Oil Slips: Iran Talks, Ukraine Blockade, and VLCC Crunch Drive Price Movement

Market Intelligence Analysis

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Why This Matters

The oil market is experiencing price fluctuations due to various factors, including Iran talks, the Ukraine blockade, and a VLCC (very large crude carrier) crunch, which is being manipulated by a South Korean shipping tycoon.

Market Impact

Market impact analysis based on bearish sentiment with 70% confidence.

Sentiment
Bearish
AI Confidence
70%
Time Horizon
Short Term

Article Context

Note: This is a brief excerpt for context. Click below to read the full article on the original source.

This week's energy newsletter reviews oil and gas price shifts, U.S. rig count figures, key corporate acquisitions and discoveries, and analyzes major geopolitical events impacting global oil trade, including shipping market manipulation and rising Chinese imports of Russian crude. The oil market’s shipping segment is being rocked by a brazen attempt to corner it, with a South Korean shipping tycoon hoovering up any available VLCCs in the market. Ga-Hyun Chung’s Sinokor Group has bought or chartered over 120 very large crude carriers…

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Full article on OilPrice.com
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Original article published by OilPrice.com on February 17, 2026.
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