by Phil Baratz HEDGE, HEDGE, HEDGE. There is an aphorism in the academic world that says, “publish or perish” in reference to advancing a career. Our aphorism is Hedge or Perish. Customers want and need some price certainty. Capped prices cost more to hedge (generally in the form of an option premium cost)…
by Phil Baratz There are several situations occurring now that we haven’t seen in a long time (maybe not ever), and they are leading to some questions that need to be addressed – now! Russia/Ukraine Iran/Venezuela Supply shortages Basis Blowouts Empty storage tanks Rising interest rates High Inflation Confusing messages from political leadership Severe backwardation…
Is a “steady basis” a thing of the past? Will it return to normal? When might it happen? What if my supplier doesn’t offer me a fixed diff? What if I don’t want one? All of these questions are “top of the mind” as we plan for next winter. Visit us at our EEE booth…
On the last day of 2021 the price of WTI crude oil futures closed at $75/bbl. About 10 weeks later, the price had risen to over $90/bbl., and then just 10 days after that, prices traded over $130/bbl. In a 10-day period in February, ULSD futures rose from $2.85/gallon to over $4.50/gallon, an increase…
by Phil Baratz Though usually not at a loss for words, what has happened in the past week defies logic and almost defies reality – except that it actually happened. We know the impetus – almost entirely the Russian invasion of Ukraine, along with “supporting actors” of Iranian nuclear talks, supply chain disruptions, interest-rate…
