Brent rose $1.33, or 1.7%, to $79.32 per barrel, WTI gained $1.15, or 1.6%, to $74.32.

Export loadings of Russian crude averaged 3.02 million b/d in the week ending Dec. 11, little changed from the week before and in line with the November average of 3.07 million b/d

Despite Russia slashing gas deliveries this year, Europe has averted a severe shortage and started the winter with brimming gas storage tanks

Countries led by Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark are calling for a cautious approach, while a group including Belgium, Italy, Greece and Poland is pushing for a more aggressive tool to contain gas prices.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Loan Programs Office (LPO), today announced the closing of a $2.5 billion loan to Ultium Cells LLC to help finance the construction of new lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Tennessee, and Michigan.

Brent were down 38 cents, or 0.4%, at $75.72 a barrel, WTI was at $70.76 a barrel, down 26 cents, or 0.3%.

The Arctic weather is the first real test of Europe’s resiliency this season as it faces a historic energy crisis, with Russia curbing gas supplies to the region.

Dry natural gas production in 2022 to set an annual record in the United States, averaging 98.0 Bcf/d.

In Germany, coal mines have been reopened, and nuclear power stations scheduled to be decommissioned been given an extended lease of life. Nearly all EU countries, very dependent on Russian oil and gas, have been scrabbling like crazy to find alternative sources, all at rising prices and growing difficulties in finding supplies.

U.S. Rig Count is down 4 from last week to 780, Canada Rig Count is up 7 from last week to 202.