International Market Highlight – June 18, 2026

Westlark Advisors’ International Market Highlight

In today’s energy market change is constant. It happens quickly, and increasingly, events occurring across the world are influencing markets closer to home. Markets continue to develop in complexity and interconnectedness, which makes it more important than ever to keep track of what is going on – not just in markets across the street, but also across the globe.

The Westlark Team is committed to working with you as partners, helping your business reach its unique goals. As part of our commitment, we are directing more attention to global markets. Our increased focus, along with our expertise in North American markets, allows us to help clients navigate the complexities of energy markets throughout the world.

Providing a Weekly International Market Highlight

Each week, Westlark Advisors provides an International Market Highlight. This “snapshot” of critical market issues is drawn from our weekly report, the International Buzz!

The Westlark Team monitors events and issues that impact shipping, affect energy pricing, and influence market activity in specific regions.

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

image of several transport ships on the ocean; OPIS; shifting global oil flow

Westlark Advisors International Market Highlight

June 18, 2026

map of Mexico on dark blue background with lights; international market highlight

MEXICO

Sempra’s Energia Costa Azul LNG terminal in Baja California has begun producing LNG ahead of commercial operations, marking Mexico’s first Pacific coast export facility, with a 3.25 mtpa Phase 1 capacity supplying Asian markets using U.S. gas and paving the way for future expansion.

map of USA on dark blue background with lights; energy market highlight

USA

The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve has fallen to a 40-year low of about 340 million barrels after ongoing drawdowns—including an 8.9-million-barrel release tied to supply disruptions—tightening inventories and potentially supporting oil prices as future replenishment looms.

map of Brazil on dark blue background with lights; energy market highlight

BRAZIL

Brazil’s ANP is considering rules to allow smaller LPG sales and more flexible cylinder branding, but industry groups warn the changes could heighten fraud, weaken traceability, and pose safety risks without further impact assessment.

map outline of Asia, with lights on blue background, world energy highlight; energy market volatility

ASIA

OPEC forecasts global petroleum product demand will outstrip refinery capacity additions through 2030, potentially creating a supply shortfall exceeding 1.5 million b/d and tightening downstream markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific.

map of Argentina with lights on blue background

ARGENTINA

YPF and TGS are leading a $3 billion project in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta to expand the Tratayén plant and build pipelines, processing and export infrastructure that could nearly double the country’s LPG output to 2.7 million tons annually within 45 months and generate about $1.2 billion per year.

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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