Mayhem: oil and equity markets caught off guard by UK election result
Yet more uncertainty will be negative for energy demand and stunt policy
Geopolitical risk and volatility have risen since the UK voted for Brexit in 2016. Now a country once known for its political stability has pulled off another shock. Having called an election to build a big parliamentary majority to back her Brexit plans, prime minister Theresa May failed in the 8 June election, losing seats and emerging deeply wounded. Her Conservative party clings to power, just, but will now depend on sympathetic members of a Northern Irish party. May's personal credibility is shattered. In a speech after the election, the prime minister said: "Let's get to work". But it will be another surprise if the Conservatives let her stay in Downing Street for long. By mid-morning
Also in this section
19 March 2026
The regional crisis highlights the undervalued role of fixed pipelines in the age of tanker flexibility
18 March 2026
Rising LNG exports and AI-driven power demand have raised concerns that US gas prices could climb sharply, but analysts say abundant shale supply and continued productivity gains should keep Henry Hub within a range that preserves the competitiveness of US LNG
18 March 2026
Risks of shortages in oil products may cause world leaders to panic and make mistakes instead of letting the market do what it does best
17 March 2026
The crisis in the Middle East has put LNG’s ability to offer security and flexibility under uncomfortable scrutiny
