Paul Messad

Over 80 countries push for roadmap on fossil fuel phase-out at COP30

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.

Chevron in advanced talks to acquire Lukoil’s international assets

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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Lukoil shuts down 430 petrol stations in Finland under US sanctions pressure

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.

Exxon to close its ethylene plant in Scotland amid market pressures

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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UK creates taskforce to strengthen energy resilience after Heathrow outage

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.

Syria signs strategic oil deal with ConocoPhillips and Nova Terra Energy

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 offers revised C$1.75 per share bid to acquire Tethys Petroleum

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.

China increases crude oil stockpiles in October as prices stabilise

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.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation secures record KWD1.5bn loan to support expansion strategy

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has signed a syndicated financing agreement worth KWD1.5bn ($4.89bn), marking the largest ever local-currency deal arranged by Kuwaiti banks.
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Benin receives offshore unit to relaunch the Sèmè oil field

The Beninese government has confirmed the availability of a mobile offshore production unit, marking an operational milestone toward resuming activity at the Sèmè oil field, dormant for more than two decades.

Baghdad seeks to preserve oil production despite sanctions targeting Lukoil

The Iraqi Prime Minister met with the founder of Lukoil to secure continued operations at the giant West Qurna-2 oil field, in response to recent US-imposed sanctions.

Pertamina increases imports to meet gasoline demand

The sustained rise in consumption of high-octane gasoline pushes Pertamina to supplement domestic supply with new imported cargoes to stabilise stock levels.
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CRR acquires 53 km of oilfield road infrastructure from Islander in Alberta

Canadian group CRR acquires a strategic 53-kilometre road network north of Slave Lake from Islander Oil & Gas to support oil development in the Clearwater region.

Kazakhstan denies any plan to acquire Lukoil’s local assets

Kazakhstan’s energy minister dismissed any ongoing talks between the government and Lukoil regarding the potential purchase of its domestic assets, despite earlier comments from a KazMunayGas executive.

OPEC and GECF warn of structural deficit in global energy market

OPEC and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum warn that chronic underinvestment could lead to lasting supply tensions in oil and gas, as demand continues to grow.
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Popular support for oil exploration rises sharply in Norway

A national barometer shows that 62% of Norwegians support maintaining the current level of hydrocarbon exploration, confirming an upward trend in a sector central to the country’s economy.

ShaMaran delivers first “in kind” cargo to Ceyhan under new Iraqi federal framework

ShaMaran has shipped a first cargo of crude oil from Ceyhan, marking the implementation of the in-kind payment mechanism established between Baghdad, Erbil, and international oil companies following the partial resumption of exports through the Iraq–Türkiye pipeline.