Here's Why Shares in PBF Energy Popped Higher (And are a Great Way to Hedge Geopolitical Conflict)

PBF Energy stock rose 10.5% this week and is up nearly 125% in 2026, driven by widening crack spreads (the difference between refined product prices and crude oil prices). The increase is fueled by geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of a memorandum of understanding with Iran, which restricts commercial traffic and reduces global refined product supply. This benefits PBF as a U.S. refiner that can access domestic crude while profiting from higher margins on refined products.