Suez Canal supply chain snafu likely to 'untangle itself' in 'next week or so': Ex-Shell Oil president
John Hofmeister explains why energy prices will rise even as supply bounces back
Former Shell Oil CEO John Hofmeister on oil prices and the Suez Canal blockage.
The massive cargo ship blocking the Suez Canal has finally been freed and the supply chain backup shouldn't take long to resolve itself, former Shell Oil president John Hofmeister told “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” Monday.
“I think there are pretty good communications with the authorities and I think it will untangle itself in, let’s say, the next week or so," Hofmeister said. "I don’t think it’s going to take much longer than that ... Unless another mishap occurs. That’s where it could get all bottled up again. But let’s hope that they’ve got it under control.”
According to the shipping news website Lloyd's List, traffic on the canal carries about $9.6 billion worth of goods per day, transporting about 1.9 million barrels of oil daily and 1.2 billion pounds of cargo annually.
Hofmeister explained that the restoration of normal service will not help bring down rising oil and gas prices.
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“I think over the next two to three years, actually, we’re going to see structurally higher prices,” he said. “The industry has a long way to go to recover its financial credibility and its return to investors which has been hurt over the last, let’s say, six to eight years.”
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Hofmeister blamed the industry's slump on “bad judgments” made by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as well as OPEC’s decision to increase supplies.
“It’s really harmed the financial story of the energy industry and it’s really harmed investors," he said.
Hofmeister went on to point out that higher gas prices always have a direct impact on the economy, which is cause for concern at a time when post-pandemic recovery should be a priority.
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“Yes, we have to address climate change," he said. "But in terms of addressing climate change, let’s build the new system before we dismantle the existing system."