Paul Messad

Alaska is set to record its highest oil production increase in 40 years, driven by two key projects that extend the operational life of the TAPS pipeline and reinforce the United States' strategic presence in the Arctic.
TotalEnergies increases its stake to 90% in Nigeria’s offshore block OPL257 following an asset exchange deal with Conoil Producing Limited.

TotalEnergies and Chevron compete for 40% stake in Mopane oil field in Namibia

TotalEnergies and Chevron are seeking to acquire a 40% stake in the Mopane oil field in Namibia, owned by Galp, as part of a strategy to secure new resources in a high-potential offshore basin.
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Signed for 25 years, the new concession contract between Sipperec, EDF and Enedis covers 87 municipalities in the Île-de-France region and commits the parties to managing and developing the public electricity distribution network until 2051.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission publishes its 2023–2024 report, detailing the crisis impact on gas and electricity markets and the measures deployed to support competition and rebuild consumer trust.

Rosneft sells 11% of KPC to ease sanctions pressure

The reduction of Rosneft’s stake in Kurdistan Pipeline Company shifts control of the main Kurdish oil pipeline and recalibrates the balance between US sanctions, export financing and regional crude governance.
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Russian group Lukoil seeks to sell its assets in Bulgaria after the state placed its refinery under special administration, amid heightened US sanctions against the Russian oil industry.
US authorities will hold a large offshore oil block sale in the Gulf of America in March, covering nearly 80 million acres under favourable fiscal terms.

Sinopec to invest $437 million in hydrotreatment unit in Algeria

Sonatrach awarded Chinese company Sinopec a contract to build a new hydrotreatment unit in Arzew, aimed at significantly increasing the country's gasoline production.
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Gathered in Belém, states from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe support the adoption of a timeline for the gradual withdrawal from fossil fuels, despite expected resistance from several producer countries.
The American major could take over part of Lukoil’s non-Russian portfolio, under strict oversight from the U.S. administration, following the collapse of a deal with Swiss trader Gunvor.

Europeans tighten the noose around Iran with targeted IAEA resolution

The E3 and the United States submit a resolution to the IAEA to formalise Iran's non-cooperation following the June strikes, consolidating the legal basis for tougher energy and financial sanctions.
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Finnish fuel distributor Teboil, owned by Russian group Lukoil, will gradually cease operations as fuel stocks run out, following economic sanctions imposed by the United States.
ExxonMobil will shut down its Fife chemical site in February 2026, citing high costs, weak demand and a UK regulatory environment unfavourable to industrial investment.

Orlen acquires 7.6% of Ekofisk project as DNO reallocates assets

Polish state-owned group Orlen strengthens its North Sea presence by acquiring DNO’s stake in Ekofisk, while the Norwegian company shifts focus to fast-return projects.
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The United Kingdom launches a taskforce led by the Energy Minister to strengthen the security of the national power grid after a full shutdown at Heathrow Airport caused by a substation fire.
The Syrian Petroleum Company has signed a memorandum of understanding with ConocoPhillips and Nova Terra Energy to develop gas fields and boost exploration amid ongoing energy shortages.

India targets $68bn in Japanese investment to boost gas and hydrogen

New Delhi is seeking $68bn in Japanese investment to accelerate gas projects, develop hydrogen and expand LNG import capacity amid increased openness to foreign capital.
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Fincraft Group LLP, a major shareholder of Tethys Petroleum, submitted a non-binding proposal to acquire all remaining shares, offering a 106% premium over the September trading price.
As global oil prices slowed, China raised its crude stockpiles in October, taking advantage of a growing gap between imports, domestic production and refinery processing.
Cenovus Energy has completed the acquisition of MEG Energy, adding 110,000 barrels per day of production and strengthening its position in Canadian oil sands.
The Malaysian government plans to introduce a carbon tax and strengthen regional partnerships to stabilise its industry amid emerging international regulations.

IEA revives oil scenario with no peak before 2050, shaking up markets

The International Energy Agency’s “Current Policies Scenario” anticipates growing oil demand through 2050, undermining net-zero pathways and intensifying investment uncertainty globally.
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E.ON warns about the new German regulatory framework that could undermine profitability of grid investments from 2029.
A major blackout has disrupted electricity supply across the Dominican Republic, impacting transport, tourism and infrastructure nationwide. Authorities state that recovery is underway despite the widespread impact.

Saudi Arabia adjusts crude price to defend market share in Asia

Saudi Aramco cuts its official selling price for Arab Light crude in Asia, responding to Brent-Dubai spread pressure and potential impact of US sanctions on Russian oil.
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Vietnam is consolidating its regulatory and financial framework to decarbonise its economy, structure a national carbon market, and attract foreign investment in its long-term energy strategy.
The removal of two Brazilian refiners and Petrobras’ pricing offensive reshuffle spot volumes around Santos and Paranaguá, shifting competition ahead of a planned tax increase in early 2026.

Morrison wins major Shell contract for oil facility in Louisiana

Shell Pipeline has awarded Morrison the construction of an elevated oil metering facility at Fourchon Junction, a strategic project to strengthen crude transport capacity in the Gulf of Mexico.
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An arrest warrant has been issued against Timipre Sylva over the alleged diversion of public funds intended for a modular refinery. This new case further undermines governance in Nigeria’s oil sector.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development strengthens its commitment to renewables in Africa by supporting Infinity Power’s solar and wind expansion beyond Egypt.

Sofia activates emergency plan as US sanctions on Lukoil approach

With only 35 days of gasoline left, Bulgaria is accelerating measures to secure supply before US sanctions on Lukoil take effect on November 21.
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Russia is negotiating the sale of its stake in Serbian oil company NIS as US sanctions threaten the operations of the company, which plays a key role in Serbia’s economy.
TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy and Petronas have signed a production sharing contract to explore the offshore S4 block in Guyana, marking a new step in the country’s opening to operators beyond ExxonMobil.

Gavin Newsom seeks to reposition California as an autonomous player amid US withdrawal

Governor Gavin Newsom attended the COP30 summit in Belém to present California as a strategic partner, distancing himself from federal policy and leveraging the state's economic weight.
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Chinese authorities authorise increased private sector participation in strategic energy projects, including nuclear, hydropower and transmission networks, in an effort to revitalise slowing domestic investment.
India boosts crude imports from Angola amid tightening U.S. sanctions on Russia, seeking low-risk legal diversification as scrutiny over cargo origins increases.

Uniper shuts down Karlshamn-2 after failure of Swedish winter backup scheme

The shutdown of Karlshamn-2 removes 335 MW of heavy fuel oil capacity from southern Sweden, exposing the limits of a strategic reserve model approved but inoperative, and increasing pressure on winter supply security.
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The Bulgarian government has increased security around Lukoil’s Burgas refinery ahead of a state-led takeover enabled by new legislation designed to circumvent international sanctions.
A new regulatory framework comes into effect to structure the planning, procurement and management of electricity transmission infrastructure, aiming to increase grid reliability and attract private investment.