Energy Transfer, Cheniere and Marathon Petroleum pitched as growth plays despite easing Middle East tensions

Analysts say easing tensions in the Middle East could weigh on energy stocks overall, but disruptions to Qatar’s LNG export capacity and a perceived safety premium for North American LNG may continue to support exporters such as Cheniere. Damage to Middle East refineries has also tightened supplies of refined products and widened crack spreads, a backdrop that could bolster refiners including Marathon Petroleum. Energy Transfer may benefit from rising North American natural gas demand for power generation, including AI-related electricity needs, and from LNG-related transport flows.