The latest Market Talks covering Energy and Utilities. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires at 4:20 ET, 12:20 ET and 16:50 ET.

0509 GMT - PTT Exploration & Production could get an earnings boost from high oil prices amid the Middle East conflict, says CGS International's Amornrat Cheevavichawalkul in a note. The analyst raises her forecast for the Thai petroleum company's full-year Ebitda as the brokerage lifts its 2026 crude oil price projection to $78 a barrel from $62 a barrel. PTT Exploration & Production's dividend payout could also be supported by pricier crude, the analyst says. That leads her to raise her target price to 165.00 baht from 140.00 baht and maintain an add rating. Shares are 0.3% lower at 146.00 baht. (megan.cheah@wsj.com)

0433 GMT - The Middle East conflict is unlikely to affect helium supply and disrupt chip making, Bernstein analysts say in a research note. Although Qatar produces one third of global helium, company stockpiles, caverns, Russian supply growth and the deepening relationship between chip makers and industrial gas companies all should provide support, the analysts say. The analysts note that helium supply has been growing faster than demand in recent years and Russia has increased helium production because it has ample reserves. Meanwhile, chip manufacturers would be prioritized even if there is a helium shortage because semiconductor foundries are likely to be among the least price sensitive major use cases, they add. (sherry.qin@wsj.com)

0331 GMT - How the Middle East conflict ends up affecting Asian economies, FX and rates markets boils down to the Strait of Hormuz--and what it will take to credibly re-open it, MUFG's Lloyd Chan says. It's not just about crude prices but more importantly the flow of refined product like jet fuel and gasoline, he says. The steps the Trump administration is taking to reopen the strait, including asking allies for help, don't seem too convincing. For Iran, it makes sense to inflict more economic pain via oil prices. Shipping and insurance companies will only regain confidence once they see a credible flow of vessels without incident. On the bright side, MUFG notes reports of ships being allowed passage, while alternative pipelines from Saudi Arabia and UAE seem to be ramping up.(fabiana.negrinochoa@wsj.com)

0015 GMT - Inflation is good for business at Channel Infrastructure, says Forsyth Barr. The sharp increase in crude-oil prices is a positive for the company as 95% of its revenue is repriced annually in line with the producer price index, analyst Andrew Harvey-Green says. There is a link between crude oil prices and the PPI. A sustained 10% increase in crude oil prices increases PPI by 0.9%, says Forsyth Barr. "If crude oil prices average NZ$160/barrel (US$94/barrel) until 30 September 2026, we estimate a NZ$1.6 million FY27 revenue increase and a NZ$0.04/share valuation uplift," Forsyth Barr says. It retains a neutral call and NZ$3.09/share price target on Channel Infrastructure, which is up 1.1% at NZ$2.89. (david.winning@wsj.com; @dwinningWSJ)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 16, 2026 04:20 ET (08:20 GMT)

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