Paul Messad

Subsea 7 has secured a new extension of its frame agreement with Equinor for subsea inspection, maintenance and repair services through 2027, deploying the Seven Viking vessel on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Caracas says Iran has offered reinforced cooperation after the interception of two ships carrying Venezuelan crude, amid escalating tensions with the United States.

Washington seizes second Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the Caribbean

US authorities intercepted a second oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude, escalating pressure on Caracas amid accusations of trafficking and tensions over sanctioned oil exports.
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The new Czech Minister of Industry wants to block the upcoming European emissions trading system, arguing that it harms competitiveness and threatens national industry against global powers.
Several scenarios are under review to regain control of CEZ, a key electricity provider in Czechia, through a transaction estimated at over CZK200bn ($9.6bn), according to the Minister of Industry.

France postpones publication of energy roadmap to 2026

The government has postponed the release of the new Multiannual Energy Programme to early 2026, delayed by political tensions over the balance between nuclear and renewables.
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California Resources Corporation completed an all-stock asset transfer with Berry Corporation, strengthening its oil portfolio in California and adding strategic exposure in the Uinta Basin.
The Ugandan government aims to authorise its national oil company to borrow $2 billion from Vitol to fund strategic projects, combining investments in oil infrastructure with support for national logistics needs.

Indonesia targets $92bn to green its industrial power generation by 2050

Indonesia plans $31bn in investments by 2030 to decarbonise captive power, but remains constrained by coal dependence and uncertainty over international financing.
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A drone attack on the Al-Muqrin station paralysed part of Sudan's electricity network, affecting several states and killing two rescuers during a second strike on the burning site.
The Bolivian government eliminates subsidies on petrol and diesel, ending a system in place for twenty years amid budgetary pressure and dwindling foreign currency reserves.

Meg O’Neill takes over BP to refocus the group on hydrocarbons

British company BP appoints Meg O'Neill as CEO to lead its strategic refocus on fossil fuels, following the abandonment of its climate ambitions and the early departure of Murray Auchincloss.
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Poland’s financial watchdog has launched legal proceedings over suspicious transactions involving Energa shares, carried out just before Orlen revealed plans to acquire full ownership.
The Paris Council awards a €15bn, 25-year contract to Dalkia, a subsidiary of EDF, to operate the capital’s heating network, replacing long-time operator Engie amid political tensions ahead of municipal elections.

Venezuelan oil: Caracas maintains exports despite US naval blockade

The Venezuelan national oil company has confirmed the continuity of its crude exports, as the United States enforces a maritime blockade targeting sanctioned vessels operating around the country.
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Baker Hughes will supply advanced artificial lift systems to Kuwait Oil Company to enhance production through integrated digital technologies.
Norway’s energy regulator plans a rule change mandating grid operators to prepare for simultaneous sabotage scenarios, with an annual cost increase estimated between NOK100 and NOK300 per household.

Trump imposes total blockade on sanctioned tankers bound for Venezuela

The United States has implemented a full blockade on sanctioned tankers linked to Venezuela, escalating restrictions on the South American country's oil flows.
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The State of São Paulo has requested the termination of Enel Distribuição São Paulo’s concession, escalating tensions between local authorities and the federal regulator amid major political and energy concerns three years before the contractual expiry.
Deliveries of energy petroleum products fell by 4.5% in November, driven down by a sharp decline in diesel, while jet fuel continues its growth beyond pre-pandemic levels.