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The Energy Report

Phil Flynn
http://www.pricegroup.com/
pflynn@pricegroup.com


First and Goal. The Energy Report 05/28/2026

Despite overnight US-Iran military clashes, markets are signaling that the conflict could be nearing its end — or at least we are first and goal. The oil market believes that, as you can see by this muted market reaction to last night’s US-Iran flare-up.

Reports say that the US military carried out “self-defense” strikes on a military ground control site near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, a key port city on the Strait of Hormuz. The target was a facility preparing to launch drones that threatened US forces and commercial shipping. US forces also shot down four Iranian attack drones.

In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted a US air base in Kuwait around 4:50 a.m. local time. Reports mention possible missile/drone activity affecting Kuwait, with Kuwait activating air defenses and sirens. This is the second exchange in about three days, testing a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since earlier in the broader 2026 Iran conflict.

This comes as gas and diesel cracks continue to fall, and we are seeing it. According to the latest AAA data, the national average for regular gasoline now stands at $4.426, down from $4.459 yesterday, $4.564 a week ago, and $4.176 a month ago. Mid-grade is currently averaging $4.932, premium is at $5.303, and diesel is $5.554 per gallon. E85 is averaging $3.518.

Compared to a year ago, all grades remain significantly higher, with regular up more than $1.26 from last year’s $3.164 average. Yet we are seeing the trend moving lower.

Last night’s API report delivered another set of draws, but the market treated it more like a “show me” moment than a full-blown bullish catalyst. Crude stocks fell 2.8 million barrels for the week ending May 22. That’s the sixth straight weekly decline, keeping the tightening theme alive, though it came in lighter than the roughly 4 million barrel draw the street was looking for. The prior week saw a massive 9.1 million barrel drop, so momentum is slowing but still negative on inventories.

Gasoline stocks dropped another 3.2 million barrels — a solid demand signal heading into summer driving season. Distillates bucked the trend with a 1.1 million barrel build. That is significant, as diesel is the soft spot. Cushing took another hit, down 2.9 million barrels, which continues to support WTI logistics and basis.

Big picture take: The inventory draws are real and persistent, but the market is balancing that against hopes of some easing in geopolitical tensions (Strait of Hormuz chatter) and waiting on today’s official EIA numbers for confirmation. Year-to-date, U.S. crude inventories are still up over 20 million barrels from the start of the year, reminding us we’re not exactly in a bare-bones shortage yet.

Oil traded softer after the report as traders locked in some profit and awaited the government print. The underlying supply/demand balance remains constructive for the bulls if we keep seeing these multi-week draws, especially with refinery runs humming and summer demand on the horizon. We’ll see if the EIA backs up the API story this morning. If it does, the bulls will have more ammunition. If it’s wildly different (as sometimes happens), buckle up for volatility.

We also received the natural gas report today ahead of the Petroleum Status Report at 9:30 a.m. Central Time. Although the front month has faced seasonal pressure and strong storage builds, several bullish factors could support higher prices as summer approaches.

Summer cooling demand is poised to increase as the shoulder season has been mild, but forecasts point to hotter temperatures in key demand regions. Above-normal heat, especially across the western and southern U.S., should lift air-conditioning use and natural gas demand for power generation. Even modest heat waves can add meaningful Bcf/d of consumption.

U.S. LNG exports remain strong and are growing. LNG terminals continue to expand, with new capacity additions, including Corpus Christi trains, increasing export demand. Global demand remains firm, especially in Asia, and any geopolitical strain overseas reinforces the role of U.S. gas as a dependable supply source.

Long-term structural support remains in place as data centers and AI-driven electricity demand reshape baseload and flexible generation needs, positioning natural gas to benefit. While production is growing, pipeline constraints in areas such as the Permian could still create regional tightness. Inventories are currently above average, but strong summer draws could tighten the market heading into winter.

Technicals and sentiment favor a recovery. Prices have been consolidating since winter, but recent rebounds from support levels and warmer forecasts have triggered short covering. If the expected heat arrives, the market could be set up for a bullish recovery. Near-term storage injections have been healthy, including a recent 101 Bcf build, but rising power demand, LNG exports, and hotter weather could quickly change the outlook.

In energy markets, weather is a critical driver. Download the Fox Weather app for timely and actionable intelligence, with its outlook pointing to an early start to summer cooling demand and above-normal temperatures possible across much of the U.S. in the weeks and months ahead. Remember, a shift of just a few degrees can move natural gas demand by hundreds of millions of dollars.

What is also cool is that the FOX Weather app has an exclusive 3D radar and high-resolution views for tracking storms and heat patterns in real time, long-range outlooks from 10 days to 10 months, customizable alerts for multiple locations, and 24/7 live coverage from meteorologists backed by FOX’s resources. Whether you trade futures, manage utility risk, or simply want to stay ahead of volatility, professional-grade weather intelligence can provide a real edge. Download the FOX Weather app.

You also need to stay tuned to the Fox Business Network! Invested in you — call me today to get started at 888-264-5665 or email me at pflynn@pricegroup.com, as well as getting an inside track on my speaking events.



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Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information and data in this report were obtained from sources considered reliable. Their accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed and the giving of the same is not to be deemed as an offer or solicitation on our part with respect to the sale or purchase of any securities or commodities. PFGBEST, its officers and directors may in the normal course of business have positions, which may or may not agree with the opinions expressed in this report. Any decision to purchase or sell as a result of the opinions expressed in this report will be the full responsibility of the person authorizing such transaction.

Phil is one of the world's leading energy market analysts, providing individual investors, professional traders and institutions with up-to-the-minute investment and risk management insight into global petroleum, gasoline and energy markets. Phil's market commentary, fundamental and technical analysis, and long-term forecasts are sought by industry executives, investors and media worldwide.

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Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information and data in this report were obtained from sources considered reliable. Their accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed and the giving of the same is not to be deemed as an offer or solicitation on our part with respect to the sale or purchase of any securities or commodities. Alaron Trading Corp. its officers and directors may in the normal course of business have positions, which may or may not agree with the opinions expressed in this report. Any decision to purchase or sell as a result of the opinions expressed in this report will be the full responsibility of the person authorizing such transaction.

Contact Phil at 1-888-264-5665 or pflynn@pricegroup.com.