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US temporarily relaxes restrictions on the working hours of fuel truck drivers
U.S. Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy'said Wednesday that the Trump administration will temporarily'relax rules on hours-of-service by truck drivers who handle?gasoline or diesel. He cited a?concern about?supply? and?cost?. The 90-day waiver comes into effect on Wednesday. It allows drivers to work up to 16 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period, as opposed to 14 under the existing rules. Duffy explained that the waiver was granted because disruptions in the short-term supply chains could cause delays in gasoline and diesel shipments. This could impact freight deliveries. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the US average diesel price has reached a record high of $6.29 per gallon. This is up from $3.74 just a year earlier, and comes at a time when the U.S./Israel war against Iran, and Ukraine's attack on Russian refineries are causing a shortage. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the?department said that it had taken the action in anticipation of the need for greater flexibility with hours-of service. The department said that it aimed to "respond" to "global supply disruptions and anticipated increases in demand for gasoline, diesel fuels and other liquid fuels during the late summer and autumn." It also sought to reduce the impact of rising fuel prices and availability on transport providers, agricultural harvesting and the public, as it grew. The global diesel supply is expected to be tight because of the lack of spare refining capacity and Russia's export ban, as well as the approaching 'peak winter demand. The waiver does not apply to motor carriers that have conditional safety ratings. However, drivers who need immediate rest are allowed ten consecutive hours of off-duty time before they can resume work. Prior to this, such orders were routinely issued in response to natural disasters and emergencies like?wildfires or hurricanes or Winter Storms. A national emergency order was issued in March 2020, waiving the'service requirements' for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting supplies, equipment and supplies, from masks to disinfectant, for emergency coronavirus relief.
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CME LIVESTOCK cattle futures drop as USDA plans to reopen the border port
Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures fell sharply on Wednesday, with 'deferred feeder cow futures' falling after the U.S. Government?said that it would reopen a major port for livestock trade next Monday?that had been closed due to?New World Screwworm. ?Brooke?? Rollins, U.S. Agriculture Sec?r?tary, said on Wednesday the Department of Agriculture was preparing to reopen Santa Teresa, New Mexico port of entry near the U.S. Mexico border. The agency stated that operations would begin slowly, with a daily limit of 750 cattle. After months of closures because of concerns over the screwworm parasite, the USDA resumed the?cross-border trade in livestock with Mexico in late August. Cattle futures will also be under pressure later this week, as traders adjust positions in anticipation of the USDA Cattle on Feed Report due on Friday. The analysts surveyed expected the government to announce that there were 11.268 millions cattle in U.S. Feedlots on September 1, up 1.7% from last year. Dan Norcini, a livestock trader, said that the current market uncertainty is not just about supply but also consumer demand. Can we keep pushing high-priced meat when gas and consumer products are so expensive? Fuel prices are hitting a lot consumers hard. In the meantime, almost all futures contracts for lean hogs reached new lows on Wednesday. This continued a slump that lasted several days, despite pressure from?U.S. Hog supplies and slumping demand from consumers. But traders said that contracts ended the session with mixed results?on technical trading. Norcini stated that "Chicken is gaining in popularity at grocery stores, while pork demand is declining." "Like with beef, the focus of the market is on consumers and their?demand'." CME October lean-hog futures were down 0.0400 cents at 78.675 cents per pound, after a contract high of 78.525 cents. December hogs finished up 0.300 cents at 69.950 cents after a contract high of 69.100cents. CME December live cattle futures ended up down 3.150 cents to 220.200 cents. October cattle settled at 218,450 cents. CME October feeder beef finished at 329.650cents per pound, down 4.200cents.
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Sources say that the US Postal Service Chief told his associates that he wanted to leave.
The U.S. According to four people who are familiar with his thoughts, the head of the U.S. The people who spoke to the media said that Postmaster General David Steiner expressed frustration at the White House's and Congress' lack of support in dealing with the long-standing financial problems of the mail service. The Postal Service, which Trump had directed to act as a clearinghouse to receive mail ballots in March, was also thrust into the middle of the debate about the role of the federal government in voting. The Supreme Court blocked the agency from implementing the key elements of this plan on Monday, causing a major setback for the White House. Steiner was questioned by both Democrats and Republicans at a heated Senate hearing in June about Trump's "ballot restrictions" and Steiner's compensation. Steiner was furious after the hearing, according to people. Steiner, according to people who spoke anonymously, described his job as thankless and warned that federal assistance was needed for the agency's finances. He also said he wanted to leave. One person said, "This is not what he agreed to, and he did not come on board for him to be beaten up like this." The Postal Service denied the information from the sources and said it was "absolutely invalid," but didn't comment on any specific incidents. The agency declined to respond to Steiner's request for an interview. TRUMP ATTEMPTS ?TO INTERVENE ON MAIL-IN VOTING A bipartisan board nominated by President Obama and confirmed by Senate hires and evaluates the postmaster general. The agency's structure is designed to protect the mail service against political interference. Steiner, who was a former FedEx Board member and former Chief Executive of Waste Management, said to board members that he intended to serve approximately two years during the hiring process, according the sources. Since taking office, he's repeatedly told legislators that the Postal Service, without additional funding, would be forced into cutting delivery days and closing unprofitable offices, most of which are located in rural areas with a Republican lean. Steiner's proposal to reduce services was largely rejected by lawmakers, while mail and package companies were unhappy with the large rate increases aimed at reducing losses. Trump has, during both his terms in office, been more involved in the Postal Service compared to his predecessors. He has pressed the agency to increase parcel rates, interfered in the selection of the postmaster general, and tried to implement restrictions on mail-in votes. The agency and its leaders have been the subject of intense congressional scrutiny at times because of his involvement. The SENATE hearing puts STEINER in the spotlight Steiner argued with Committee Chair Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, about years of losses for the agency, and with Michigan Democrat Senator Elissa slotkin who accused Steiner being a pawn in Trump's plans restricting voting access. Steiner defended Trump's proposal. He said at the hearing, "I'd think that the states would want to know the information so that they can be sure that the ballots they believe they are sending are the actual ballots." Republican Senator Josh?Hawley from Missouri called on Steiner to reject his bonus due to the agency's problems with service. According to postal financial disclosures Steiner earned an annual salary $346,780 and received a relocation bonus in 2025 worth 50% of that salary. Four people who knew Steiner well said that it was unclear to what extent congressional inquiries into Trump's voting rules contributed to Steiner?s frustration. Steiner was said to have contemplated retiring in 2025 due to the Postal Service’s financial difficulties. The people claimed that in an effort to boost Steiner's motivation and gain White House support for Steiner’s restructuring plans at the time, Trump donors from the mailing industry organized for the postmaster to play golf with Trump at one of Trump’s Florida resorts on December 20, 2025.
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American Airlines warns that high fuel prices may force capacity adjustments
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, said that high fuel prices may force the airline to reduce capacity despite the fact that strong demand and increased revenue have offset the cost. Isom, speaking at a Morgan Stanley Conference, said that he was "really happy" with American's forecasted revenue growth of between 16% and 19% for the third quarter. He also predicted that the majority of recent revenue gains would be durable. Comments from the airline industry highlight the pressure that is being placed on them as another increase in fuel prices will test how much the increased cost can be offset by higher revenues. American claims it has captured a significant portion of the rise so far. However, the latest spike now prompts capacity adjustments for the late fourth quarter. Isom stated that revenue growth was widespread across the domestic and international markets, as well as both premium and coach cabins. He said that 'American' had already recouped a "tremendous amount" of fuel costs through revenues. He said that the revenue growth he has seen this year is unlike anything else he's ever seen, aside from the recovery following the COVID-19 Pandemic and September 11th attacks. Fuel Spike Adds Pressure Devon May, American Airlines chief financial officer, stated that the fourth quarter fuel prices were $1 per gallon higher than the levels assumed in July when American Airlines released its guidance. This added about $1 billion to fuel costs for the airline. May stated that every 1 cent change in fuel prices changes American's costs quarterly by around $10 million. He said that the airline would continue to adjust capacity in the fourth quarter due to the rise. The most recent fuel price spike has the biggest impact on the outlook for the fourth quarter. May stated that July and August fuel prices were in line with American's assumptions for the third quarter before increasing in September. May stated that American's performance in terms of revenue, capacity, and unit costs in the third quarter was in line with what they expected. Fuel is the only variable left in their outlook. When asked if the fuel price increase would?force American's full-year guidance to be lowered?or lead to negative free cash flow, May replied that the carrier will monitor the way fuel prices settle in the coming weeks and give fourth-quarter guidance at its earnings report.
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Iraq tries to increase exports through Turkey by transporting crude oil from the south of Iraq north.
The trial began on September 13 and lasted two days In 209 trucks, 38,000 barrels of oil were transported. Iran War disrupts Iraqi exports to the south By Aref Mohamed and Ahmed Rasheed BASRA (Iraq), Sept. 16: Iraq has launched a pilot project to transport crude oil from its southern oilfields by road to a Kirkuk oil storage facility. The goal is to increase supplies for the northern export system, and possibly to increase shipments via Turkey's Ceyhan Port. The initiative is part of Iraqi efforts to increase exports through the northern route, after the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran disrupted Iraqi shipments via the Strait of Hormuz. A spokesperson for the oil ministry confirmed that Iraq's Oil Ministry has contracted local company,?KAR Group, to transport crude oil using its fleet tanker trucks. A statement from the state-run Basra Oil Company confirmed that the arrangement had been made. BOC reported that the trial operation began on September 13 and lasted for two days. During this time, a little over 6 million litres crude oil, which is equivalent to 38,000 barrels was transported by 209 tanker truck each with a capacity of 30,000-litres. Saleem al-Rikabi said that the contract with KAR Group was based on the total volume delivered by tanker truck. He added that daily volumes transported depended on a number of factors, including road conditions, security clearances, and loading capacity. KAR Group didn't?respond instantly?to an inquiry for comment. Oil ministry figures indicate that current flows from northern Iraq into Turkey's Ceyhan Port are estimated to be around 200,000 barrels per day (bpd). This is down from 250,000 bpd prior to the Iran War. BOC sources say that the project faces logistical difficulties, including limited truck supply and limited loading infrastructure at southern oilfields. Initial volumes are too small to materially increase exports from the north without an expansion in transport and loading capacities.
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US Farm Agency prepares to reopen New Mexico Port to Livestock Trade next week
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced on Wednesday that the Department of Agriculture is preparing to reopen an New Mexico port for livestock trade after it had been closed due to New World screwworm. Rollins stated during her remarks at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture conference in Portland, Maine that she intends to travel to New Mexico Wednesday night. Rollins stated, "We are getting ready to reopen that New Mexico port in the next week." After months of port closures because of concerns about the screwworm parasite, the USDA resumed the cross-border trade of livestock with Mexico in late August. According to the agency there are currently two active screwworm infections, both in Texas, one in a horse, and another in a canine. Rollins stated, "What you have all 'proven for the past?20 days in Douglas, is that this situation is manageable and doable. And if we think there is another threat we will shut it down."
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Sources say that two pumping stations on the Saudi East-West Pipeline were damaged by a recent attack.
According to three oil and security sources, two pumping stations that serve the vital 'East-West Pipeline' in Saudi Arabia have been damaged by an attack last week. Saudi Aramco did not reply to a comment request. The company operates the 1,200 km (745 mile) pipeline that runs across the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi Arabia's media office did not respond immediately to a comment request. Saudi officials said that the?pipeline which had helped to relieve the blockage in the Strait of Hormuz was temporarily shut down after an?attack by a drone coming from Iraq. Sources claim that the strike has damaged pumping stations 8 and 9. According to industry estimates, the pipeline is serviced with 11 pumping and two pressure relief stations. Since?six months, the facility has been the main way to export Middle East oil globally. The Strait of Hormuz is largely closed due to war. Saudi Arabia has been able to avoid the disruptions that have crippled the other Gulf oil and natural gas exporters.
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Muto scores as Kobe win the Asian Champions League with a win
Vissel Kobe won 2-1 over Port FC on Wednesday thanks to a deftly executed goal by?Yoshinori muto. The Japanese team?made a perfect start in the league phase of?Asian Champion League Elite?in Thailand. Ren Komatsu, a former 'Japan - international', had given Michael Skibbe and his team the lead at the 10th minute. Issei Tahashi flicked Diego's throw-in into the Port penalty area and Komatsu pounced. In the fourth minute of stoppage time in the first half, he was able to redirect Issam al-Sabhi’s header past his own goal-line. Muto scored the winning goal after being played?on-goal by fellow substitute Yuya Osako. He then lifted a calm finish above Port goalkeeper Michael Falksgaard, as last season's semifinalists picked up all three of their points. Former champions Jeonbuk Motors came back from a goal behind to beat Kashiwa 2-1 in Jeonju. Kenshin Yuba scored an individual goal in the 30th-minute to put Japan ahead. However, Tiago Orobo equalized the score three minutes into second half by scoring a header. Italo scored the winning goal for Jeonbuk at the 69th-minute mark. The Brazilian slid his shot in the bottom right corner of Ryosuke's Kojima. The eight top teams in east and west Asia, who finished first or second respectively in the league phase of the competition (which has increased from 24 to 32 teams) will move on to the knockout round. The 'last 16 matches' will be played on a 'home-and-away basis' in March, while the quarter-finals (quarter-finals), semi-finals (semi-finals) and final in Saudi Arabia will be held centrally in April and may.
Ghana Gas CEO: $500 million gas pipeline to be decided by Ghana Gas in early 2019.
Ghana Gas, a state-owned company, plans to announce its final investment decision by the beginning of next year on a $500 million pipeline that will transport gas from the plant located in the west to the industries in the south. This project has been long discussed.
Blay said, "On the sidelines the Gastech Conference" that the proposed 278-kilometre onshore West-East pipeline would allow the company to meet the growing industrial sector's demand and reduce its dependence on the West African Pipeline shared with neighbouring countries.
She said that the company was trying to secure financing for the project.
Ghana has been discussing the project for almost a decade as it seeks to provide cheaper and more reliable gas supplies?to industries in Tema's industrial enclave.
She added that the plan was for the government take 30% of the pipeline while private companies would fund the remainder.
Ghana Gas will receive more gas in 2028 from the Eni-operated Sankofa offshore project, Blay stated. The current production is 280 million standard cubic feet per day.
She said that the company processes around 130 mmscfd associated gas from Tullow's operated?Jubilee oil field and TEN oil field. Blay stated that the fields have an additional?50 mmscfd?gas, which will be processed in a proposed gas-processing plant. More details cannot?be announced until lawmakers approve it.
According to the company, Ghana's consumption of gas is expected to increase to 715 mmscfd in 2030 from 502 mmscfd currently.
She said Ghana imports 70 million mmscfd lean gas from Nigeria.
She said that the policy was to use gas as a primary fuel for power production, which would reduce the need to consume more expensive fuels.
(source: Reuters)