War, Hormuz and the Fuel Price Shock

War, Hormuz and the Fuel Price Shock

From Oil Markets by S&P Global Commodity Insights

March 12, 2026 · 23 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of geopolitical events on oil prices and the potential fuel shortages in California.

After US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, oil markets have been on a rollercoaster. While crude has rallied above $100/b, refined fuels have surged even more sharply. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, host Jeff Mower , Director of Americas Oil News, is joined by Senior Refining Editor Janet McGurty and Senior Refined Products Price Reporters Ben Peyton and Laura Huchzermeyer to break down what's driving the spike in diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline prices. Is California heading toward a fuel shortage as refinery closures and global disruptions collide? How vulnerable is the West Coast fuel market, and why is it often described as an "energy island"? Could high diesel, jet, and gasoline prices start hitting the broader economy?

People in this episode

Host: Jeff Mower

Guests: Janet McGurty, Ben Peyton, Laura Huchzermeyer

Topics covered

  • oil markets
  • fuel prices
  • refinery closures
  • West Coast fuel market
  • economic impact

Keywords

  • oil prices
  • diesel prices
  • jet fuel prices
  • gasoline prices
  • fuel shortage
  • refinery disruptions
  • energy island

Mentioned in this episode

Places: California, Strait of Hormuz

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