Is Shell Sizing Up Oil’s Biggest Power Grab Yet?

Energy News Beat Podcast

Is Shell Sizing Up Oil’s Biggest Power Grab Yet?

May 13, 2025

In this episode of the Energy News Beat Daily Standup, the hosts, Stuart Turley and Michael Tanner discuss the ongoing fiscal challenges Saudi Arabia faces as oil prices stay below the required levels to balance its budget, and the U.S. government’s efforts to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) with a proposed $1.3 billion investment. The duo also touches on Texas’ grid issues and high electricity rates caused by wind and solar costs, the potential for UK blackouts, and speculation around Shell’s possible acquisition of BP amidst weak earnings. Finally, they discuss the broader energy market outlook, with a focus on oil price fluctuations and geopolitical impacts.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:00 - Intro

01:52 - Saudi Arabia Spends Like Oil’s Still at $90

04:10 - Republicans Push to Refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve With $1.3 Billion

07:42 - Texas Laws Aim To Stabilize ERCOT Grid By Leveling The Playing Field Among All Power Generators

10:42 - Can the UK avoid the Spain Blackouts? Or are they doomed?

5:44 - Markets Update

18:54 - Is Shell Sizing Up Oil’s Biggest Power Grab Yet?

22:14 - Outro

Please see the links below or articles that we discuss in the podcast.

Saudi Arabia Spends Like Oil’s Still at $90

Republicans Push to Refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve With $1.3 Billion