Vladimir Putin likely sees the global energy shortage and lack of energy security as an opportunity to advance Russia’s interests in Ukraine, knowing that Europe has no other choice than to buy their petroleum.

A viable renewable energy backstop to oil & gas production does not now exist to guarantee Americans cost-effective, reliable, and 24/7 energy availability

Germany and Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas supplies cannot be eliminated in the short term without considerable economic damage.

Based on data from the third quarter, analysts expect to see a record 19 gigawatts of utility-scale solar and about 4 gigawatts of distributed solar installed in the United States this year.

U.S. Rig Count is up 16 from last week to 689, Canada Rig Count is down 13 from last week to 111.

Brent advanced by 16 cents, or 0.2% to $100.77 a barrel, WTI gained 35 cents, or 4%, to $96.37 a barrel.

OPEC's 13 members raised output by 60,000 b/d to 28.73 million b/d, but that was more than offset by a 160,000 b/d decline by the bloc's nine allies, who pumped 13.91 million b/d.

Novak is Russia's key negotiator in the OPEC+ group, which has resisted calls from consumers to increase production.

U.S. commercial crude oil inventories increased by 2.4 million barrels to 412.4 million barrels.

Brent climbed $1.05 or 1.%, to $102.12 a barrel, WTI rose 86 cents, or 0.9%, to $97.09 a barrel.

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $106.13 a barrel

Fuel oil represented the bulk of the exports to China, with 394,200 mt exported, 43.6% higher on the month. Diesel exports recorded similar growth of 39.5% to 343,100 mt. Bitumen and residue amounted to 18,700 mt, marking a 34.9% increase on February. Overall, 756,900 mt of oil products headed to China last month.

Brent were up 49 cents, or 0.5%, at $107.13 a barrel , WTI climbed 21 cents, or 0.2%, to $102.17 a barrel.

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $106.23 a barrel

The new round includes an import ban on coal from Russia worth Eur4 billion/year ($4.38 billion/year) and a ban on Russian vessels and Russian-operated vessels from accessing EU ports, allowing for certain exemptions such as agricultural and food products, humanitarian aid as well as energy.