Paul Messad

TechnipFMC secures strategic contract for Captain field in the North Sea

TechnipFMC will design and install flexible pipes for Ithaca Energy as part of the development of the Captain oil field, strengthening its footprint in the UK offshore sector.

Vaalco launches drilling of ET-15 well offshore Gabon to support growth

Vaalco Energy has started drilling the ET-15 well on the Etame platform, marking the beginning of phase three of its offshore development programme in Gabon, supported by a contract with Borr Drilling.

Fossil fuel divisions block adoption of major UN report

A key scientific report by the United Nations Environment Programme failed to gain state approval due to deep divisions over fossil fuels and other sensitive issues.
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France: RTE calls for accelerated electrification to reduce fossil fuel dependence

RTE warns of France’s delay in electrifying energy uses, a key step to limiting fossil fuel imports and supporting its reindustrialisation strategy.

Ukrainian drone disables CPC terminal, disrupting Kazakhstan oil exports

The attack on a key Caspian Pipeline Consortium offshore facility in the Black Sea halves Kazakhstan’s crude exports, exposing oil majors and reshaping regional energy dynamics.

ExxonMobil in advanced talks to acquire Lukoil’s stake in West Qurna-2

Iraq is preparing a managed transition at the West Qurna-2 oil field, following US sanctions against Lukoil, by prioritising a transfer to players deemed reliable by Washington, including ExxonMobil.
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Sudanese paramilitaries seize control of strategic Heglig oil site

The Rapid Support Forces have taken Heglig, Sudan’s largest oil site, halting production and increasing risks to regional crude export flows.

India cancels 6.3 GW of renewable connections, signalling regulatory shift

India’s central authority has cancelled 6.3 GW of grid connections for renewable projects since 2022, marking a tightening of regulations and a shift in responsibility back to developers.

Brazil launches roadmap to reduce its dependence on oil

The Brazilian government has been instructed to define within two months a plan for the gradual reduction of fossil fuels, supported by a national energy transition fund financed by oil revenues.
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Cameroon allocates USD533 million to revive Sonara refinery

The rehabilitation cost of Sonara, Cameroon’s only refinery, has now reached XAF300bn (USD533mn), with several international banks showing growing interest in financing the project.

Germany delays RED III directive, retroactive enforcement now likely

The German government may miss the January 2026 deadline to transpose the RED III directive, creating uncertainty over biofuel mandates and disrupting markets.

China’s oil imports reach two-year high

China imported 12.38 million barrels per day in November, the highest level since August 2023, driven by stronger refining margins and anticipation of 2026 quotas.
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Washington secures Guyana’s oil industry as tensions rise with Caracas

The United States reaffirmed its military commitment to Guyana, effectively securing access to its rapidly expanding oil production amid persistent border tensions with Venezuela.

Russian tanker Kairos stranded in Bulgaria raises pressure on shadow fleet operations

Sanctioned tanker Kairos, abandoned after a Ukrainian drone attack, ran aground off Bulgaria’s coast, exposing growing legal and operational risks tied to Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea.

Washington will oversee the sale of Lukoil stations until April 2026

The United States is temporarily licensing Lukoil’s operations outside Russia, blocking all financial flows to Moscow while facilitating the supervised sale of a portfolio valued at $22bn, without disrupting supply for allied countries.
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Libya: NOC prepares to award 20 oil blocks amid rising operational and political risks

Libya’s state oil firm NOC plans to launch a licensing round for 20 blocks in early 2026, amid mounting legal, political and financial uncertainties for international investors.

Diesel margins hit yearly high amid geopolitical tensions

European sanctions on Russia and refinery outages in the Middle East have sharply reduced global diesel supply, driving up refining margins in key markets.

Italy awards 8.6GW in renewables in Fer-X tender

Italy allocated 82% of the proposed solar and wind capacities in the Fer-X auction, totalling 8.6GW, with competitive purchase prices and a strong concentration of projects in the southern part of the country.
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La Serbie anticipe un choc économique après la mise à l’arrêt de sa raffinerie

L’arrêt de la raffinerie de Pancevo, frappée par des sanctions américaines contre ses actionnaires russes, menace les recettes fiscales, l’emploi et la stabilité énergétique de la Serbie.

Oil prices rise amid military escalation and diplomatic deadlock

Oil prices climbed, driven by Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure and the lack of diplomatic progress between Moscow and Washington over the Ukraine conflict.