W&T Offshore IncStrait of Hormuz reopening unleashes crude supply, pressuring crude prices and W&T's revenue.

The benchmark diesel price used for most fuel surcharges fell for the 12th time in 13 weeks, dropping 9 cents to $4.578 per gallon, while crack spreads have surged to unprecedented levels, signaling a deep split in oil markets. The 3:2:1 crack spread, which measures the difference between crude and refined product prices, has reached 70% to 75% of a barrel of crude, up from about 45% at the start of June and 27% at the beginning of 2026. This divergence has been driven by a partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz that unleashed crude supplies, while refined product inventories remain tight globally. Analysts, including Amrita Sen of Energy Aspects and Dan Pickering of Pickering Energy Partners, note that the market is in a honeymoon phase with physical tightness, but warn that either crude must fall or product prices must decline to restore normal spreads. Citigroup forecasts Brent could drop to $60 per barrel next year, though risks include China returning as a buyer and the end of U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases.
W&T Offshore IncStrait of Hormuz reopening unleashes crude supply, pressuring crude prices and W&T's revenue.
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