The latest Market Talks covering Energy and Utilities. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires at 4:20 ET, 12:20 ET and 16:50 ET.

1508 ET – Oil futures retreat from overnight highs and settle lower with the market watching for the next move in the standoff between the U.S. and Iran while just a trickle of oil gets through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude for June delivery falls 3.4% to go off the board at $114.01 a barrel, bringing it closer to the $110.40 for the July contract. “On top of the expiration liquidation flush today, Brent also came under pressure after European Union economic data came in on the soft side,” Mizuho’s Robert Yawger says in a note, pointing to the below-estimate 0.1% rise in eurozone 1Q GDP. WTI settles down 1.7% at $105.07 a barrel.(anthony.harrup@wsj.com)

1309 ET – The European Central Bank’s decision to hold the interest rate at 2% makes perfect sense given the current uncertainty in markets, Morningstar strategist Michael Field said. Interest rate has been stable until a few months ago, but after the price of a barrel of oil spiked to $125, the situation has become more volatile. “The Governing Council will closely monitor the situation and follow a data-dependent and meeting-by-meeting approach to determining the appropriate monetary policy stance,” writes the European Central Bank in a press release. Investors have priced in 2-3 rate hikes as high as 2.5%-2.75%. Field says markets presumably will read the language in today’s statement positively.(julia.nasser@wsj.com)

0953 ET – ConocoPhillips says it is excluding Qatar from its production guidance for the current quarter, citing uncertainty around the war in the Middle East. The oil producer also cuts its full-year production outlook to account for the exclusion, now calling for production of 2.3 million to 2.33 million barrels of oil-equivalent per day this year. That compares with a prior outlook of 2.33 million to 2.36 million barrels of oil-equivalent per day. ConocoPhillips is off 1.8% in early trading after reporting lower 1Q earnings. (connor.hart@wsj.com)

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is expected to miss at least two weeks with a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee.

The injury occurred in Game 4 when Edwards landed awkwardly after contesting a shot. He was helped off the court in visible pain, sparking immediate concern among fans and analysts. An MRI confirmed no structural ligament damage, a significant relief, but the bone bruise requires careful rehabilitation to avoid long-term complications. The Timberwolves have listed him as week-to-week while emphasizing a cautious approach.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported the two-week minimum timeline, noting it positions Edwards for a potential return “at some point in the second round” if Minnesota advances. The Wolves currently lead the series, but Edwards’ absence has tested their depth against a resilient Nuggets team. Coach Chris Finch has praised the supporting cast while acknowledging the challenge of replacing Edwards’ scoring and athleticism.

The timeline aligns with typical recovery for bone bruises in athletes. These injuries involve trauma to the bone beneath cartilage and can cause significant pain and swelling. Hyperextension adds soft tissue strain, requiring progressive loading to restore strength and confidence. Edwards also manages patellar tendinitis in his right knee, adding complexity to his rehabilitation protocol.

Medical experts say bone bruises heal at varying rates depending on severity, location and individual factors. A two-week absence represents the optimistic end of the spectrum, with some cases requiring four to six weeks for full return to high-level competition. The Timberwolves’ medical staff, working with specialists at Mayo Clinic, will monitor progress through imaging and functional testing before clearing Edwards.

Edwards’ potential absence has major implications for Minnesota’s postseason hopes. As the team’s leading scorer and dynamic playmaker, he averages over 27 points per game in the playoffs. His ability to attack the rim and create for teammates has been central to the Wolves’ success. Without him, opponents can focus defensive attention on Karl-Anthony Towns and others, potentially slowing the offense.

Finch has adjusted lineups and strategies to compensate. Increased minutes for bench players and tactical tweaks have kept the team competitive, but the drop-off in explosiveness is noticeable. If the series extends or Minnesota advances, the coaching staff will carefully manage Edwards’ minutes upon return to avoid re-injury.

The injury occurred at a critical juncture in Edwards’ young career. At 24, he has emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest stars, with All-Star selections and playoff heroics. His absence tests the franchise’s depth and resilience as it aims for a deep postseason run. Team officials have expressed confidence in the roster’s ability to compete while prioritizing Edwards’ long-term health.

Fan reaction has been a mix of concern and optimism. Social media is filled with well-wishes and debates about return timelines. The Wolves’ playoff run has captivated Minnesota, with Edwards’ charismatic personality and highlight-reel plays endearing him to supporters. His potential return in the second round could provide a massive boost if the team reaches that stage.

Broader NBA implications include player load management and injury prevention. Edwards’ high-usage style and athleticism make him susceptible to lower-body injuries despite his youth. League-wide discussions about rest, scheduling and medical protocols continue as stars miss time in critical playoff moments. The Timberwolves’ handling of Edwards’ recovery could serve as a case study.

As rehabilitation progresses, the focus remains on incremental milestones. Initial rest and swelling reduction will give way to strength training, agility work and eventually on-court drills. Edwards’ competitive nature suggests he will push to return as soon as medically safe, but the organization will err on caution to protect his future.

The coming days will bring more clarity as the series unfolds and medical updates emerge. For now, the Timberwolves face a formidable challenge without their star, while Edwards works behind the scenes preparing for a potential heroic return. The two-week minimum provides a target, but playoff basketball’s unpredictable schedule could align favorably or extend his recovery window.

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Thai Airways International will nearly double fuel surcharges on most routes from May 1 due to soaring jet fuel prices. This follows recent flight reductions. Tickets issued before May 1 will retain existing rates.

Key Points

• Fuel Surcharge Increase: Thai Airways is nearly doubling fuel surcharges on many routes for tickets issued from May 1st due to soaring jet fuel prices caused by the US/Iran conflict.
• Route Impact and Examples: Both regional and long-haul flights will be affected, with significant price hikes on routes like Bangkok-Yangon, Bangkok-Beijing, Bangkok-Seoul, Bangkok-Sydney, and European destinations.
• Ticketing Deadline: Passengers whose tickets are issued by April 30th will retain the current, lower surcharge rates, regardless of their travel date.

Increased Fuel Surcharges Implemented

Thai Airways International is set to significantly increase fuel surcharges on numerous routes, effective for all tickets issued from May 1. These surcharges, integrated directly into the ticket price, will impact both regional and long-haul flights. This adjustment follows a recent reduction in flight frequencies across domestic, regional, and intercontinental services. The airline attributes this decision to a substantial surge in jet fuel prices, which have reportedly tripled since the commencement of the US/Iran conflict. This measure aims to offset the escalating operational costs associated with fuel.

Specific Route Adjustments and Passenger Protection

The revised fuel surcharges present a marked increase across various routes. For instance, the Bangkok–Yangon route will see surcharges rise from USD 49 to USD 93 in economy class. Similarly, Bangkok–Beijing and Bangkok–Delhi routes will experience an increase from USD 126 to USD 241 for economy class tickets. Longer routes, such as Bangkok–Sydney, will jump from USD 203 to USD 389 in economy. The steepest hikes are observed on European routes like Milan, London, and Paris, where economy class surcharges will climb from USD 275 to USD 524. Crucially, passengers with tickets issued by April 30 will retain the existing surcharge rates, irrespective of their travel date.

Rationale and Market Context

The airline’s decision to almost double fuel surcharges is a direct response to the volatile global fuel market, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions. The tripling of jet fuel prices has created an unsustainable cost burden for the airline. This financial pressure is also reflected in the airline’s prior decision to reduce flight frequencies, indicating a broader strategy to optimize capacity and manage operational expenses. This move aligns with industry-wide trends, as indicated by related news about other carriers reducing flights and airfares surging on Europe-Asia routes due to similar market conditions.

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