Ken Medlock is senior director of the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. He breaks down the Middle East conflict’s impact on global energy in this MoneyShow MoneyMasters Podcast episode.
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A key point: Despite the US being a net exporter, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are hitting over half of global oil flows, exposing how fragile supply really is. Ken pushes back on “demand destruction” narratives, pointing out consumption kept growing even with $100+ oil in the 2010s. But he also highlights the current supply gap of 7 to 8 million barrels per day that strategic reserves can only temporarily offset.
The conversation also connects energy to the AI boom, with data centers turning to natural gas and nuclear to bypass grid limits. Plus, Medlock discusses his view that any serious decarbonized future still depends on nuclear, with geothermal emerging as the next piece to watch.
Relevant tickers for this podcast include: (PBW) (SPY) (UNG) (USO) (URA) (VOLT) and (XLE)
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