International Market Highlight – March 5, 2026

Westlark Advisors’ International Market Highlight

One constant in the energy market is change. Changes in energy markets today are increasingly influenced by events happening around the world. Markets continue to grow more complex and interconnected, making it more important than ever to keep track of what is going on not only across the street, but also across the globe.

At Westlark, our team is committed to working with you as partners, helping your business reach its unique goals. One way we demonstrate this commitment is by directing more attention to global markets. This increased attention, 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

We provide an International Market Highlight each week. 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.

market indices, Hedging 201, future curve structure; energy market volatility; Q&A with the Westlark Advisors

Westlark Advisors International Market Highlight

March 5, 2026

map of USA on dark blue background with lights and word "USA" in left corner; world energy highlight

USA

Oil prices rose about 1% on the week and then spiked at Sunday’s open after U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran, briefly pushing Brent above $82/bbl before easing, though gains were capped by a large U.S. crude build and OPEC+’s planned April output increase.

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

THE MIDDLE EAST

The escalating U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict has sharply widened the U.S.–Asia LPG arbitrage as war‑risk premiums lift Asian propane prices and Middle East exports plunge, creating a major opportunity for U.S. suppliers to capture disrupted Asian demand.

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

ASIA

The widening U.S.–Asia LPG arbitrage—already boosted by tighter Middle East supply after the Juaymah outage—has been amplified further as the escalating Hormuz disruption leaves Asian crackers facing severe feedstock shortages and potential run cuts amid surging naphtha prices and deepening negative margins.

map outline of South Korea on blue background with lights; world energy highlight

SOUTH KOREA

South Korea signaled it may tap strategic petroleum reserves and prioritize domestic supply as Middle East turmoil disrupts Hormuz shipping and starves refineries and crackers of feedstock, forcing plants—including YNCC—to cut rates and raising the risk of rapid inventory depletion despite the country’s ample emergency stocks.

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

I’d like to know more!

Westlark Advisors’ International Market Highlight

By Gabriel Amundarain

We Have You Covered

With Our Proven Process.

Rest easy knowing we’re your guide for energy industry market expertise and commodity advising.

2

savings icon

Savings Evaluation

We’ll analyze past year’s performance to identify pain points and areas for improvement, including a comprehensive savings evaluation.

3

solution icon

Choose Your Solution

We’ll recommend the best plan to meet the unique needs of your business and provide a detailed price estimate before getting started.

Testimonials

From Our Valued Customers.

We enjoy working with Westlark Advisors. Great people who have helped our business!

Will

Westlark Advisors has taken the burden of the everyday supply logistics off our plate and allowed us to focus on our operations in the critical times of the year. They have educated our team along the way and helped us brainstorm options/risks that fit our business model. Westlark Advisors has allowed the Tevis organization to explore opportunities within the supply and hedging arena that we would not have been exposed to without the relationship.

Dave

We experience less angst when making a futures purchase.*

Jeff

They not only taught us how to plan and diversify our supply, but also new ways to protect the price. They have been great at negotiating supply deals and putting plans in place to know we will be secure when the market is not. I am confident that if things get tight we will be in a better position than our competitors.

Troy

We can’t say enough about the high level of service the entire team provided us. We relied on them and they came through for us over and over. They are complete professionals and a pleasure to do business with.

Rick & Ann

It has been one of the best decisions that our company has ever made. The Westlark Advisors team have looked after our interests since day one, and have executed the plan each year very well.

James

Learn More

About Westlark Advisors

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

EnglishEspañol