After the US mid-terms
US energy policy remains President Obama's number-one priority, but with control of Congress in the balance, it will remain in limbo
AFTER almost two years of watching partisan politics virtually paralyse the US Congress, the public is in a surly mood. The Democrats, who were last month in control of the Senate and House of Representatives, could suffer significant damage if voters express their discontent at the polls on 2 November. Historically, the midterm elections have cost the majority party some seats. If Republicans make significant gains this month, what can the industry expect after the 112th Congress convenes in January? Even if the Democrats maintain their majority, most likely the window of opportunity to win passage of a comprehensive energy package has already closed. Although President Barack Obama has ran
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5 March 2026
Gas is a central pillar of Colombia’s energy system, but declining production poses a significant challenge, and LNG will be increasingly needed as a stopgap. A recent major offshore gas discovery offers hope, but policy improvements are also required, Camilo Morales, secretary general of Naturgas, the Colombian gas association, tells Petroleum Economist
4 March 2026
The continent’s inventories were already depleted before conflict erupted in the Middle East, causing prices to spike ahead of the crucial summer refilling season
4 March 2026
The US president has repeatedly promised to lower gasoline prices, but this ambition conflicts with his parallel aim to increase drilling and could be upended by his war against Iran
4 March 2026
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed following US-Israel strikes and Iran’s retaliatory escalation, Fujairah has become the region’s critical pressure release valve—and is now under serious threat
