The war in Iran has cost the global oil supply roughly 15 million barrels a day, or 15%, so far. A shock that poses a “major, major threat” to the global economy, said Fatih Birol, the head of the the International Energy Agency.
The 100-year-old mandate was intended to protect the U.S. shipping industry. Analysts differ in how much they think waiving it will impact the cost of oil.
Crude oil, fertilizer, and diesel prices are up. These increases due to the war in the Middle East are putting pressure on farmers, while the oil industry is poised to benefit.
Energy prices are likely going to be a big focus at the Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee meeting next week. That's because rising energy costs could push up inflation overall — or, they could slow economic growth.
New data shows natural gas prices in the U.S. up 10.9% compared to the same time last year. That increase is largely due to a colder winter and higher demands for electricity.