Zadig Maguesyan

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.

California Resources finalises asset transfer with Berry Corporation for $253mn

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.

Uganda seeks $2 billion loan from Vitol for oil infrastructure projects

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.
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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.

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.

Baker Hughes signs multi-year contract to equip Kuwait’s oilfields

Baker Hughes will supply advanced artificial lift systems to Kuwait Oil Company to enhance production through integrated digital technologies.
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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.

Fuel consumption declines in France with sharp drop in diesel

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.

ReconAfrica prepares production tests after promising results in Namibia

ReconAfrica is finalising preparations to test the Kavango West 1X well in Namibia, while expanding its portfolio in Angola and Gabon to strengthen its presence in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Shell restarts sale of its stake in Schwedt refinery

Shell has reopened a divestment process for its 37.5% stake in Germany's PCK Schwedt refinery, reviving negotiations disrupted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions.

Dangote escalates oil dispute with Nigerian regulator over fuel imports

Aliko Dangote accuses Nigeria’s oil regulator of threatening local refineries by enabling refined fuel imports, while calling for a corruption probe against its director.

Shell launches assisted recovery project at Kaikias in the Gulf of America

Shell Offshore approves a strategic investment to extend the life of the Kaikias field through a waterflood operation, with first injection planned for 2028 from the Ursa platform.
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US crude falls below $55 per barrel, lowest level since 2021

Oil prices drop amid progress in Ukraine talks and expectations of oversupply, pushing West Texas Intermediate below $55 for the first time in nearly five years.

Phillips 66 sets $2.4bn investment budget for 2026

The US energy group plans to allocate $1.3bn to growth and $1.1bn to asset maintenance, with a specific focus on natural gas liquids and refining projects.

PDVSA denounces cyberattack targeting its administrative systems in Venezuela

Venezuelan state oil group PDVSA claims it was targeted by a cyberattack attributed to foreign interests, with no impact on main operations, amid rising tensions with the United States.
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BUTEC secures XOF26bn financing for two thermal power plants in Burkina Faso

BUTEC has finalised the financing of a 50 MW emergency power project in Burkina Faso, structured under a BOOT contract and backed by Banque Centrale Populaire Group.

BW Energy signs 10-year lease for Maromba B platform with MSFL

BW Energy has signed a long-term lease agreement with Minsheng Financial Leasing for its Maromba B platform, covering $274mn of the project’s CAPEX, with no payments due before first oil.

Shell to resume exploration on Namibia’s PEL 39 with five new wells planned for 2026

Shell will restart offshore exploration on Namibia’s PEL 39 block in April 2026 with a five-well drilling programme targeting previously discovered zones, despite a recent $400mn impairment.
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Iran seizes tanker carrying 6 mn litres of diesel in the Gulf of Oman

Iranian authorities intercepted a vessel suspected of fuel smuggling off the coast of the Gulf of Oman, with 18 South Asian crew members on board, according to official sources.

Harbour Energy to acquire Waldorf’s UK assets for $170mn

Harbour Energy will acquire Waldorf Energy Partners’ North Sea assets for $170mn, increasing its stakes in the Catcher and Kraken fields, while Capricorn Energy settles part of its claims.