New York, January 14, 2026, 14:05 EST — The regular session is underway.
Shares of CVR Energy Inc climbed roughly 6.6% to $24.28 in afternoon trading Wednesday, following an earlier range from $22.90 up to $24.70.
This move shines a spotlight on a stock that quickly responds to changes in fuel markets, even without new company news. For refiners, daily trading often hinges on crude prices, product values, and inventory trends.
This is crucial now as traders assess if margins are settling following a volatile start to the year. The crack spread—a measure of the price difference between fuels like gasoline and diesel and the crude oil used to produce them—is a key indicator.
Shares of major U.S. refiners climbed, with Valero Energy up around 3.4%, Marathon Petroleum rising close to 3.3%, and Phillips 66 increasing about 3.0% during the session.
Oil prices notched their fifth consecutive day of gains as traders balanced concerns over Iran with fresh U.S. inventory figures. According to the Energy Information Administration, U.S. crude stockpiles grew by 3.4 million barrels last week, while gasoline inventories surged by 9 million barrels, Reuters reported. “Prices did pull back a little on the report but the focus seems to be on increasing tensions with Iran,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group. (Reuters)
CVR’s most recent corporate update arrived earlier this month, revealing that its subsidiaries prepaid $75 million on a senior secured term loan, bringing the remaining principal to roughly $165 million. The company also shared preliminary plans for 2026 capital spending, targeting a range of $200 million to $240 million. CEO Mark Pytosh noted they have chipped away at 50% of the term loan balance and plan to continue reducing leverage. Most of the capital will be funneled into the petroleum segment, although CVR also holds a stake in CVR Partners, which operates a nitrogen fertilizer business.
However, the stock could slide if margins tighten. Rising crude feedstock prices, softer gasoline demand, or unexpected refinery shutdowns might squeeze the crack spread. On top of that, compliance costs from biofuel credits could weigh on profits.
Traders are eyeing the Energy Information Administration’s weekly petroleum status report next, set for January 22. It will offer the latest on crude and fuel inventories. (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
