Energy Price, news updates and expert commentary 20/04/26

20 Apr Energy Price, news updates and expert commentary 20/04/26

(Oilandgaspress) Iran has warned the world that it cannot and would not guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues to attempt to restrict Tehran’s oil exports.
“The security of the Strait of Hormuz is not free. One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others. The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone. Stability in global fuel prices depends on a guaranteed and lasting end to the economic and military pressure against Iran and its allies.” Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad-Reza Aref, concluded in a post on X. Related News

On Saturday, Iran said it was closing the strait again and that any ship that approached it would be targeted. The Strait of Hormuz remained closed on Sunday after the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said it was ending a temporary reopening over the US blockade, which it said violated the terms of their ceasefire agreement. Iran said it would stay closed until the US ended its naval blockade.

OPEC will launch the 2026 edition of its Annual Statistical Bulletin (ASB-2026) on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, at 14:00 at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna, Austria. The event will be held via videoconference.

The 2026 Annual Statistical Bulletin (ASB-2026) and its key highlights will be presented by HE Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General, followed by a presentation and a discussion session with key experts from the OPEC Secretariat’s Research Division… Related News

European battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations surged 51% in March 2026 across 15 key EU + EFTA markets, as renewed conflict in the Middle East brought the continent’s reliance on oil sharply into focus. New data published today by New Automotive and E-Mobility Europe reveals that over 224,000 new electric passenger cars were registered in March alone, accounting for 22% of all new car sales across tracked markets (and an estimated 21.2% EU-wide).
In the first quarter of 2026, EU member states registered more than 500,000 new electric cars, a 33.5% increase on the same period last year. BEV registrations accelerated across every major EU market in the first quarter of 2026. Europe’s five largest countries – Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Poland – all recorded BEV growth above 40% year-to-date.. Related News

US makes a U-turn, extends sanctions waiver for Russian oil till May 16: How this benefits India
Without the waiver, Indian refiners wouldn’t have been able to take deliveries of Russian crude on sanctioned tankers or deal with Russian oil suppliers sanctioned by Washington Related News

Baker Hughes Rig Count: International -54 to 1,058.,U.S. -2 to 543 Canada -5 to 130
U.S. Rig Count is down 2 from last week to 543 with oil rigs down 1 to 410, gas rigs down 2 to 125 and miscellaneous rigs up 1 to 8.
Canada Rig Count is down 5 from last week to 130 with oil rigs down 6 to 77, gas rigs up 1 to 53 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0.
International Rig Count is down 54 from last month to 1,058 with land rigs down 44 to 829, offshore down 10 to 229.