International Market Highlight – July 16, 2026

Westlark Advisors’ International Market Highlight

The energy market is constantly changing. Today, these changes are influenced more and more by events happening around the world. As global energy markets grow more intricate and connected, it becomes more important than ever to understand what is happening – not just in markets across the street, but also across the globe.

Westlark Advisors is committed to partnering with you, working together to help your business reach its unique goals. To do this, we have increased our focus on global energy markets.  This increased focus, along with our expertise in North American markets, allows us to assist clients as they navigate the complexities of energy markets throughout the world.

Providing a Weekly International Market Highlight

Each week, Westlark Advisors provides an International Market Highlight. Pulled from our weekly report, the International Buzz! this Highlight focuses on key issues from our analysis of the global energy markets.

Our team regularly monitors issues that impact shipping, affect energy pricing, and influence market activity in specific regions.

Wherever your business operates, we can provide a steady hand and a shared commitment so you can confidently build sustainable value and growth.

hands holding smartphone in front of open laptop; current events September 2025; Iran conflict surging oil prices

Westlark Advisors International Market Highlight

July 16, 2026

map of the Middle East - Saudi Arabia, Iran, etc. LPG market highlights; continued Middle East disruption

MIDDLE EAST

Amid escalating energy-security concerns linked to Strait of Hormuz disruptions, countries including Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Thailand have imposed or tightened fuel export restrictions to protect domestic supplies, stabilize markets, and prioritize local consumers amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and tighter fuel availability.

map of United States closeup from globe

USA

The United States released another 3 million barrels of crude from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve last week, bringing inventories to their lowest level since 1983 as part of a broader effort to counter oil market disruptions and rising prices linked to renewed Strait of Hormuz tensions and U.S.-Iran hostilities.

map of Russia viewed from top of globe

RUSSIA

The IEA reported that Russia’s refined product exports fell to a record low of 1.9 million b/d in June as Ukrainian drone attacks severely disrupted refinery operations, contributing to domestic fuel shortages, export restrictions, and tighter global gasoline markets amid expectations of continued declines in Russian oil production.

atlas style map of China

CHINA

According to global financial institutions, China’s crude oil imports may have bottomed out following the drastic drop in June, which was caused using strategic reserves during the Strait of Hormuz crisis. A likely rise in imports and ongoing supply risks in the Middle East could drive global oil prices higher.

If you are interested in more expert market commentary like this, contact a Westlark Team member today!

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Westlark Advisors’ International Market Highlight

By Gabriel Amundarain

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Westlark Advisors has partnered with energy firms since 1998 to provide transparent, value-driven commodity market advisory services.

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