@humphrey

- US strategic reserves down
- Russian output sanctioned
- OPEC production down
- Venezuela output restricted (the Treasury license that broadly restored dealings
with Venezuela's oil industry would be allowed to expire on April 18)
- Russian refineries bombed
- Iran refineries bombed
- US exporting more oil than importing (mostly from short-lived fracking)

#8

retaliate for the attack on its embassy in Damascus.

https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/oil-rises-further-as-middle-east-tensions-pu...'s%20diplomatic%20compound%20in%20Syria.

Oil held above the $90-a-barrel threshold as escalating tensions in the Middle East prompt a dramatic repricing of geopolitical risks.

Fears of a wider region conflict are rising, with Israel increasing preparations for an attack from Iran in retaliation for its strike on the country’s diplomatic compound in Syria.

“The market now knows that some kind of retaliation from Iran will likely come — but it doesn’t know when and where and what — and that creates a great discomfort and nervousness,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB AB.

Global benchmark Brent and U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate both posted their sixth straight sessions of gains. The rising tensions have also spurred activity in the oil options market, with volatility surging and bullish calls trading at a rare premium to bearish puts.

Oil has surged more than 20 per cent this year as geopolitical concerns in the Middle East further bolstered a market shaped by supply restrictions and stronger-than-expected demand. The conflict between Israel and Hamas had led to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, raising transport costs, but so far hasn’t escalated into a wider war in a region that accounts for around a third of the world’s supply. Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas — which could see the release of hostages held in Gaza — remain deadlocked.

Earlier this week, OPEC+ chose to stick with supply cuts for the first half of the year, which means roughly 2 million barrels a day of output curbs will remain in place. Those cuts have been compounded by Mexico’s decision to curb some oil exports, which will further reduce volumes to market

@humphrey

and it’s why I filled up today before it goes up again. It’s gone up 50 cents in a month because they are switching over to summer gas we are told. But it’s been proven that companies are price gauging just because they can. Same with grocery prices. I bet no one in congress has pumped their gas or bough groceries in decades. They have staff that does it for them and besides when you’re rich you don’t have to compare prices.

Read today that if congress passes the $60 billion for Ukraine more than half of it goes to the defense congressional industries complex. Plus more $$$ from insider trading. We ain’t being served, we’re being robbed. Just wish there was a way to fix this shitshow.

#8

retaliate for the attack on its embassy in Damascus.

https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/oil-rises-further-as-middle-east-tensions-pu...'s%20diplomatic%20compound%20in%20Syria.

Oil held above the $90-a-barrel threshold as escalating tensions in the Middle East prompt a dramatic repricing of geopolitical risks.

Fears of a wider region conflict are rising, with Israel increasing preparations for an attack from Iran in retaliation for its strike on the country’s diplomatic compound in Syria.

“The market now knows that some kind of retaliation from Iran will likely come — but it doesn’t know when and where and what — and that creates a great discomfort and nervousness,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB AB.

Global benchmark Brent and U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate both posted their sixth straight sessions of gains. The rising tensions have also spurred activity in the oil options market, with volatility surging and bullish calls trading at a rare premium to bearish puts.

Oil has surged more than 20 per cent this year as geopolitical concerns in the Middle East further bolstered a market shaped by supply restrictions and stronger-than-expected demand. The conflict between Israel and Hamas had led to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, raising transport costs, but so far hasn’t escalated into a wider war in a region that accounts for around a third of the world’s supply. Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas — which could see the release of hostages held in Gaza — remain deadlocked.

Earlier this week, OPEC+ chose to stick with supply cuts for the first half of the year, which means roughly 2 million barrels a day of output curbs will remain in place. Those cuts have been compounded by Mexico’s decision to curb some oil exports, which will further reduce volumes to market

@on the cusp
at a Parisian shop, behind an American with a cowboy hat. When his turn to order came, he belligerently barked out of his order, in ENGLISH. The counter server could not make heads or tail out of it. Perhaps it was the Texas drawl. The American walkout in a huff, empty handed.

I was next. Having only barely passed Middle School ALM French, I expected a similar fate. I wracked my brain and struggled to convey the item I was interested in. My completely garbled effort got an instant reply. The counter person stated, in crystal clear English, “I speak English. I just hate it when a tourist customer assumes I speak their language.”

You should have seen me at the local hardware, a daily event, trying to order some lag bolts or lock washers or whatever. All the employees came out to watch as I drew pictures, pantomimed, gestured and wielded my toddler level verbal French skills. Everybody got a good laugh out of my performance, including myself. They were more friendly and helpful than any of their American counterparts that I had known.

Fifty years on, it may now be quite different from my recollections, but I hope not. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

#13 The first time I made a trip to Machu Picchu, I was enthralled by the gentle rocking as it rolled along. In my tour group, almost half of the crowd was suffering from altitude sickness. They spent their time in the bathroom, or in line hoping they could get to it before a bowel eruption. At least 5 of them had to see a doctor.
On the second ride, a young, very handsome man was sitting near me. Seems he had just finished his tour of duty in the Army, and was discharged. He wanted to ex-pat to Peru, was meeting friends to check out where they might live. Well, he had cold beer in his back pack. He offered one to me. Of course, not to be rude, I accepted it. And the next. And the next. He then took me to the "bar", bought us some more, as we didn't want to get dehydrated. As he took me by the hand, my fellow travelers were whistling, yelling "Hey, you go, girl!"
I loved Paris, was not in love with Parisians, and the feeling was mutual. The best time was getting away from Paris to see the sights.
You were in 2 places that all world travelers have at the top of their bucket lists.
And pal, they sell cameras all over the place. I am sure you do not miss selling yours one single bit!