Oil rises and the green discourse disappears

The new rise in oil prices rekindles the old flame of inequality: profits for a few, inflation for all and another blow to the promise of a sustainable future

Oil prices rose again, driven by the unexpected drop in inventories in the United States and President Donald Trump’s optimism regarding trade negotiations with China. At first glance, it seems like just another movement in the global energy market, governed by technical data, analyst forecasts and diplomatic agreements. But, behind the numbers and figures, there is a gear that continues to turn in their favor: large corporations, speculators and economic powers, while the people continue to pay the bill — literally — at the pumps and in the cost of living.

According to data released by US Energy Information Administration (EIA)crude oil inventories fell by almost 7 million barrelsa reduction much higher than the initial forecast of just 211 thousand. This result provoked an immediate reaction in the markets: the Brent rose 0.81%, reaching US$ 64,92 per barrel, and the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) advanced 0.55%, to US$ 60,48. Even the mix of Mexican exports increased slightly, reaching US$ 57,56.

But what do these numbers really mean for the daily lives of those who work and consume? They mean that, once again, the volatility of the oil market — controlled by a handful of countries and conglomerates — will be used as a justification to make transport, food and energy more expensive. Meanwhile, investors celebrate the “good moment” of commodities and neoliberal governments, such as the United States, reinforce the myth of “economic recovery” which, in practice, concentrates wealth and destroys the planet.

Her own fall in stocks is seen by industry analysts as a sign of “strong demand”. Giovanni Staunovo of UBS said the report was “very positive for crude oil prices.” The irony is evident: what is “positive” for the financial market is almost always negative for working populations. The increase in the price of a barrel means more profits for oil companies and more costs for countries dependent on imports, especially those in the Global South, where fuel weighs much more on the popular budget.

It is clear, Donald Trumpalways ready to transform any economic event into a political spectacle, tried to link the rise to his occasional diplomacy. The US president said he was confident in talks with the Chinese president Xi Jinpingscheduled to take place in South Korea. Once again, oil becomes a bargaining chip in the geopolitical dispute between the powers, while structural issues — the energy transition, sustainability and sovereignty of producing countries — remain in the background.

The capitalist logic that dominates the energy market is simple: oil is an essential good, but treated as a luxury commodity. Speculation sets prices that do not reflect production costs or social needs, but rather the greed of a system that seeks immediate profits. When stocks fall, the market “reacts”; when they rise, the market “corrects”. In both situations, the loser is the common consumer.

The episode also exposes the fragility of the economic model based on extractivism and dependence on fossil fuels. While the world attends climate conferences and governments promise “green” goals, the decisions that actually generate trillions continue to be made depending on the price of a barrel. And every time oil prices rise, the planet and workers pay the price: more carbon emissions, more inflationary pressure, more inequality.

Financial analysts ask, “Where is the excess supply?” as if the central question were technical. The correct question would be another: where is the excess greed?
Environmental collapse, resource wars and energy inequality are symptoms of a system that insists on transforming everything into a commodity — even what should be a global public good.

The rise in oil prices this week is just another chapter in an old story: that of the few who profit a lot from the energy that everyone needs. While the planet burns, the same old people fill the coffers. The solution will not come from Trump’s optimism or market forecasts, but from building an economy that prioritizes life, sovereignty and the environment — and not stock market charts.