Get Ready for $4 Gasoline!

[F6Dave]

Make that $5 if you live in California. I see that oil just topped $87 a barrel, after being in the high 50s in late January. I'm sure it will drop fairly soon. It always has.

I read some stats the other day that surprised me. Texas produces the most oil in the US, as expected. But the #2 state is New Mexico! Nearly half of total US production comes from the Permian Basin in West Texas and New Mexico, so states like Alaska, Oklahoma, and Louisiana have been displaced.

#3 is North Dakota thanks to the Bakken shale. And #4 is Colorado! That amazed me since the state government here is doing all they can to put the industry out of business.

[HayHauler]

Going to ride my motorcycle more than I currently do!

Also, Exxon stock is going to go UP. 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Serk]

Make that $5 if you live in California.

For California wouldn't $5/gallon be a price drop?

[F6Dave]

Make that $5 if you live in California.

For California wouldn't $5/gallon be a price drop?

Definitely in the remote places. I saw this last May on the east side of the Sierra Nevadas.

[old2soon]

     Just before We bombed iran it had jumped 20 cents or so here. Went up a bit more than another 20 cents. Yesterday in West Plains couple places right at 3 bucks a gallon!  I'll report back again later as I have more runnin to take care of. Course our Sworn ENEMIES go to pushin the buttons to launch intercontinetal ballistic missiles what fuel costs Will no longer matter!  Can you say-armageddon? RIDE SAFE.

[f6john]

Mostly because Lloyds of London wanted a 500% increase in insurance coverage so the ships just sit. Understandable but not a true market position.

[Jersey mike]

Doug Burgram was on this morning saying Venezuela hit a new high yesterday in production and Venezuela is cooperating nicely with the U.S. on oil production and Chevron is basically getting back on track down there.

It’s a shame what California has done to it own oil industry and they now import around 70% of their oil. Imagine that, sitting on oil and importing oil because they regulated themselves into a corner and refineries have shut down.


This was from a couple days ago;

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/texas-port-humming-trump-ramps-012553086.html

Also;

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/venezuela-signs-contracts-supply-oil-155757624.html

[Timbo1]

Doug Burgram was on this morning saying Venezuela hit a new high yesterday in production and Venezuela is cooperating nicely with the U.S. on oil production and Chevron is basically getting back on track down there.

It’s a shame what California has done to it own oil industry and they now import around 70% of their oil. Imagine that, sitting on oil and importing oil because they regulated themselves into a corner and refineries have shut down.


This was from a couple days ago;

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/texas-port-humming-trump-ramps-012553086.html

Also;

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/venezuela-signs-contracts-supply-oil-155757624.html

Back in the late 90's I was an IT contractor for Citgo Petroleum (Owned by PDVSA) a Venezuelan State run corporation at the time.  While Citgo is a US located entity they were majority owned by PDVSA.  So there's been a petroleum relationship between Venezuela and US for a long time.  Although there have been sanctions to supposedly not be economical to Venezuela they're still majority holder as far as I know.  I'm sure it's complex legal matters between countries but that relationship has been there a long time.  I'm guessing whatever sanctions were put in place are being reevaluated.

[scooperhsd]

If $5 gas becomes reality, I Promise that I will quit commuting to work   Completely !!!
 Or even $4….     

I quit commuting to work back in 2018 - when I had to start taking care of my MIL....

[sandy]

Paid $4.15.9 this am for regular. AZ is already over $4.

[dan7uk]

If gas goes to 5 dollars a gallon I will quit work, oh wait I don't work.

[mellowyellow#7933]

$5.80 Cdn per U.S. gallon, $4.27 U.S. in Sudbury, Ontario. Just went up 30 cents per litre.

[Jersey mike]

We lived through it during Covid BS, I can deal with it while we eradicate an enemy.

The U.S. is working on the insurance aspect of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and apparently the U.S. Navy will be providing security when the time is right for operations to begin.

Reports from Wall Street is that there is plenty of oil, almost a glut, it’s just a matter of getting through this bend in the river.

[Hook#3287]

We lived through it during Covid BS, I can deal with it while we eradicate an enemy.

The U.S. is working on the insurance aspect of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and apparently the U.S. Navy will be providing security when the time is right for operations to begin.

Reports from Wall Street is that there is plenty of oil, almost a glut, it’s just a matter of getting through this bend in the river.

So many factors in the costs of oil.  My understanding is the loss or reduction of ships going through the Strait of Hormuz effects China, Japan and South Korea more than the US.

With Venezuela coming on board in oil imports to US, any reduction caused by Irans actions are mitigated.

But, it is making the Chinese very worried.

Not sure that's a good look for Iran.

Also not sure why the USA should be putting our Navy and other assets in jeopardy to keep the Strait open for other nations, they have the ability to protect their own interests.

California can wallow in the crap they created, no concerns from me.

Refineries moving out, no local oil producing to speak of, importing from other nations on ships registered in the US which there are not enough of.

Asinine green policies driving cost sky high.

Good for them.

[Jersey mike]

We lived through it during Covid BS, I can deal with it while we eradicate an enemy.

The U.S. is working on the insurance aspect of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and apparently the U.S. Navy will be providing security when the time is right for operations to begin.

Reports from Wall Street is that there is plenty of oil, almost a glut, it’s just a matter of getting through this bend in the river.

So many factors in the costs of oil.  My understanding is the loss or reduction of ships going through the Strait of Hormuz effects China, Japan and South Korea more than the US.

With Venezuela coming on board in oil imports to US, any reduction caused by Irans actions are mitigated.

But, it is making the Chinese very worried.

Not sure that's a good look for Iran.

Also not sure why the USA should be putting our Navy and other assets in jeopardy to keep the Strait open for other nations, they have the ability to protect their own interests.

California can wallow in the crap they created, no concerns from me.

Refineries moving out, no local oil producing to speak of, importing from other nations on ships registered in the US which there are not enough of.

Asinine green policies driving cost sky high.

Good for them.

The finance guys on FOX Business were talking about this yesterday and it seems the biggest driver of the new cost is the insurance issue of ships traveling through the Strait.

The U.S. is supposedly finding a way to provide shipping insurance for ships “that qualify”…whatever that may mean or involve in the shipping industry.

I think the Navy is well positioned and prepared for however we may decide to proceed with securing and the security of the Strait once ships are permitted through, even though I believe they said yesterday “some ships” did go through, again nit sure just what those ships were or what was involved.

Iran knows this area well and has issued a statement, a kind of dare for our navy to proceed with escorting ships through the Strait. I believe once the navy has swept the waters for mines and have whatever high tech sonar is needed in place we will see some normalcy return, but it will take some time before everyone is not on high alert and sitting on pins and needles.

Maybe we will have subs seeking out bad guys and maybe we will have surface warfare ships patrolling around that have underwater capabilities as well as any land based attack weapon protection of ships.

[GiG]

 
If $4 gas becomes reality, I Promise that I will quit commuting to work   Completely !!!
 

[scooperhsd]

Just filled up one of my two VW diesels - $3.999 / gallon. FOrtunately, that tank was good for 36 MPG,....

[TrapperAH1G]

In WA state, we're around 4.49 and climbing.  A month ago is was 3.89.  State ads 1.89 cents per gallon in taxes here, highest in the land I understand......but we get nothing for it except crazy give aways for "posing virtue" programs.

[GiG]

Those Newscum “posing virtue” videos are  revealing & quite hilarious!!!!

Ya get what you pay for         

[0leman]

I went for a ride yesterday and filled up.  Was $3.99 a gallon.   We had been at $3.22 a gallon for several months.

[Hook#3287]

We lived through it during Covid BS, I can deal with it while we eradicate an enemy.

The U.S. is working on the insurance aspect of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and apparently the U.S. Navy will be providing security when the time is right for operations to begin.

Reports from Wall Street is that there is plenty of oil, almost a glut, it’s just a matter of getting through this bend in the river.

So many factors in the costs of oil.  My understanding is the loss or reduction of ships going through the Strait of Hormuz effects China, Japan and South Korea more than the US.

With Venezuela coming on board in oil imports to US, any reduction caused by Irans actions are mitigated.

But, it is making the Chinese very worried.

Not sure that's a good look for Iran.

Also not sure why the USA should be putting our Navy and other assets in jeopardy to keep the Strait open for other nations, they have the ability to protect their own interests.

California can wallow in the crap they created, no concerns from me.

Refineries moving out, no local oil producing to speak of, importing from other nations on ships registered in the US which there are not enough of.

Asinine green policies driving cost sky high.

Good for them.

The finance guys on FOX Business were talking about this yesterday and it seems the biggest driver of the new cost is the insurance issue of ships traveling through the Strait.

The U.S. is supposedly finding a way to provide shipping insurance for ships “that qualify”…whatever that may mean or involve in the shipping industry.

I think the Navy is well positioned and prepared for however we may decide to proceed with securing and the security of the Strait once ships are permitted through, even though I believe they said yesterday “some ships” did go through, again nit sure just what those ships were or what was involved.

Iran knows this area well and has issued a statement, a kind of dare for our navy to proceed with escorting ships through the Strait. I believe once the navy has swept the waters for mines and have whatever high tech sonar is needed in place we will see some normalcy return, but it will take some time before everyone is not on high alert and sitting on pins and needles.

Maybe we will have subs seeking out bad guys and maybe we will have surface warfare ships patrolling around that have underwater capabilities as well as any land based attack weapon protection of ships.

Yeah, my understanding is insurance costs have skyrocketed, so ship owners are reluctant to put their assets in jeopardy.

Still don't understand why the USA needs to be the sheriff on call.

Let the countries that need it, police it.

England can send some ships there, that they are now offering up, after US & Israel did the heavy lifting.

I liked DJT's response to the late offer.

"Naw, we're good. Coulda used you a couple weeks ago"

If I have to pay $10.00 a gallon for gas because Iran is taken out of the nuclear bomb ownership business, I'm good with that.

[Rams]

[quote author=Hook#3287 link=topic=133063.msg1351343#msg1351343

If I have to pay $10.00 a gallon for gas because Iran is taken out of the nuclear bomb ownership business, I'm good with that.
[/quote]

Agreed!   I am consistently surprised at how little we Americans seem to be at understanding the threats we are facing from such enemies as Iran.   Should we allow Iran to get nuclear weapons (even a few) who doesn’t believe the “Death to Americans”  needs more convincing?

Iran has proven over the last half century they truly do mean that threat.

Additionally, many apparently don’t understand what a nuclear weapon (whether on a missle or snuck a few shipped in via a container ship would do to our population and electrical grid, our water supply, and life in general.

EMP can and will change life in this nation and our offspring regardless of where you and I live that’s not even talking about the loss of life in the affected target area.   Our electrical grid is generally not protected from EMP.  The majority of our weather patterns travel west to east, think about that if a nuclear explosion were to happen on one of our largest western cities.   The explosion would not only destroy a city but fallout would affect a lot more of this country.   Now multiply that single bomb by ten which is reported to be what Iran supposedly could be producing. 

Yeah, the pain at the pump is definitely worth the cost now versus what is promised by the Iranians.

Rams

[F6Dave]

Not really. That sign was changed to show that the station was out of service.

Something about Iran's nukes has always confused me. In 50s and 60s, right after WW II, several nations like the UK, France, and the old USSR were able to quickly build and stockpile nuclear weapons. Other nations like India, Pakistan, and Isreal quickly followed. Yet for years I've heard that Iran is 'close'. You'd think with their access to technology and the help of Russia and China they would have one by now.

[Rams]

Something about Iran's nukes has always confused me. In 50s and 60s, right after WW II, several nations like the UK, France, and the old USSR were able to quickly build and stockpile nuclear weapons. Other nations like India, Pakistan, and Isreal quickly followed. Yet for years I've heard that Iran is 'close'. You'd think with their access to technology and the help of Russia and China they would have one by now.

I can only offer an opinion as to why Iran hasn’t already acquired any nukes.    I believe all potential suppliers of the material and tools required have been held back due to all those potential allies realizing what was very likely to occur.   While the target of any Iranian attack was most likely to be an American.   Anyone foolish enough to think such radicals would not attack other non-believers is clueless.   Such a war would be very likely to spread all over this rock we call home.

Rams

[scooperhsd]

Just filled up one of my two VW diesels - $3.999 / gallon. FOrtunately, that tank was good for 36 MPG,....

Price today 4,399 / gallon...

[Willow]

Just filled up one of my two VW diesels - $3.999 / gallon. FOrtunately, that tank was good for 36 MPG,....

Price today 4,399 / gallon...

How many MPG does a diesel VW get?

[Oss]

lowest price I saw for 87 octane was chevron here in Boca,  329 but if credit card 429

I filled up as it is gonna still go up for awhile

if it topples Iran I am ok with it

[LadyDraco]

Mmm I guess  I better  fill 3 Jugs ..

[scooperhsd]

Just filled up one of my two VW diesels - $3.999 / gallon. FOrtunately, that tank was good for 36 MPG,....

Price today 4,399 / gallon...

How many MPG does a diesel VW get?

Depends on season and how hard I drive it -  Spring/ summer / fall, highway (close to the speed limit) - the wagon (manual transmission) will get close to or slightly exceed 50 MPG, around town mid / upper 30's, maybe low 40's. The Hatchback (automatic) - about 3-5 MPG less , same circumstances. Winter - both can do mid  / upper 30's highway, 32 or so around town. Energy in the fuel changes per season, more energy, better MPG. Gas engines may do about the same, but in my experiance, gasoline is much more steady on energy content.

Both of these are 2015's.

The 2000 New Beetle that I gave to a friend (387,000 miles) could do better than either of these, and that was inspite of being "hot rodded". When It needed $6000 in wheel bearings / left rear brake work - We decided we had gotten our money's worth out of it. I was going to take to 500,000 miles, and with the repairs and a timing belt job in about 30,000 miles, it probably could have made it.

[Knapdog]

We lived through it during Covid BS, I can deal with it while we eradicate an enemy.

The U.S. is working on the insurance aspect of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and apparently the U.S. Navy will be providing security when the time is right for operations to begin.

Reports from Wall Street is that there is plenty of oil, almost a glut, it’s just a matter of getting through this bend in the river.

So many factors in the costs of oil.  My understanding is the loss or reduction of ships going through the Strait of Hormuz effects China, Japan and South Korea more than the US.

With Venezuela coming on board in oil imports to US, any reduction caused by Irans actions are mitigated.

But, it is making the Chinese very worried.

Not sure that's a good look for Iran.

Also not sure why the USA should be putting our Navy and other assets in jeopardy to keep the Strait open for other nations, they have the ability to protect their own interests.

California can wallow in the crap they created, no concerns from me.

Refineries moving out, no local oil producing to speak of, importing from other nations on ships registered in the US which there are not enough of.

Asinine green policies driving cost sky high.

Good for them.

The finance guys on FOX Business were talking about this yesterday and it seems the biggest driver of the new cost is the insurance issue of ships traveling through the Strait.

The U.S. is supposedly finding a way to provide shipping insurance for ships “that qualify”…whatever that may mean or involve in the shipping industry.

I think the Navy is well positioned and prepared for however we may decide to proceed with securing and the security of the Strait once ships are permitted through, even though I believe they said yesterday “some ships” did go through, again nit sure just what those ships were or what was involved.

Iran knows this area well and has issued a statement, a kind of dare for our navy to proceed with escorting ships through the Strait. I believe once the navy has swept the waters for mines and have whatever high tech sonar is needed in place we will see some normalcy return, but it will take some time before everyone is not on high alert and sitting on pins and needles.

Maybe we will have subs seeking out bad guys and maybe we will have surface warfare ships patrolling around that have underwater capabilities as well as any land based attack weapon protection of ships.

Yeah, my understanding is insurance costs have skyrocketed, so ship owners are reluctant to put their assets in jeopardy.

Still don't understand why the USA needs to be the sheriff on call.

Let the countries that need it, police it.

England can send some ships there, that they are now offering up, after US & Israel did the heavy lifting.

I liked DJT's response to the late offer.

"Naw, we're good. Coulda used you a couple weeks ago"

If I have to pay $10.00 a gallon for gas because Iran is taken out of the nuclear bomb ownership business, I'm good with that.

Just a geographical correction if that's OK with you....
It's fairly common for people in the USA to make that mistake but remember that "England" is not the United Kingdom, which comprises England,  Scotland,  Northern Ireland and Wales.
As a proud Welshman, who speaks my native language Welsh, it makes me sigh a little when the word "England" is frequently brought to the fore.
Not trying to be clever. Just giving people a reminder of Wales and us Welsh.  

Regarding the original thread, we've been paying twice as much as your goodselves for fuel for as long as I can remember. It's just part of life over here.

[Jersey mike]

We lived through it during Covid BS, I can deal with it while we eradicate an enemy.

The U.S. is working on the insurance aspect of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and apparently the U.S. Navy will be providing security when the time is right for operations to begin.

Reports from Wall Street is that there is plenty of oil, almost a glut, it’s just a matter of getting through this bend in the river.

So many factors in the costs of oil.  My understanding is the loss or reduction of ships going through the Strait of Hormuz effects China, Japan and South Korea more than the US.

With Venezuela coming on board in oil imports to US, any reduction caused by Irans actions are mitigated.

But, it is making the Chinese very worried.

Not sure that's a good look for Iran.

Also not sure why the USA should be putting our Navy and other assets in jeopardy to keep the Strait open for other nations, they have the ability to protect their own interests.

California can wallow in the crap they created, no concerns from me.

Refineries moving out, no local oil producing to speak of, importing from other nations on ships registered in the US which there are not enough of.

Asinine green policies driving cost sky high.

Good for them.

The finance guys on FOX Business were talking about this yesterday and it seems the biggest driver of the new cost is the insurance issue of ships traveling through the Strait.

The U.S. is supposedly finding a way to provide shipping insurance for ships “that qualify”…whatever that may mean or involve in the shipping industry.

I think the Navy is well positioned and prepared for however we may decide to proceed with securing and the security of the Strait once ships are permitted through, even though I believe they said yesterday “some ships” did go through, again nit sure just what those ships were or what was involved.

Iran knows this area well and has issued a statement, a kind of dare for our navy to proceed with escorting ships through the Strait. I believe once the navy has swept the waters for mines and have whatever high tech sonar is needed in place we will see some normalcy return, but it will take some time before everyone is not on high alert and sitting on pins and needles.

Maybe we will have subs seeking out bad guys and maybe we will have surface warfare ships patrolling around that have underwater capabilities as well as any land based attack weapon protection of ships.

Yeah, my understanding is insurance costs have skyrocketed, so ship owners are reluctant to put their assets in jeopardy.

Still don't understand why the USA needs to be the sheriff on call.

Let the countries that need it, police it.

England can send some ships there, that they are now offering up, after US & Israel did the heavy lifting.

I liked DJT's response to the late offer.

"Naw, we're good. Coulda used you a couple weeks ago"

If I have to pay $10.00 a gallon for gas because Iran is taken out of the nuclear bomb ownership business, I'm good with that.

They've said tight bend in the Strait of Hormuz is about 23 or so miles wide and from what I’m understanding, in nautical terms or conditions that’s a pretty tight maneuver (depending on where and how wide/deep the channel is) although it’s also been said up to maybe 100 ships per day (normally) can navigate through there.

Right now, I don’t think Trump or the Dept. of War wants outside nations floating around out there, the same as we don’t want too many extra planes flying around in airspace we are currently working in, kind of a too many chefs in the kitchen situation and I doubt too many other nations would be willing to take operational orders from the United States.

It would be nice if England would have come on board as a support role, they do have a strong naval force. Maybe in the weeks or months ahead there can be an escort role for them or maybe another nation who really understands the gravity of the situation and can provide something equal to our capacity of protection without security leaks.

Rogue attacks in the future will need to be of a concern for quite a while as there will be those looking to maintain a level of insecurity and threat to keep the impression of some type of presence in the area. Free flowing shipping, especially oil through that area will signal a huge loss for the Iranian bad guys and that something that will not sit well within.

[Hook#3287]

I can see how in terms of control, the USNavy or the President would not want anyone else around the Strait.

But, again, why is the US taking all responsibility?  We have supposed allies that have the capability to invest either physically or monetary.

According to what I've seen, the US does not need a open Strait of Hormuz.

Is it just to keep oil prices down globally?  To keep the detractors from ammunition?

Not reasons to put US service personnel or assets in jeopardy, IMHO.

It's amazing too me how 23 miles wide is considered tight

[Hook#3287]

We lived through it during Covid BS, I can deal with it while we eradicate an enemy.

The U.S. is working on the insurance aspect of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and apparently the U.S. Navy will be providing security when the time is right for operations to begin.

Reports from Wall Street is that there is plenty of oil, almost a glut, it’s just a matter of getting through this bend in the river.

So many factors in the costs of oil.  My understanding is the loss or reduction of ships going through the Strait of Hormuz effects China, Japan and South Korea more than the US.

With Venezuela coming on board in oil imports to US, any reduction caused by Irans actions are mitigated.

But, it is making the Chinese very worried.

Not sure that's a good look for Iran.

Also not sure why the USA should be putting our Navy and other assets in jeopardy to keep the Strait open for other nations, they have the ability to protect their own interests.

California can wallow in the crap they created, no concerns from me.

Refineries moving out, no local oil producing to speak of, importing from other nations on ships registered in the US which there are not enough of.

Asinine green policies driving cost sky high.

Good for them.

The finance guys on FOX Business were talking about this yesterday and it seems the biggest driver of the new cost is the insurance issue of ships traveling through the Strait.

The U.S. is supposedly finding a way to provide shipping insurance for ships “that qualify”…whatever that may mean or involve in the shipping industry.

I think the Navy is well positioned and prepared for however we may decide to proceed with securing and the security of the Strait once ships are permitted through, even though I believe they said yesterday “some ships” did go through, again nit sure just what those ships were or what was involved.

Iran knows this area well and has issued a statement, a kind of dare for our navy to proceed with escorting ships through the Strait. I believe once the navy has swept the waters for mines and have whatever high tech sonar is needed in place we will see some normalcy return, but it will take some time before everyone is not on high alert and sitting on pins and needles.

Maybe we will have subs seeking out bad guys and maybe we will have surface warfare ships patrolling around that have underwater capabilities as well as any land based attack weapon protection of ships.

Yeah, my understanding is insurance costs have skyrocketed, so ship owners are reluctant to put their assets in jeopardy.

Still don't understand why the USA needs to be the sheriff on call.

Let the countries that need it, police it.

England can send some ships there, that they are now offering up, after US & Israel did the heavy lifting.

I liked DJT's response to the late offer.

"Naw, we're good. Coulda used you a couple weeks ago"

If I have to pay $10.00 a gallon for gas because Iran is taken out of the nuclear bomb ownership business, I'm good with that.

Just a geographical correction if that's OK with you....
It's fairly common for people in the USA to make that mistake but remember that "England" is not the United Kingdom, which comprises England,  Scotland,  Northern Ireland and Wales.
As a proud Welshman, who speaks my native language Welsh, it makes me sigh a little when the word "England" is frequently brought to the fore.
Not trying to be clever. Just giving people a reminder of Wales and us Welsh.  

Regarding the original thread, we've been paying twice as much as your goodselves for fuel for as long as I can remember. It's just part of life over here.

Hey Knapdog, good to hear from over the pond

I will admit I do not understand the political administration of the U.K., but do understand there are different countries with-in its authority.

I really don't know if the hold back of support was a U.K. Thing or a England alone action, but I'm guessing. U.K.

Are all 4 countries combined in one Military under U.K. Control?

I'll need to do some research on how the U.K. government operates.

I do know several second and third generation Irish Americans that have much difficulty with the English.

I would imagine there a Welsh and Scots that feel the same.

[scooperhsd]

I can see how in terms of control, the USNavy or the President would not want anyone else around the Strait.

But, again, why is the US taking all responsibility?  We have supposed allies that have the capability to invest either physically or monetary.

According to what I've seen, the US does not need a open Strait of Hormuz.

Is it just to keep oil prices down globally?  To keep the detractors from ammunition?

Not reasons to put US service personnel or assets in jeopardy, IMHO.

It's amazing too me how 23 miles wide is considered tight

To put it in perspective - our attack carriers are about 1100 feet long and 250 feet wide (widest point), displace in the vicinity of 100,000 tons fully loaded, and can move in excess of 30 Kts. They are sportscars in comparison to super tankers up to 300,000 tons fully loaded, speed about 20 kts (open ocean), and I don't know about beam. A super tanker coming into port starts slowing down over 20 miles out to sea.

the Arleigh Burke destroyers - about 10,000 tons, 30+ kts,560 - feet long, 60 feet beam. these are real sportscars in the maritime world - they can stop in a ships length from max speed.

[Knapdog]

We lived through it during Covid BS, I can deal with it while we eradicate an enemy.

The U.S. is working on the insurance aspect of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and apparently the U.S. Navy will be providing security when the time is right for operations to begin.

Reports from Wall Street is that there is plenty of oil, almost a glut, it’s just a matter of getting through this bend in the river.

So many factors in the costs of oil.  My understanding is the loss or reduction of ships going through the Strait of Hormuz effects China, Japan and South Korea more than the US.

With Venezuela coming on board in oil imports to US, any reduction caused by Irans actions are mitigated.

But, it is making the Chinese very worried.

Not sure that's a good look for Iran.

Also not sure why the USA should be putting our Navy and other assets in jeopardy to keep the Strait open for other nations, they have the ability to protect their own interests.

California can wallow in the crap they created, no concerns from me.

Refineries moving out, no local oil producing to speak of, importing from other nations on ships registered in the US which there are not enough of.

Asinine green policies driving cost sky high.

Good for them.

The finance guys on FOX Business were talking about this yesterday and it seems the biggest driver of the new cost is the insurance issue of ships traveling through the Strait.

The U.S. is supposedly finding a way to provide shipping insurance for ships “that qualify”…whatever that may mean or involve in the shipping industry.

I think the Navy is well positioned and prepared for however we may decide to proceed with securing and the security of the Strait once ships are permitted through, even though I believe they said yesterday “some ships” did go through, again nit sure just what those ships were or what was involved.

Iran knows this area well and has issued a statement, a kind of dare for our navy to proceed with escorting ships through the Strait. I believe once the navy has swept the waters for mines and have whatever high tech sonar is needed in place we will see some normalcy return, but it will take some time before everyone is not on high alert and sitting on pins and needles.

Maybe we will have subs seeking out bad guys and maybe we will have surface warfare ships patrolling around that have underwater capabilities as well as any land based attack weapon protection of ships.

Yeah, my understanding is insurance costs have skyrocketed, so ship owners are reluctant to put their assets in jeopardy.

Still don't understand why the USA needs to be the sheriff on call.

Let the countries that need it, police it.

England can send some ships there, that they are now offering up, after US & Israel did the heavy lifting.

I liked DJT's response to the late offer.

"Naw, we're good. Coulda used you a couple weeks ago"

If I have to pay $10.00 a gallon for gas because Iran is taken out of the nuclear bomb ownership business, I'm good with that.

Just a geographical correction if that's OK with you....
It's fairly common for people in the USA to make that mistake but remember that "England" is not the United Kingdom, which comprises England,  Scotland,  Northern Ireland and Wales.
As a proud Welshman, who speaks my native language Welsh, it makes me sigh a little when the word "England" is frequently brought to the fore.
Not trying to be clever. Just giving people a reminder of Wales and us Welsh.  

Regarding the original thread, we've been paying twice as much as your goodselves for fuel for as long as I can remember. It's just part of life over here.

Hey Knapdog, good to hear from over the pond

I will admit I do not understand the political administration of the U.K., but do understand there are different countries with-in its authority.

I really don't know if the hold back of support was a U.K. Thing or a England alone action, but I'm guessing. U.K.

Are all 4 countries combined in one Military under U.K. Control?

I'll need to do some research on how the U.K. government operates.

I do know several second and third generation Irish Americans that have much difficulty with the English.

I would imagine there a Welsh and Scots that feel the same.

Hi. Good of you to reply.
Scotland and Wales and England (obviously) have their own parliaments and their own budgets to oversee Health, Education, taxes etc, etc,
Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are known as the United Kingdom, the UK.
Scotland,  England and Wales are known as Great Britain...GB.
On the sporting field there is a massive amount of rivalry between the neighbouring countries, particularly in football (soccer) and rugby.
Wales has a 75,000 seater stadium with retractable roof in Cardiff for International matches and when the Wales national anthem is sung, particularly against England, it's a wonder that the roof doesn't come off.
Apologies for the Geography lesson.

[3fan4life]

About the only thing that Iran has left in their navy is fast boats, which are small craft that are armed with .50 caliber machine guns and possibly some handheld missiles.

These pose a threat because of how maneuverable and fast that they are.

My thought process is that we also have fast boats.

I'm thinking that deploying 50 or so of these in the region along with some destroyers in the  area and there should be no problems for commercial ships to pass through the straights of Hormuz.

We need to be the only cops on the block, at least for awhile because were the cops who can be trusted the most.

[F6Dave]

I read a great conversation that focused on the oil price angle of the war. Here are a few highlights...

• About 20 million barrels of oil flow through the straits of Hormuz every day. This is about 20% of the planet's daily consumption. That much is impossible to replace because only a few nations (like Saudi Arabia) have any spare capacity. Reserves (like our SPR) aren't enough either, and only a short term solution. And the SPR hasn't been refilled.
• Even with sanctions lifted Venezuela still produces less than 1 million BOPD. It will take years and $$$$ to get even close to their historic highs of ~3 million BOPD. Venezuelan oil will do nearly nothing to help the current situation.
• The US has a production-refinery mismatch. Most refineries were built for heavy, sour (high H2S) crude, because when the last one was built 50 years ago most US wells produced heavy crude. Now, most US production is from much newer shale wells that produce lighter, sweet crude. That's the main reason we both export and import literally billions of barrels each year.
• Many of Iran's drones are launched from the back of trucks, not fixed launch sites. This makes them much more difficult to defend against.
• Canada has lots of heavy crude (like in the Tar Sands) that works well in our refineries. Too bad the Keystone XL pipeline was killed.

Sounds like we have some real challenges ahead.

[Jersey mike]

There’s been reports on our minesweeping abilities in the Strait below is one report that goes along with the others but this one is from a local source.

Now apparently we decommissioned some of our older minesweepers and took them out of service from Bahrain.


Source: 9/25/25

“ US base in Bahrain trades out last minesweeper, ushering in era of LCS replacements”

https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2025-09-25/bahrain-minesweeper-lcs-decomission-19218814.html


We currently have Littoral Combat Ships in service replacing the older ships. It’s been said we’ve had issues with the new LCS ships. However, I find it hard to believe these ships are not up to the task.

A big deal is being made, I’m assuming for negative propaganda purposes over the photos of the older ships being brought into port via a transport ship into the Philadelphia shipyard.



“ Does U.S. Have Minesweeping Ships in the Gulf? Misinformed Online Buzz Leaves Out Some Key Facts”

https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/lcs-fleet-shows-u-s-still-has-mine-clearing-capability-despite-online-claims/

[Jersey mike]

I read a great conversation that focused on the oil price angle of the war. Here are a few highlights...

• About 20 million barrels of oil flow through the straits of Hormuz every day. This is about 20% of the planet's daily consumption. That much is impossible to replace because only a few nations (like Saudi Arabia) have any spare capacity. Reserves (like our SPR) aren't enough either, and only a short term solution. And the SPR hasn't been refilled.
• Even with sanctions lifted Venezuela still produces less than 1 million BOPD. It will take years and $$$$ to get even close to their historic highs of ~3 million BOPD. Venezuelan oil will do nearly nothing to help the current situation.
• The US has a production-refinery mismatch. Most refineries were built for heavy, sour (high H2S) crude, because when the last one was built 50 years ago most US wells produced heavy crude. Now, most US production is from much newer shale wells that produce lighter, sweet crude. That's the main reason we both export and import literally billions of barrels each year.
• Many of Iran's drones are launched from the back of trucks, not fixed launch sites. This makes them much more difficult to defend against.
• Canada has lots of heavy crude (like in the Tar Sands) that works well in our refineries. Too bad the Keystone XL pipeline was killed.

Sounds like we have some real challenges ahead.

Challenges, yeah I can agree with that. Are there solutions, probably.

Could one solution be government intervention in California and opening up refineries that have been closed, I don’t know but I like the sound of it.

Do we take control of that little island in the Persian Gulf, Kharg Island. There would probably be a need for some special forces and possibly Marines on the ground but that could be a huge difference in this thing. It may go almost uncontested.

11 days in the financial experts seem to be on the side of it’s too early to tell but are very optimistic on the results of the U.S. military. For the Strait of Hormuz, it might come down to drones and handheld RPG weapons from the shore.

They’re making a big deal out of a couple ships being attacked, but 1 was a car go ship and another was an empty tanker that seemed to take a hit to the area of “control tower” of the ship.

I think once we can get helicopters up and some more I guess they’re called surveillance planes or even drones as eyes in the skies we should be able to secure better transit through the Strait.

I don’t count out the sneakiness and guerrilla style of fighting Iran can bring but we cannot go by the unrealistic expectations of nothing bad will happen either that seems to be floating around out there.

[F6Dave]

Could one solution be government intervention in California and opening up refineries that have been closed, I don’t know but I like the sound of it.

Government run refineries. Seems like that was tried somewhere. Like Venezuela!

Lately there have been some articles about how California gets over 40% of its gasoline these days, since they've closed more refineries and aren't connected to many pipelines. It gets refined on the gulf coast, then shipped to the Bahamas. Next it's re-exported to California via the Panama Canal. This is because of a 106 year old law that requires cargo shipped between US ports to use US flagged vessels. Re-exporting works around that law.

https://nypost.com/2026/02/16/us-news/desperate-california-now-shipping-oil-from-the-bahamas-using-bizarre-loophole/

After 50 years, the US is finally building a new refinery. It will be optimized for the lighter sweet crude typically produced from the shale formations that now dominate US production. Groundbreaking for the new Texas facility is scheduled in just a few months.