Ben Lefebvre

James Bikales, an oil and gas reporter covering commodities and production, and Ben Lefebvre, a deputy energy editor focused on oil markets and policy, unpack rising oil prices and Strait of Hormuz risks. They discuss short-term price spikes, supply and shipping vulnerabilities, and policy tools to manage fuel costs. The conversation highlights regional leverage and global market ripple effects.

Victoria Guida, POLITICO economics correspondent who tracks inflation and macro impacts, and Ben Lefebvre, deputy energy editor covering U.S. energy policy, unpack rising oil and gasoline costs after U.S. action on Iran. They discuss White House scramble over fuel prices. They cover private policy ideas like tanker escorts and tax moves. They talk risks if disruption drags on and the political fallout heading into 2026.

Ben Lefebvre, POLITICO's deputy energy editor, delves into the Trump administration's covert discussions with major oil companies about re-entering Venezuela if Maduro is ousted. He highlights the White House's strategic foresight regarding Venezuela's energy future. However, oil companies are hesitant due to concerns over asset seizures, infrastructure decay, and security issues. Additionally, Lefebvre considers how fluctuations in oil prices and refinery capacity could influence interest and examines the ideological motivations behind Trump's oil outreach.

Ben Lefebvre, Deputy Energy Editor at POLITICO, unpacks the Trump administration's controversial proposal to open the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for oil drilling. He discusses the anticipated bipartisan backlash, particularly for California Governor Gavin Newsom, who faces a political dilemma balancing energy needs with environmental concerns. Lefebvre also reveals insights into the industry's lukewarm interest in this move and highlights concurrent decisions to open Alaska's wilderness for drilling and mining, raising further environmental alarms.

Ben Lefebvre, deputy energy editor at POLITICO and expert in energy policy, discusses the strategic alliance between the Trump administration and Qatar against EU climate regulations. They argue that these laws could lead to higher energy prices, particularly in the liquefied natural gas sector. Lefebvre reveals how the LNG industry views the sustainability directive as costly and impractical. The conversation explores the implications of this pressure on Europe's climate policies and the broader U.S. strategy to dominate fossil fuel exports.

Ben Lefebvre, an energy reporter at POLITICO, discusses the recent $750 billion energy deal between the EU and the Trump administration. He highlights the challenges in fulfilling this ambitious pledge and its potential conflicts with foreign policy. The conversation also touches on the growing tensions between Trump's energy ambitions and his goals abroad. The episode provides keen insights into how political motivations could complicate U.S.-EU energy relations amid ongoing geopolitical issues.

Ben Lefebvre, an energy reporter for POLITICO, provides an inside look at a recent meeting between President Trump and oil executives. He highlights the industry's concerns about trade policies and tariffs impacting their business. Despite their general support for the administration, executives express worries about low oil prices and trade wars with countries like China and Canada. Lefebvre also discusses the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's potential responses to the changing political landscape and the energy sector's challenges with navigating regulations.

Ben Lefebvre, POLITICO’s oil and gas reporter, dives into the effects of Trump's delayed tariffs on energy imports from Mexico and Canada, unpacking the temporary relief for U.S. consumers and the industry. He discusses the potential price hikes and the long-term damage to trade relations due to rising tensions. The conversation also sheds light on how the oil and gas sector, a significant supporter of Trump, is reacting to the looming tariffs, and examines the broader implications for international trade dynamics.

Ben Lefebvre, an energy reporter for POLITICO, dives into President-elect Trump's plan to revive the Keystone XL pipeline on day one of his presidency. He explores the controversial history of the pipeline and its fading relevance amid a shift towards electric vehicles and changing oil demand. The discussion also touches on a new bipartisan transmission rule and the setbacks faced during global climate talks, painting a complex picture of fossil fuel politics in today's climate-conscious world.

Ben Lefebvre, an energy reporter for POLITICO, dives into the current dynamics of global energy markets amidst the Iran-Israel conflict. He discusses why oil prices remain surprisingly stable despite geopolitical tensions. Lefebvre highlights the shift in global production, emphasizing the U.S.'s leading role. Additionally, he touches on the upcoming Supreme Court scrutiny regarding the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's authority on temporary nuclear waste storage, linking energy policy and international conflict.