Sofiane Louacheni

Cybele Energy invests $17mn to explore offshore oil block in Guyana

Ghanaian company Cybele Energy has signed a $17mn exploration deal in Guyana’s shallow offshore waters, targeting a block estimated to contain 400 million barrels and located outside disputed territorial zones.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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Chevron sets 2026 investment budget between $18 and $19 billion

Chevron has announced a capital expenditure range of $18 to $19 billion for 2026, focusing on upstream operations in the United States and high-potential international offshore projects.

ExxonMobil shuts down steam cracker in Singapore and redirects assets to China

ExxonMobil is shutting down its oldest ethylene steam cracker in Singapore, reducing local capacity to invest in its integrated Huizhou complex in China, amid regional overcapacity and rising operational costs.

South America strengthens its role in global oil supply through 2030

Brazil, Guyana, Suriname and Argentina are expected to provide a growing share of non-OPEC+ oil supply, backed by massive offshore investments and continued exploration momentum.
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Venezuelan crude exports to Europe drop by 75% in 2025

The revocation of US licences limits European companies’ operations in Venezuela, triggering a collapse in crude oil imports and a reconfiguration of bilateral energy flows.

Bourbon secures five-year contract with ExxonMobil for Angola’s Block 15

Bourbon has signed an agreement with ExxonMobil for the charter of next-generation Crewboats on Angola’s Block 15, strengthening a strategic cooperation that began over 15 years ago.