Gasoline prices surged 21.2% in March 2026, the largest monthly increase since 1967, driven by disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war. National average gas prices jumped from $2.98 to $4.15 per gallon in six weeks. Goldman Sachs upgraded several refiner stocks as beneficiaries of elevated crack spreads and tighter energy supply chains, while economists debate whether this represents a temporary shock or a sustained inflationary regime.

U.S. gasoline prices surged to $4.02 per gallon and diesel hit $5.45, driven by Iran war disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. Oil refiners are capitalizing on widened crack spreads (now ~$47/barrel vs. $20 pre-war), with refiner stocks posting exceptional gains. The VanEck Oil Refiners ETF (CRAK) is up 29% YTD on a 14-week winning streak, while individual refiners like Par Pacific and PBF Energy gained 50% and 41% in March respectively. Analysts raised price targets on Valero Energy, citing potential structural shifts in refining profitability.

Gas prices have surged to $3.98/gallon, nearly double Trump's $2 promise, due to the Iran war. Diesel has jumped 43% to $5.38 nationally and over $7 in California. Consumer sentiment has declined sharply as inflation expectations rise. Energy companies and refiners are posting strong gains, with SM Energy up 44% and PBF Energy up 40% month-to-date, benefiting from wider profit margins.

Diesel prices have surged above $5 per gallon for the first time since 2022, with Goldman Sachs warning that the real energy crisis lies in refined products rather than crude oil. Middle East supply disruptions and refinery outages are constraining global diesel and jet fuel supplies, creating record-wide refining margins. U.S. refiners are positioned to benefit significantly from these elevated crack spreads.

The Iran conflict has created a historic earnings boom for U.S. oil refiners as the 3-2-1 crack spread surges to approximately $40 per barrel—roughly double pre-conflict normalized margins. With global refining capacity declining and the U.S. operating the world's largest refining complex, the industry could see theoretical gross refining margins reach nearly $240 billion annually. Five major independent refiners are positioned to capture significant windfall profits from this structural advantage.

The Iran-U.S. conflict has triggered conditions for a refiner earnings supercycle, with diesel crack spreads at 78% of the all-time record and climbing 60% month-to-date. Historical precedent from 2004-2005 and 2022 shows refining stocks can deliver extraordinary returns during such periods. The article identifies five refiners positioned to benefit from widening crack spreads and potential $260+ billion in annualized gross refining margins.

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is investigating HF Sinclair Corporation for potential federal securities law violations following the announcement of the CEO's voluntary leave of absence and the Audit Committee's assessment of disclosure process matters. The stock fell 14.4% intraday on February 18, 2026, prompting the law firm to encourage affected investors to contact them.

Markets finished in the green on Feb. 18, 2026, with the S&P 500 rising 0.56%, Nasdaq gaining 0.78%, and the Dow adding 0.26%. Nvidia led gains following a chip partnership announcement with Meta for data center technology, boosting AI infrastructure confidence. Other gainers included Palantir Technologies, Snap, and Moderna, while energy stocks advanced amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Tech stocks rebounded on Wednesday with the Nasdaq 100 jumping 1.4% past 25,000, led by software stocks. Cadence Design Systems surged nearly 10% after beating revenue estimates and projecting strong 2026 growth. Commodity markets rallied amid Middle East tensions, with oil climbing above $64 per barrel and gold surging past $5,000. However, Palo Alto Networks fell 6% despite beating quarterly expectations due to trimmed profit outlook.

DDD Partners reduced its HF Sinclair stake by 125,198 shares (approximately $6.45 million) in Q4, despite the stock's strong 45% annual performance. The reduction appears to be portfolio rebalancing rather than a bearish signal, as HF Sinclair now represents only 0.85% of the fund's assets. The company continues to deliver strong fundamentals with improved profitability and consistent capital returns to shareholders.

HF Sinclair Corporation announced the final results of its cash tender offer to purchase outstanding senior notes, with significant portions of 2026 and 2027 notes being tendered ahead of a planned concurrent notes offering.

HF Sinclair Corporation announced a cash tender offer to purchase outstanding senior notes due in 2026 and 2027, with specific pricing terms and considerations for note holders.