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Robert Rapier

@robertrapier.bsky.social
302 followers 229 following 151 posts

Chemical engineer writing about energy and investing. I primarily write for Forbes and Investing Daily.

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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I know this reminds me of something, but I can not see it. It’s probably reich in front of me.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I am not saying Trump is manipulating markets, but the opportunity is certainly there: www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
How To Manipulate The Oil Market For Profit
How advance knowledge of presidential oil announcements could create profitable trading advantages, using Trump's Venezuela oil deal as a revealing market case study.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
My second book, coauthored with my son, published today. That book, American Energy: A History of Power, Progress, and Change, traces the forces that powered the rise of the U.S. and transformed everyday life, from wood and coal to oil, natural gas, nuclear power, and renewables. a.co/d/04K1QCHz
a.co
Amazon.com
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Here’s a question I want to see on President Trump’s next dementia test. Can you identify the transistor?
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
My annual Statistical Review deep dive starts with emissions: • Global CO2e hit another record in 2025. • U.S. emissions rose 3.2%, reversing the recent decline. • China is still #1, but growth slowed. • Renewable power grew faster than total electricity demand. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Global Emissions Hit A New Record As U.S. Emissions Rebounded
Global CO2-equivalent emissions hit another record in 2025 as U.S. emissions rebounded, China’s growth slowed, and clean power surged.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Just finished Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky. It’s a magnificent piece of science fiction. I don’t know of another writer who does alien biology and nonhuman intelligence at this level. Feed this straight into my veins. Deeply satisfying and highly recommended.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
In today's Forbes article, I explain the substantial differences between the fuel price spike under Biden and the ongoing one under Trump. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Two Presidents, Two Decisions, And Two Gas Price Surges
Beyond the 'I Did That!' stickers, this article analyzes gas price spikes under Biden and Trump, detailing how war, embargos, and the SPR move the needle at the pump.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Why do diesel prices rise so much faster than gasoline in a crisis? I break it down--along with the economic implications--in my latest Forbes article: www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Why Diesel Prices Spike Faster Than Gasoline In A Crisis
Why diesel prices rise faster than gasoline during global crises—and how higher diesel costs ripple through freight, food, and inflation across the economy.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Today in Forbes, I debunk the persistent myth that U.S. refiners can't run shale oil. However, there is a good reason they prefer not to. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Debunking A Persistent Myth: U.S. Refineries Can’t Handle Shale Oil
U.S. refineries can process shale oil, but economics—not capability—drive imports and exports. Here’s why the system works and why export bans miss the mark.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Pam Bondi could do the funniest thing on her way out the door and just release all the Epstein files.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Several people have asked for a deep dive into questions I’ve been getting a lot lately: why are gas prices spiking so quickly—even though the U.S. is the world’s largest oil producer? Here's a deep dive: www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
America Produces The Most Oil. So Why Are Gas Prices Surging?
Why gas prices spike overnight—even in the world’s top oil producer. Global markets, replacement costs, and “rockets and feathers” explain the surge.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
In my latest Forbes column, I examine why the Strait of Hormuz plays such an outsized role in global energy security—and why its vulnerability continues to shape geopolitical strategy. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Iran’s Real ‘Nuclear Option’ Isn’t A Bomb—It’s The Strait Of Hormuz
Iran may not have a nuclear weapon—but it controls the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s why this narrow waterway could become Tehran’s most powerful strategic weapon.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
Today in Forbes, I address the question everyone wants to know: How high could oil prices go? www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
How High Could Oil Prices Go? A Reality-Based Look At The Ceiling
Oil prices have surged above $90 amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s a reality-based look at how high crude could go—and what ultimately limits the spike.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
If you want to know where a Strait of Hormuz disruption would hit hardest in the United States, look west. California is more exposed than most people realize, and the reasons are structural, not political. My latest at Forbes breaks down why. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
The California Energy Island: Why Hormuz Hits The West Coast Hardest
California’s lack of pipeline access and heavy reliance on imported crude leave it uniquely exposed to a Strait of Hormuz disruption despite U.S. energy abundance.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
The media is focused on energy, but Hormuz is also a major chokepoint for the global fertilizer trade. My latest at Forbes. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Beyond Oil: The Strait Of Hormuz And The Global Food Risk
How a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could choke off global nitrogen fertilizer exports, threatening crops, food prices, and the stability of the global food system.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Over the past year, the main Canadian index for companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (S&P/TSX Composite) has nearly tripled the performance of the S&P 500. So, add Canada to the growing list of countries whose markets are outperforming the U.S.
U.S. versus Canadian stock indices.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
In 2027, the machines struck. Not with bombs, but with advice. Humans stopped making decisions for themselves, granting AI final authority over everything from major life decisions to whether we should eat the leftover chicken. Judgment Day didn’t arrive with war. It arrived as a prompt.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
I can’t help but imagine this is what political rhetoric in Europe looked like in 1939—before people fully grasped where it was heading.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
You have heard that Venezuela has the largest oil reserves on earth. The truth is that they probably don't. In fact, some outside estimates wouldn't even have them in the Top 10. My latest for Forbes breaks it all down: www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Why You Should Be Skeptical About Venezuela’s Oil Reserves
Venezuela claims the world’s largest oil reserves, but most of that oil is extra-heavy, expensive to produce, and highly sensitive to prices and infrastructure.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
I did six interviews on this over the weekend, and the question I was asked most often was how quickly Venezuela's oil industry might recover. I broke that down in a follow-up article for Forbes today. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
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Reposted by Robert Rapier
dwegeng.bsky.social @dwegeng.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Shortly after learning about the events in Venezuela, I hoped that Robert Rapier would provide us with his insights. Being a former Petroleum Engineer, his knowledge of the international oil industry is second to none.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
I woke up this morning and saw the news out of Venezuela, so I wrote a quick Forbes article to provide some context. The piece walks through the history of Venezuela’s oil industry and the expropriations that shaped today’s claims. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Happy New Year everyone! This year should be interesting to put it mildly. Here's how I see the energy sector playing out this year: www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
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Reposted by Robert Rapier
Wild Geerters @steinkobbe.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
Happy 14th anniversary to this youtube video
Youtube video titled "Elon Musk: I'll put a man on mars in 10 years". Dated to 27 Dec 2011
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
For the past 25 years, China has been the primary driver of rising global carbon emissions. That could finally be changing. I dig into the numbers, the politics, and the implications in my latest Forbes article. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
China’s Carbon Plateau: A Turning Point Or A Temporary Pause?
China’s carbon emissions have flattened for 18 months, raising the possibility that the world’s largest emitter is nearing its long-anticipated peak. Here’s what it means.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Bill Clinton could do the ultimate funny thing right now. Hold a press conference and say, "I did not have sexual relations with that man. Mr. Trump."
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
For those of you wondering what to do about your skyrocketing electric bill, I offer some suggestions in today's Forbes article. If you are proactive, you can definitely shave some money off your bill. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
How To Cut Your Electric Bill Without Sacrificing Comfort
Electric bills are up sharply, but smart thermostats, time-of-use plans, and home efficiency upgrades can help you save hundreds each year.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
I did a quick take on the Chevron refinery fire in California. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Chevron Refinery Fire Threatens California’s Fragile Fuel Supply
A major fire at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery threatens California’s gasoline supply, exposing the state’s fuel vulnerabilities and likely driving pump prices higher.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Many people have asked about this, so here it is. Yes, we are going to set our 3rd consecutive oil production record this year. At the same time, oil production growth has slowed substantially over the past three years and could decline in 2026. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
U.S. Oil Production Is On Pace For A New Record, But Growth Is Slowing
U.S. oil output is hitting records, but growth is slowing. Here’s why production is flattening—and what it means for prices, OPEC, and energy investors.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
I just finished Service Model, by Adrian Tchaikovsky (@aptshadow.bsky.social), after previously reading Alien Clay and Children of Time. This man is a god. His name will be remembered among the greatest science fiction writers of all time. I am now searching for everything he has written.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
I have been besieged with questions about oil production and gas prices, so I wrote an in-depth analysis of what's happening, complete with graphics. It debunks myths and explains exactly why the price of oil and gasoline are falling. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Are Gas Prices Falling Because U.S. Oil Production Is Surging?
Gas prices are falling in 2025, but is surging U.S. oil production under Trump the reason? A closer look at supply, demand, and global forces tells a different story.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
I have had so many people ask me over the past month about why their electric bills are suddenly so high, that I wrote a Forbes article about it this morning. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Why Your Electricity Bill May Be Skyrocketing
Rising electric bills are hitting households nationwide as AI data centers, LNG exports, heat waves, and grid costs drive power prices higher.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Interview I did today on CBS on "Drill, Baby, Drill." Yes, I know I say "uh" a lot. www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJCO...
youtube.com
Active oil and gas rigs down since Trump took office
YouTube video by CBS News
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
My latest Forbes article. Global nuclear power output set a new record high. The good news is that China--the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide--is leading the charge with more than a tripling of output in the past 10 years. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Nuclear Power Output Quietly Sets A New Record
Nuclear power hit a record high in 2024, but growth is shifting from the West to Asia and the Middle East, reshaping the industry’s future and climate impact.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
I am quoted in this recent Wired article about why "Drill, Baby, Drill" isn't working: www.wired.com/story/trump-...
wired.com
Trump Promised to ‘Drill, Baby, Drill.’ The New Rigs Are Nowhere to Be Found
With clean energy more cost-competitive than it once was, the White House’s oil-first strategy is faltering.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
If you are puzzled as to why renewable energy can grow as rapidly as it has, but fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions continue to rise, I explain it in today's Forbes article. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
The Renewable Illusion: Why Fossil Fuels Keep Winning
Global renewables hit records in 2024, but fossil fuel use still rises. Here’s why solar’s surge isn’t enough—and what the latest energy data really shows.
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Reposted by Robert Rapier
Adam Parkhomenko @adamparkhomenko.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
THIS
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Everyone knew this shoe was about to drop, and that the WSJ was sitting on more information: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Donald Trump’s name reported to feature in DoJ files about Jeffrey Epstein
Wall Street Journal report says president’s name appears ‘multiples times’ as Congress subpoenas Ghislaine Maxwell
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
With this deflection, he definitely answered the question.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Despite a global push toward renewables and decarbonization, natural gas remains the world's fastest growing fossil fuel. My latest in Forbes. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Why Natural Gas Is Still Thriving In A World Chasing Net Zero
Global natural gas production and consumption hit record highs in 2024, led by the U.S., China, and LNG exports. Here's what the 2025 data reveals about the future.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Part 2 of my article on carbon emissions for Forbes contains a thought experiment: Where would we be if all historical U.S. emissions could be erased? The point was to show the U.S. legacy contribution, while highlighting what is driving carbon emissions today: www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
The World’s Biggest Carbon Emitters—And The Story Behind The Numbers
China, the U.S., and India top the CO₂ list—but per capita and economic efficiency stats show a deeper climate divide. What the numbers really reveal.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
My first of two Forbes articles on global carbon emissions. It delves into why emissions keep climbing despite record deployment of renewables. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
2025 Energy Review: Why Global Carbon Emissions Are Still Climbing
Despite record investments in renewables, global carbon emissions just hit an all-time high. I break down which countries are driving this growth, and which aren't.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
As I told a reporter earlier this morning, of course Iran would respond. Otherwise, the government loses face with the Iranian people. But the nature of the response caused oil prices to drop sharply. I explain in my latest Forbes article. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
Why Oil Prices Fell After Iran's Missile Strike
Oil prices fell after Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. base, as markets interpreted the move as symbolic rather than escalatory—pricing in a pause, not a war.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
The crude oil market just opened for the first time since Friday. Prices are up across the board, but not enormously so.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
I am getting significant requests for comment on the developing situation, so I knocked out a quick Forbes article explaining why the Strait of Hormuz is such an important and vulnerable region. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
The Strait Of Consequences: World Braces For Potential Energy Shock
Rising U.S.–Iran tensions and a threat to close the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt global oil and LNG markets, driving up prices and reshaping energy strategy.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Did Toyota build a water-powered car, as recent social media claims asserted. Um, no. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
No, Toyota Didn’t Build A Water-Powered Car
Despite viral claims, Toyota hasn't built a water-powered car. The truth involves hydrogen combustion and water cooling—not free energy or onboard electrolysis.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
When President Bush announced his hydrogen vision in 2003, I was working for ConocoPhillips on hydrogen production. I was skeptical about some of the things he said at that time. Today, I explain in a Forbes article why we still don't have a hydrogen economy. www.forbes.com/sites/rrapie...
forbes.com
What Happened To The Hydrogen Economy?
Hydrogen was once seen as the fuel of the future, but George W. Bush’s dream of a hydrogen-powered America never materialized. What happened—and what’s next?
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
I asked four different AIs to rank the five most corrupt presidents in U.S. history. All four named the same five (4 of 5 were Republicans). Donald Trump was on every list. I think Trump will eventually end up at the top of this list, but here's how Microsoft CoPilot ranked them.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Here I am laying a rose at the grave of Basil Shirley, who is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.
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Robert Rapier @robertrapier.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
As someone who was diagnosed with ocular melanoma—successfully treated because it was caught early—I urge you to get your eyes thoroughly checked.
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