#47. Marshall Adkins on Oil, Geopolitics, and the Future of Natural Gas

The biggest risks in energy may still lie ahead.In this episode of Energy Espresso, Jim Wicklund sits down with Marshall Adkins, Managing Director and Head of Energy Investment Banking at Raymond James, to discuss how the Iran conflict, Strait of Hormuz concerns, and shifting global demand have driven oil prices back toward $75.Is the market underestimating what comes next? They explore why crude prices remained relatively resilient despite supply disruptions, China’s role in balancing the market, and what’s next for oil, inflation, and U.S. production. The conversation also highlights the long-term growth outlook for natural gas, fueled by LNG exports, data centers, and expanding energy infrastructure.00:00 Welcome And Setup00:52 Ceasefire Ends Oil Jumps03:17 Supply Losses And Skepticism05:44 Unprecedented Disruptions06:52 China Demand Management09:46 Refinery Outages Crack Spreads11:10 Why Oil Stayed Low12:42 Inventory Math Breakdown16:52 Tank Bottoms Explained20:12 Politics And SPR Refill21:04 Glut From Trapped Barrels23:41 Hormuz Control And Iran25:51 Iran Regime And Public Optics27:01 IRGC Survival Logic27:54 Hormuz Rerouting Timeline29:09 Product Shortages Inflation30:35 Trump Middle East Leverage32:06 Drill Baby Drill Limits34:55 Oil Market Glut Dynamics37:21 Gas Demand Surge Ahead44:13 Pipelines Unlock Supply47:42 Energy Powers Growth51:57 Final Takeaways Volatility