Zadig Maguesyan

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.
en_11407771226540

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.
en_11407771242540

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.
en_114044441234540

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.
en_11404441226540

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.

Shadow fleet renews tankers to bypass sanctions and operational risks

Faced with tighter legal frameworks and reinforced sanctions, grey fleet operators are turning to 15-year-old VLCCs and scrapping older vessels to secure oil routes to Asia.
en_1140331252540

ReconAfrica identifies 64 metres of recoverable oil at Kavango West 1X well in Namibia

Reconnaissance Energy Africa completed drilling at the Kavango West 1X onshore well in Namibia, where 64 metres of net hydrocarbon pay were detected in the Otavi carbonate section.

CNOOC launches production at Weizhou 11-4 oilfield in South China Sea

CNOOC Limited has started production at the Weizhou 11-4 oilfield adjustment project and its satellite fields, targeting 16,900 barrels per day by 2026.

Shell and Equinor finalise the creation of Adura, largest independent North Sea producer

The Adura joint venture merges Shell and Equinor’s UK offshore assets, becoming the leading independent oil and gas producer in the mature North Sea basin.
en_1140331248540

Citgo shifts under Elliott control for $5.9bn pending U.S. approval

A Delaware court approved the sale of PDV Holding shares to Elliott’s Amber Energy for $5.9bn, a deal still awaiting a U.S. Treasury licence through OFAC.

Nigeria releases $100mn to accelerate local integration in the oil sector

A new $100mn fund has been launched to support Nigerian oil and gas service companies, as part of a national target to reach 70% local content by 2027.