MONEY MASTER

A strike on Iran’s  South Pars gas field  has marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns over  global energy security  and intensifying geopolitical risks across markets. Energy Infrastructure Targeted for the First Time The attack hit  Iran’s portion of the world’s largest natural gas field , shared with Qatar, damaging  gas tanks and refinery facilities . This represents the  first direct strike on major energy infrastructure in the Gulf  during the conflict, a move widely seen as a turning point. Iran responded by warning neighbouring countries — including  Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar  — to  evacuate key energy installations , signalling the potential for broader regional disruption. Escalation Raises Stakes for Global Energy Supply The development significantly increases the risk of  supply shocks in global energy markets , as the Gulf region accounts for a large share of global oil and g...

Prolonged Middle East tensions and volatile oil markets could turn into a tailwind for  Gas Malaysia , according to UOB Kay Hian. The research house says sustained higher natural gas prices would directly lift the company’s profitability — making it one of the clearer beneficiaries of the current energy shock. Key Takeaways Gas Malaysia derives about 40% of net profit from gas sales Every 1% change in gas prices can swing net profit by 4% LNG prices in Asia have surged 46% in the past week Earnings upside if elevated oil prices persist beyond six months Tenaga Nasional impact seen as marginal Why Gas Malaysia Stands to Gain Gas Malaysia Bhd  supplies natural gas to over 1,000 industrial customers, with about 40% of its net profit tied directly to gas sales. According to UOB Kay Hian: Every 1% change in natural gas prices can shift net profit by 4% If elevated oil prices persist beyond six months, earnings could improve meaningfully Asian LNG prices have surged 46% in just one ...

China, the world’s largest oil importer, is projected to hit its  oil consumption peak by 2027 , driven by the  shift to electric vehicles (EVs)  and  liquefied natural gas (LNG) -powered trucks, according to Sinopec, Asia's largest refiner. Key Highlights Oil Demand Peaks 2027 Peak : Oil consumption will plateau at  800 million metric tonnes  (~16 million barrels per day). 2024 Outlook : Demand is projected to drop to  750 million tonnes , marking only the  second decline in two decades . Key Factors Behind the Peak Shift to Cleaner Energy : Electric Vehicles : Displacing  26 million tonnes of gasoline  (~15% of total consumption). Gasoline demand set to decline  2.4% to 173 million tonnes by 2025 . LNG-Fueled Trucks : Account for  22% of truck sales  in 2024. Diesel demand expected to drop  5.5% to 174 million tonnes by 2025 . Sectoral Shifts : By 2060, the  petrochemical sector  will consume  55% of ...

European natural gas prices jumped to €40 per megawatt-hour as escalating tensions in the Middle East added volatility to the energy market. Benchmark futures settled 2.1% higher on Monday , offsetting last Friday’s losses, as the market braces for potential disruption from a wider regional conflict between Israel and Iran . The conflict escalated following a Hezbollah drone explosion near Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence, prompting Israel to launch military strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. With Israel's vow to retaliate against Iran for an earlier missile attack, concerns are growing about a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz , a crucial waterway for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil shipments . Despite these geopolitical concerns, Chevron Corp. , which operates Israel's Leviathan and Tamar offshore projects , reported that its facilities are operating normally, continuing to supply natural gas to Israel and the region. Energy ...