ROI-Key tools to track the latest energy sector disruptions from Iran war: Maguire

The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.

By Gavin Maguire

LITTLETON, Colorado, March 30 (Reuters) - Energy investors and traders that had been hoping for a speedy resolution to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran have been disappointed, and as the conflict enters its second month must now brace for further potential disruptions to energy flows and more market gyrations.

To accurately assess where the impacts are being felt most acutely, energy market trackers must move beyond glancing at the latest social media missives to tracking professional-grade analytical tools that provide real-time clarity on key energy and shipping sectors throughout the world.

Here's a breakdown of some of the key tools and resources being used by energy traders and analysts to manage risk and capture opportunities stemming from the fallout of the conflict.

MAP TRACKING

Analysts wanting to get up to speed on the latest situation on the ground across the Middle East use sophisticated mapping software that shows the location of vessel fleets as well as key energy infrastructure impacted by the war so far.

Market data tools such as LSEG's Workspace provide traders with up-to-date positioning of the global energy vessel fleet, including which vessels are clustering within and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The mapping software also incorporates the latest status of energy and port infrastructure around the region through news feeds from Reuters and other information services.

The latest news from Reuters on the Iran conflict is available here.

MARKET MOMENTUM

In addition to maps tracking the location of energy vessels, LSEG and other data platforms also provide the latest data on vessel charter rates, which allows traders and analysts to assess the cost of shipping energy products around the world.

Data is also available on refining margins in key consumer markets, which show how much of a profit or loss refiners make from specific grades of crude oil.

Measures of the export volumes of different energy products - from crude oil and condensate to gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and liquefied natural gas - are also available to provide a gauge on where loadings are contracting and growing.

Through the Reuters news service - which has dedicated reporters covering energy markets throughout the world - LSEG publishes news and analysis tracking the impact of the Iran conflict in all major economies.

Data on U.S. gasoline prices, news of shifts in refining purchase trends in Asia and analyses of efforts to re-route energy cargos provide additional intelligence to market trackers.

WIDER LENS

Analysts can also learn about how Iran is using cheap drones to counterbalance the effects of the more expensive military equipment used by the U.S. and Israel, which provides clues as to how Iran is managing to sustain war efforts for so long.

Details on the dense flight paths by re-fuelling planes in and out of Tel Aviv - used to help keep bombers and fighter jets in action over Iran - also help inform on the efforts needed by the U.S. and Israeli forces to keep the pressure up on Iran.

Deep dives into how and where the Iran war may be widening - such as through heavy Israeli strikes into southern Lebanon - also provide insights into the potential for the war to spill over into the entire Middle East.

For energy analysts and investors, this array of top-tier tools, news and analysis will be indispensable for navigating the evolving risks stemming from the ongoing Iran war as it stretches into a fifth week and beyond.

The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.

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(Reporting by Gavin Maguire; Editing by XX)

((gavin.maguire@thomsonreuters.com; +720 295 6101;))