TotalEnergies profits surge to $11.2 billion as France rejects windfall tax
TotalEnergies' record $11.2 billion H1 profits spark controversy as France declines windfall tax.
Event / Politics
Escalating military conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces, including coordinated attacks on airports and energy infrastructure, with regional ceasefire violations and international responses.
2026-07-30 to 2026-10-27 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 11 Apr, 00:07 UTC
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Both Brent crude and U.S. crude oil surpassed $100 per barrel for the first time in months, driven by escalating military conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which has disrupted Middle East supply chains and tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Diesel prices in Hong Kong rose 26% during the Iran conflict period, reaching an average of $17.78 per gallon (approximately 37 Hong Kong dollars per liter), the highest sticker price reported globally by Global Petrol Prices.
Saudi Arabian oil production fell to its lowest level in three decades in the most recent reporting month, attributed to Houthi attacks on the country's energy facilities.
Intense Ukrainian attacks on Russia's refining infrastructure have nearly halted Russian product exports, contributing to global fuel supply disruptions alongside Middle East losses.
The national average diesel price reached $6.05-$6.06 per gallon on Friday, up from $5.85 the previous week and $3.70-$3.71 one year earlier. The price surge is driven by disruptions to global fuel supplies resulting from escalating military conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
Amazon implemented a temporary 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge on some third-party sellers in April 2026, citing rising fuel costs associated with the Iran conflict.
Overall U.S. grocery prices in July 2026 were up 2.7% compared to July 2025, with refrigerated items experiencing steeper increases: seafood prices up 7% and fresh fruit prices up 4.9% year-over-year.
United Parcel Service, FedEx, and the United States Postal Service added fees to certain packages shipped during the Iran conflict period, citing rising overall fuel costs.
Diesel prices in Lebanon increased 80% from late February 2026, part of the broader global price surge driven by Middle East supply disruptions.
Diesel prices in Indonesia rose nearly 87% from late February 2026, reflecting global fuel market disruptions from the Iran conflict.
Diesel prices in Nigeria increased over 90% from late February 2026, reaching approximately $4.95 per gallon (1,730 naira per liter) by the following Monday, reflecting the global impact of Middle East supply disruptions.
S&P Global Energy announced it no longer projects Middle East crude oil production to return to prewar levels by the end of 2027, citing continued security and logistical challenges limiting oil flows.
The U.S. and Israel conducted military attacks on Iran in late February 2026. Diesel prices increased over 60% from the pre-attack national average of approximately $3.76 per gallon, with supply chain disruptions concentrated in the Middle East and particularly affecting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline reached $4.29 per gallon on Friday, up from $2.98 before the Iran conflict began, though still below the 2022 peak of approximately $5.02 per gallon.
The dated Brent crude oil benchmark, against which approximately two-thirds of global oil supply is priced, has traded above $100 per barrel since September 3, according to LSEG data. Physical crude oil markets, which react more quickly to supply disruptions than futures contracts, have remained above this threshold.
U.S. military forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in response to attempted missile attacks on a Navy warship, marking a sharp escalation in the six-month-old conflict between the U.S. and Iran that began on February 28.
Attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi energy facilities and shipping in the region threaten the Red Sea as a key alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz. These attacks widen disruption risks beyond Iranian oil supply to vital alternative shipping corridors.
Oil flows through the critical Strait of Hormuz have fallen below 2 million barrels per day following the resumption of fighting on August 30. In the week before fighting resumed, flows had reached 8-9 million barrels per day, double the previous week's volume. The strait normally handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas supply.
U.S. gasoline prices averaged approximately $4.22 per gallon on September 9, the highest level since early June. Diesel prices reached record highs, approaching $6 per gallon, while consumers faced record gasoline prices during the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched attacks on Saudi Arabian energy facilities this week, setting oil installations ablaze and threatening a significant expansion of the conflict. A tanker carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Iraqi fuel oil was struck by a drone in Iraqi territorial waters during the same period.
TotalEnergies' record $11.2 billion H1 profits spark controversy as France declines windfall tax.
US-Iran ceasefire agreement restores Strait of Hormuz navigation, ending hostilities escalation.
Russian diesel export ban drives French fuel prices above €2 per liter amid global supply crisis.
US-Iran ceasefire agreement restores Strait of Hormuz access, easing global energy crisis.
IEA cuts 2026 oil demand forecast by 1.1M barrels/day as deliveries plunge and reserves shrink.
Israel-Iran ceasefire begins April 8 amid ongoing military strikes and Iranian payment difficulties.
TotalEnergies threatens fuel cap exit if France imposes windfall tax on record crisis profits.
US and Iran escalate military posturing around Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing diplomatic proposals.
EU regulations guarantee flight passengers compensation, alternative travel options, and expense reimbursement for cancellations.
Energy executives warn of potential shortages from prolonged blockade; French government sees no immediate fuel crisis.
Iran and US launch Islamabad negotiations as Trump extends truce and Macron demands open Hormuz access.
Macron demands open Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes while asserting France's short-term energy resilience.