Shell says first-quarter results were boosted by its oil trading operation, even as the company’s Middle East assets were battered by the Iran conflict https://t.co/3IY1Z6KlZA ...

Core Viewpoint - The oil market has experienced extreme volatility since the onset of the war, with significant intraday price swings impacting traders and the industry as a whole [1]. Group 1: Market Volatility - The benchmark price of oil saw an unprecedented intraday swing, rising to nearly $120 per barrel before dropping to just under $90 [1]. - Such volatility presents substantial risks for oil traders, particularly those actively providing prices throughout the day [2]. Group 2: Financial Impact on Traders - Mispricing in the current market can lead to significant financial losses, with potential costs escalating from tens of thousands to millions of dollars in a very short timeframe [2]. - In some instances, traders have incurred losses ranging from two to three million dollars due to the rapid price fluctuations [2]. Group 3: Trader Experience - The current market conditions represent the most challenging scenario that oil traders have ever faced, testing their training and skills to the limit [3].

Core Insights - The oil market is experiencing significant volatility, with the blockchain platform Hyperliquid seeing a surge in trading volume for oil contracts, reaching nearly $1.7 billion daily, which is approximately 250 times the volume prior to the U.S. and Israel's military actions in Iran [1] Group 1: Hyperliquid's Trading Dynamics - Hyperliquid's blockchain technology allows for 24/7 trading, reflecting the demand for continuous market access amid global events [2][4] - The platform has gained traction in the crypto industry for its perpetual futures trading, indicating a growing recognition of blockchain's advantages in the broader financial landscape [3][4] - Hyperliquid was launched in 2023 and has rapidly evolved to compete with major exchanges like Binance, generating nearly $700 million in revenue over the past year [5] Group 2: Market Accessibility and Impact - Traditional oil derivatives are primarily traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, which limits access for retail traders, especially outside the U.S. [6] - Hyperliquid provides a platform for global traders to speculate on oil prices continuously, enhancing market accessibility [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current dynamics of oil prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Iran war, and highlights the major commodity traders influencing these prices. Group 1: Oil Price Dynamics - U.S. oil prices are around $95 per barrel, influenced by the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz [1] - Iraq reported attacks on oil tankers, leading to operational halts at oil terminals, while Oman temporarily suspended operations at a key oil-export terminal [1] - The IEA proposed releasing 400 million barrels of crude and petroleum products from reserves, with the U.S. contributing 172 million barrels [1] - Despite the conflict, Iran has been shipping 2.1 million barrels of oil per day through the Strait of Hormuz, slightly above pre-war levels [1] - The United States Oil Fund ETF (USO) has increased nearly 8% and over 40% since the U.S. and Israel's campaign against Iran began [1] Group 2: Major Commodity Traders - The leading commodity traders in the oil market include Vitol Group, Trafigura Group, Glencore, and Gunvor Group, collectively handling about 20% of the world's daily oil supply [1] - Vitol is the largest, moving 7.2 million barrels per day, representing approximately 7% of global oil supply [1] - Trafigura follows closely with 6.8 million barrels per day, while Glencore moves about 4.2 million barrels per day [1] - Gunvor operates at around 3.2 million barrels per day and owns refineries in Germany and the Netherlands [1] Group 3: Financial Strategies of Traders - Major traders are leveraging gains from volatile energy markets to strengthen their market positions, reinvesting profits from past crises [1] - Vitol, Trafigura, and Gunvor are securing billions in new credit lines to prepare for potential price spikes [1] - Trafigura announced a $3 billion credit facility to provide liquidity during periods of heightened commodity price volatility [1]

Bloomberg’s @BenBartenstein reveals how money flowed between companies run by Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, who was a top adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.Bartenstein uncovers the hidden financial networks behind Hossein Shamkhani's oil trading empire.Watch the full story https://t.co/ypY0g1tKpy ...

Core Viewpoint - TBKS Holdings (01960) reported a mid-term performance for the six months ending December 31, 2025, showing a revenue of 47.517 million MYR, representing a year-on-year growth of 7.52% [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved a profit attributable to owners of 0.981 million MYR, marking a turnaround from a loss in the previous period [1] - Earnings per share stood at 0.1 sen [1] Revenue Breakdown - The group's revenue increased by approximately 3.3 million MYR or 7.5% from about 44.20 million MYR for the six months ending December 31, 2024, to approximately 47.50 million MYR for the current period [1] - Revenue contributions from civil and structural engineering in Malaysia and China, as well as from the trade of petroleum and related products, accounted for approximately 100% and 0% of total revenue, respectively, for both periods [1]

Core Viewpoint - CN Energy Group, Inc. has announced a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 100% of Blessing Logistics Ltd., an oil trading company, for a total consideration of USD $2.0 million, expected to be satisfied through the issuance of Class A Ordinary Shares of CNEY [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The total purchase consideration for Blessing Logistics is USD $2.0 million, which will be fulfilled through the issuance of Class A Ordinary Shares of CNEY [2]. - The number of shares to be issued will be based on the volume-weighted average price of CNEY's Class A Ordinary Shares for the five trading days preceding the closing date [2]. - The transaction is expected to close on or before March 31, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions [3]. Group 2: Blessing Logistics Overview - Blessing Logistics, founded in 2015, is a registered oil company with the Alberta Energy Regulator and holds Canadian crude oil export licenses [3]. - The company is recognized as a qualified trader within the CNPC system and is primarily engaged in oil trading and crude oil and asphalt exports [3]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The acquisition is expected to provide CNEY with a fully operational North American entity and critical regulatory licenses, supporting its strategic expansion into the North American oil market [4]. - The integration of Blessing Logistics is anticipated to strengthen CNEY's operational capabilities and enhance its participation in global crude oil trading and export activities [4]. - The interim CEO of CNEY stated that this transaction represents an important step in executing the company's global energy strategy and aims to create long-term value for shareholders [4].

Core Viewpoint - Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. reported record trading activity in January 2026 for its Midland WTI (HOU) and Canadian crude oil markets, driven by the return of Venezuela as an oil exporter, which introduces new competition for Canadian oil [1] Group 1: Trading Activity - January 2026 experienced unprecedented trading volumes in ICE's Midland WTI (HOU) and Canadian crude oil markets [1] - The surge in trading activity is attributed to customers adjusting to the impact of Venezuelan crude oil re-entering the market [1] Group 2: Market Competition - The re-emergence of Venezuelan crude oil is expected to create potential new competition for Canadian oil [1]

Core Insights - Trafigura has successfully shipped Venezuelan fuel oil to Europe for the first time in nearly two years, indicating a potential shift in trade dynamics and market access for Venezuelan oil [1] Group 1: Company Actions - The shipment marks a significant development for Trafigura, as it navigates the complexities of trading Venezuelan oil amidst ongoing sanctions and geopolitical challenges [1] Group 2: Industry Implications - This event may signal a reopening of European markets to Venezuelan oil, which could impact global oil supply chains and pricing strategies [1]

Core Viewpoint - CN Energy Group Inc. has entered into a framework agreement to negotiate the acquisition of approximately 82% of Blessing Logistics Ltd., an oil trading company, for an expected consideration of about US$2.0 million [1][2][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The framework agreement allows CN Energy Group to negotiate a definitive share purchase agreement for acquiring 82% of Blessing Logistics' equity interests, which includes voting rights [2]. - The total consideration for the acquisition is estimated at US$2.0 million, subject to adjustments based on due diligence, final valuation, and market conditions [2]. - If a definitive agreement is not reached within 60 days, either party can terminate the framework agreement [2]. Group 2: Blessing Logistics Overview - Blessing Logistics, founded in 2015, is an oil trading company registered with the Alberta Energy Regulator and holds a Canadian crude oil export license [3]. - The company is qualified to trade within the China National Petroleum Corporation system and focuses on oil trading and the export of crude oil and bitumen in Canada [3]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The proposed acquisition is seen as a significant step for CN Energy Group's expansion into the energy sector and development in the North American market [4]. - The company aims to leverage Blessing Logistics as a platform for pursuing oil trading and upstream investment opportunities, enhancing long-term shareholder value [5].