natural gas

As of August 18, 2026, oil is trading at $92.42 per barrel based on the Brent benchmark. Oil prices are shaped by forces like supply and demand, which can lead to rapid changes when risks such as a recession or war escalate. While crude oil has the biggest influence on gas pump costs, consumers also pay for refineries, wholesalers, taxes, and local markups.

As of August 17, 2026, oil sold for $91.53 per barrel using Brent as the benchmark, marking a rise over the past year. Oil prices are influenced by global supply and demand, with major benchmarks including Brent crude oil and West Texas Intermediate (WTI). The final cost of gasoline includes not only the crude oil component but also taxes and markups from wholesalers and refineries.

As of August 14, 2026, oil was priced at $89.53 per barrel based on the Brent benchmark, showing a loss compared to yesterday and being significantly higher than prices one year ago. While gas pump costs involve refining, taxes, and local markups beyond just crude oil, changes in crude oil still have an outsized impact. The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve exists to provide temporary energy security during supply shocks or emergencies.

On August 13, 2026, oil reached $90.28 per barrel using the Brent benchmark, which was lower than the previous day's price but higher than a year ago. The article notes that crude oil accounts for over half of the cost per gallon at the pump and explains that declines often translate into delayed drops in gas prices due to the "rockets and feathers" effect. Furthermore, it outlines the roles of benchmarks like Brent and WTI, and the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve as an emergency safety net.

Natural gas has become the dominant energy source in the first round of projects accepted into PJM Interconnection’s reformed interconnection process, making up nearly half of the qualified capacity. This surge is driven by expected demand growth of up to 70 gigawatts by 2038, largely fueled by data centers. Although solar and storage trail natural gas by capacity, they together account for far more individual projects than any other resource.

As of August 12, 2026, the price of oil using Brent as a benchmark sits at $91.60 per barrel, which is a decrease of 94 cents since yesterday morning. Oil prices are primarily driven by supply and demand, with fluctuations influenced by factors such as economic slowdown or conflict. The final gas pump price reflects not only crude oil but also costs related to refining, distribution, and taxes.

Oil is currently trading at $92.54 per barrel based on the Brent benchmark, a price influenced by global supply and demand factors like potential recessions or war. While crude oil has the biggest influence on gas pump prices, consumers also pay for refineries, wholesalers, taxes, and local markups. The article notes that two main benchmarks are Brent crude oil (the primary global measure) and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), which tracks North American performance.

According to the energy minister, European consumers can expect natural gas from Cyprus to help meet their energy needs by March 2028. The potential supply highlights a move toward new energy sources. This development occurs while the EU is actively seeking alternative supplies.

On August 6, 2026, oil was priced at $83.64 per barrel using the Brent benchmark, fluctuating based on supply and demand dynamics influenced by global concerns such as war or recession. The article explains that crude oil accounts for more than half of gas pump costs, meaning declines in oil often lead to slower price drops at the pump. Key mechanisms discussed include the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve acting as an emergency safety net, and the historical tracking provided by benchmarks like Brent and WTI.

Vamsi Chadalavada, CEO of ISO New England, is managing the region's electric grid amid rising energy demand, clean energy targets, and challenges from data centers. Natural gas currently supplies half of New England's energy, but initiatives like imported Canadian hydropower and offshore wind face uncertainties, including supply chain issues and political setbacks.

As of August 3, 2026, Brent crude oil is priced at $87.38 per barrel, reflecting a 71-cent increase from the previous day and a $17.50 rise over the past year. The article discusses factors influencing oil prices, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in mitigating price shocks.

Data center operators are increasingly adopting off-grid 'behind-the-meter' power systems due to grid capacity shortages and utility interconnection delays. Enverus projects 40% of new U.S. data center capacity through 2030 will be off-grid, driven by companies like Amazon and Google, with significant natural gas use and regional focus on Texas, PJM, and the Western U.S.

As of July 31, 2026, oil was priced at $92.27 per barrel, a 38-cent drop from the previous day but $19.67 higher than a year prior. The article highlights factors like supply and demand, the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and the link between oil and natural gas markets.

The US is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 27-41% below 2005 levels by 2040, missing Biden-era goals. A Rhodium Group report highlights that Trump-era policies may lead to natural gas and renewable power competing through the 2030s, limiting power sector emissions cuts. A Columbia University analysis found Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act preserved 74% of planned clean energy capacity compared to Biden's Inflation Reduction Act.

As of July 30, 2026, oil prices reached $92.65 per barrel using the Brent benchmark, up $3.12 from the previous day and $19 higher than a year earlier. The article highlights factors influencing oil prices, including supply and demand dynamics, the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve's role in emergencies, and the link between oil and natural gas markets.

As of July 29, 2026, Brent crude oil prices are $89.53 per barrel, up 45 cents from the previous day and $16.84 higher than the same time last year. Factors influencing oil prices include supply and demand dynamics, economic uncertainties, and the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in mitigating price shocks during emergencies.

Ohio's $100M JobsOhio Energy Opportunity Initiative funds natural gas and nuclear projects but excludes renewables, drawing criticism over transparency and favoritism. JobsOhio, a private entity exempt from public records laws, administers the program, which has faced ethical concerns due to ties between a board member and American Electric Power.

As of July 27, 2026, Brent crude oil priced at $90.43 per barrel, down $2.22 from the previous day but up $21.92 over the past year. The article explains factors influencing oil prices, including supply and demand, geopolitical events, and the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in stabilizing prices during emergencies.

Meta has exited a renewable energy initiative and increased reliance on natural gas for its data centers. The company has committed to 10 natural gas plants since last year.

As of July 24, 2026, the price of oil was $97.04 per barrel, down $1.45 from the previous day but $27.50 higher than a year prior. The article highlights factors influencing oil prices, including supply and demand dynamics, economic concerns, and the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in mitigating supply shocks.

The Tennessee Valley Authority's Cumberland Natural Gas Plant, its largest natural gas project, is set to power nearly 850,000 homes and will be fully operational by the end of the year, according to officials.

A gas line was struck by a third party in a Rock Hill work zone on July 22 near Little Street and Carolina Avenue, causing traffic disruptions and the potential smell of natural gas during repairs. Emergency crews are addressing the issue, but no repair timeline was provided.

The price of oil is $95.47 per barrel as of July 22, 2026, reflecting a $1.06 increase from the previous day and a $26.50 rise compared to the same time last year. Factors influencing oil prices include supply and demand dynamics, economic uncertainties, and the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in mitigating price shocks.

The Democratic energy platform is shifting in response to global geopolitical factors like AI development and the US-Iran war, with rising energy costs driving a blend of left and right policy approaches. New York Governor Kathy Hochul's actions, including a data center moratorium and support for gas pipelines, reflect this evolving stance, while natural gas is gaining traction as part of energy affordability strategies.

As of July 21, 2026, oil is trading at $89.93 per barrel, up $1.71 from the previous day and $20.50 higher than a year ago. The article explains factors influencing oil prices, including supply and demand, geopolitical risks, the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and the link between oil and natural gas markets.

As of July 17, 2026, oil was priced at $86.09 per barrel using Brent as the benchmark, reflecting a $1.45 increase from the previous day and a $16 rise compared to a year ago. The article highlights factors influencing oil prices, including supply and demand dynamics, economic uncertainties, and the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in mitigating price shocks.

Mitsubishi acquired Aethon Energy's U.S. natural gas assets for $7.5 billion, becoming one of the largest U.S. natural gas producers. The deal strengthens Japan's investment in U.S. LNG production, particularly in the Haynesville Shale region, to meet rising demand from AI data centers and global energy markets.

As of July 13, 2026, Brent crude oil prices fell to $78.31 per barrel, a $1.08 decline from the previous day but a $7.24 increase compared to a year ago. The article discusses factors influencing oil prices, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical risks, and the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in mitigating price shocks.

A 2025 report shows fossil fuels account for 86% of global energy use despite renewable growth, aligning with President Trump's push to expand U.S. oil and gas production to lower prices and boost energy security. The U.S. led in oil and natural gas production, while geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz highlighted risks to energy markets.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani led the rapid rise of Qatar, a gas-rich nation.

The surge in energy demand from artificial intelligence is driving a boom in natural gas and coal plants, prompting renewable energy advocates and lawmakers in states like New York, Michigan, Oregon, and Minnesota to push for legislation requiring data centers to use climate-friendly energy. Efforts aim to align data center power consumption with emissions-reduction goals, as tech giants' energy needs outpace renewable energy infrastructure development.

Hawaiʻi committed to 100% renewable electricity in 2015 but is now considering natural gas. Governor David Ige signed the legal commitment under the state's great seal.

As of July 8, 2026, Brent crude oil prices are $78.17 per barrel, up $4.88 from the previous day and $7.30 higher than a year ago. The article explains factors influencing oil prices, including supply and demand, economic conditions, and the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Data center developers in Pennsylvania plan to use seven new natural gas-fired power plants, which would emit 68 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, equivalent to 14 million cars. The report highlights a 24% increase in Pennsylvania's emissions and warns of a national surge in greenhouse gas emissions driven by AI-related data center demand.

23% of Ohio's 18-year-olds are registered to vote, the 28th-lowest rate in the U.S. The Athens NEWS, a local newspaper in Southeast Ohio, has closed, reflecting a broader decline in local news. Ohio's AI data center boom is driving a natural gas power expansion, and an opinion column compares the U.S. conflict with Iran to the Vietnam War.

Israel has launched a tender to search for additional natural gas in the Mediterranean. The Energy minister stated the industry has proven economically viable, while the Petroleum commissioner estimates up to 400 billion cubic meters of undiscovered gas in Israel's waters.

As of July 6, 2026, oil prices rose to $72.36 per barrel (Brent benchmark), up 5 cents from the previous day and $3.50 over the past year. The article highlights factors influencing oil prices, including supply and demand, economic downturn risks, and the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in mitigating price shocks.

Amazon's carbon emissions increased in 2025 for the second consecutive year, driven by data center expansion and higher carbon intensity. The company's sustainability chief acknowledged the rise is part of a long-term challenge, complicating its goal of carbon neutrality by 2040.

Petrobras implemented a new pricing mechanism to limit the August natural gas price increase to 6%, significantly lower than the 22% increase the previous formula would have mandated.

As of June 30, 2026, oil is trading at $75.02 per barrel using the Brent benchmark, up $1.02 from the previous day and $7.24 higher than a year ago. The article highlights factors influencing oil prices, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical risks, and the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in stabilizing markets during crises.