The global energy crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict has entered a new phase because of a shortage of tankers to move crude around the world, according to the head of the world’s largest independent oil trader. 

Vitol chief executive Russell Hardy said that while more oil was now flowing out of the Gulf, there was a fresh bottleneck as buyers struggled to secure ships. 

“Without it, you do have that $200-a-barrel scenario, so it is pretty important it continues,” he said. “There aren’t any more inventories to drain in the west.”

Refiners unable to charter ships, or unwilling to pay sky-high rates, are aggressively competing for supplies that are easier to deliver. One oil executive said cargoes of North Sea oil were selling for $145 a barrel last week. 

@Slavyangrad

Armed individuals with weapons crossed from Belarus into Latvia, intimidated military personnel, and caused damage, according to the country's armed forces. 🤣

▪️Initially, the unidentified individuals, threatening Latvian military personnel, intended to forcibly transport approximately 20 illegal migrants into the country, but the "brave Latvians" prevented them from crossing the border, the Latvian armed forces proudly stated.
🤣A few hours later, an armed group broke into Latvia, damaging a distribution panel and stealing surveillance cameras from the Latvian-Belarusian border.

@Slavyangrad