Some Japanese refiners are seeking faster US crude deliveries after Iran war disruptions by using smaller ships that can transit the Panama Canal instead of sailing around Africa, Bloomberg reports

This development indicates a strategic shift by Japanese refiners to secure US crude amid ongoing disruptions from the Iran conflict.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 8 Apr 2026, 09:54 UTCOn the live feed at 09:34 UTC — 10 more headlines followed before this page went public

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09:37

China pressed Iran to accept a cease-fire, NYT reports citing Iranian officials; Iran accepted a 2-week cease-fire after China’s push; Ceasefire deal includes immediate opening of Strait of Hormuz

09:37

Kuwait Army says air defences are dealing with wave of Iranian drone attacks since 8am local time

09:34

Some Japanese refiners are seeking faster US crude deliveries after Iran war disruptions by using smaller ships that can transit the Panama Canal instead of sailing around Africa, Bloomberg reports

09:29

Germany sells EUR 3.817bln vs exp. EUR 5.0bln 2.90% 2036 Bund: b/c 1.24x (prev. 1.18x), average yield 2.92% (prev. 2.89%), retention 23.66% (prev. 23.78%)

09:24

Iran’s National Security Council says within a few hours, if firing does not stop in southern Lebanon, the air and missile unit will bomb Tel Aviv

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Three mid-sized tankers are due to deliver US oil to Japan from late April through May, with two already in the Pacific and a third nearing the canal.

Context

Utilizing smaller tankers for more efficient transit through the Panama Canal highlights their urgency and adaptability, potentially impacting oil supply dynamics and adding pressure to Brent and WTI prices in the near term.

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