As natural gas prices fall, coal's comeback may be short-lived

Dec 30, 2022
The coal industry filled a gap in the global energy mix after Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent natural gas prices to record highs.
The high prices of natural gas in Europe have sparked a coal comeback. But now gas prices are falling. Above, a coal-fired power plant near Halle, Germany.
Jens Schlueter/Getty Images

Europe steeled itself for high natural gas prices, but now they are falling

Dec 16, 2022
The decrease isn't because Europe is building more pipelines. In fact, you can put much of it down to luck.
Neptune, one of several ships that will serve as a floating storage and regasification unit for Germany, will allow the country to import liquefied natural gas.
Danny Gohlke/AFP via Getty Images

What does the price cap on Russian oil mean for global oil prices?

Dec 7, 2022
The $60 price cap was designed to limit Russian oil revenues, while keeping the oil itself flowing to avoid a global price shock.
After debating how high to set a price cap on Russian oil, Western allies agreed to $60 per barrel. 
Above, an oil refinery in Moscow.
Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images

Pentagon's weapons buyer on replenishing stockpiles and fortifying supply chains

Dec 6, 2022
"You can't separate" economic and national security, says Undersecretary of Defense William LaPlante.
Kai Ryssdal, left, and Undersecretary of Defense William LaPlante at a contractor's site in California. The disruptions caused by COVID showed that the "just-in-time economy, the minimized inventory — it's not resilient," LaPlante said.
Andie Corban/Marketplace

Russia tries to pull the plug on Ukraine’s electricity

Dec 2, 2022
Putin's attacks on Ukraine’s power supply are designed to break the country’s will and sever its ties with the European Union.
Electricity workers try to fix a high-voltage power line Dec. 1 in Kherson, Ukraine.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Germany warned about the danger of becoming economically dependent on China

Dec 1, 2022
After its over-reliance on the Kremlin for its energy, is Germany making the same mistake with Beijing?
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) welcomes German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 4, 2022.
Photo by Kay Nietfeld/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

A cap on Russian oil could be coming — if Western allies can agree on a price

Nov 23, 2022
An EU diplomat is considering a $65 to $70 per barrel price cap on oil from Russia. But some nations want a more punitive target.
A Gazprom refinery on the outskirts of Moscow.
Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images

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Chemical giant BASF is under threat after Russians turn off the gas

Oct 4, 2022
Gas rationing by the Berlin government this winter could hit the German chemical industry and dent the global economy.
BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, may be forced to grapple with natural gas rationing if Germany experiences a cold winter.
Daniel Roland/AFP via Getty Images

Europe would love to stockpile U.S. natural gas. Shipping bottlenecks stand in the way.

Oct 3, 2022
There aren't enough ships to carry liquefied natural gas, nor enough port facilities to load and unload it.
A liquefied natural gas terminal being built in Germany. Europe has a limited number of port facilities to load and unload LNG.
Focke Strangmann/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. oil reserve tumbles to lowest level in 4 decades

Sep 22, 2022
Biden authorized the release of crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to boost supply and ease gas prices after Russia invaded Ukraine.
An oil refinery in Wilmington, California. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve now holds around 427 million barrels, down from nearly 600 million at the beginning of the year.
Allison Dinner/Getty Images