX Energy Desk analyze why crude oil prices rallied at the start of 2026, even as the broader fundamental outlook remains bearish. They examine recent political changes in Venezuela, shifts in global crude exports, and how technical factors and economic data contributed to a sudden move higher in prices. The discussion also explores ongoing risks tied to Russia, Iran, and OPEC policy, and why those uncertainties continue to influence market psychology. The episode concludes with practical insight for fuel buyers and risk managers, including what diesel margins, inventory trends, and the $55 per barrel WTI level may signal for pricing decisions and risk management strategies in the year ahead.