Fossil Energy

After several months of interruption following a major political upheaval, Syria's Banias refinery has shipped its first cargo of refined products abroad, marking a partial revival of its energy sector.
ExxonMobil and its partners have extended the production sharing contract for Block 17 in Angola, securing the continued operation of major infrastructure in a key offshore asset for Africa’s oil sector.

Egypt announces second oil discovery at Abu Sannan in three months

Egypt’s General Petroleum Company discovers a new oil field in Abu Sannan, producing 1,400 barrels per day, confirming growing interest in this mature Western Desert region.
The South Sudanese government is collaborating with Chinese group CNPC to reactivate several major oil fields, aiming to stabilise national production affected by political instability and ongoing technical difficulties.
TotalEnergies takes 25 % of a portfolio of 40 exploration permits on the US Outer Continental Shelf, deepening its partnership with Chevron in the Gulf of Mexico’s deepwater.

Oil: OPEC maintains forecasts, Russia below production quota

OPEC confirms global oil demand estimates for 2025-2026 despite slightly adjusted supply, while several members, including Russia, struggle to meet their production targets under the OPEC+ agreement.
Facing anticipated refusal from G7 countries to lower the Russian oil price cap to $45, the European Union weighs its options, leaving global oil markets awaiting the next European sanctions.
Starting August 15, the Dangote refinery will directly supply gasoline and diesel to Nigerian distributors and industries, expanding its commercial outlets and significantly reshaping the energy landscape of Africa's leading oil producer.

Hydrocarbon pollution: Rømø closes beaches at peak tourist season

The sudden appearance of hydrocarbon clusters has forced the closure of beaches on the Danish island of Rømø, triggering an urgent municipal investigation and clean-up operation to mitigate local economic impact.
Canadian company Cenovus Energy has fully resumed oil sands production at its Christina Lake site following a wildfire-related shutdown in Alberta.
Argentine company Compañía General de Combustibles is starting operations in the Vaca Muerta shale basin while boosting heavy crude production due to strong local demand and rising prices.

Nigeria struggles to secure $5 billion loan from Aramco

Oil-backed financing is weakened by falling crude prices and persistent production constraints in the country.
Italiana Petroli, in negotiations with three potential buyers, is expected to finalize the total sale of the group for around €3 billion by late June, according to several sources close to the matter speaking to Reuters on Thursday.
ExxonMobil has been named the most admired upstream exploration company in Wood Mackenzie’s latest annual survey, recognised for its performance in Guyana and its ability to open new resource frontiers.

Petronas cuts 5,000 jobs and exposes contradictions in its African operations

Petronas' workforce reduction reignites questions about internal trade-offs, as the group maintains its commitments in Asia while leaving uncertainty over its operations in Africa.
The Kremlin condemns the European proposal to lower the price cap on Russian oil to $45 per barrel, asserting that this measure could disrupt global energy markets, as the G7 prepares for decisive discussions on the issue.
Libya's oil production reached a twelve-year high of 1.23 million barrels per day, even as persistent political tensions and violent clashes in Tripoli raise concerns about the sector's future stability.

Two powerful financial algorithms now dictate global oil prices

According to a study published by The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, two competing financial algorithms, Risk-Parity and Crisis Alpha, significantly influence oil markets, weakening the traditional correlation with the sector's physical fundamentals.
Norwegian producer DNO ASA completed an oversubscribed $400mn hybrid bond private placement to support the integration of Sval Energi Group AS.
The Brazilian oil group secured approval from Abidjan to begin negotiations for exploring nine deepwater blocks as part of its business partnerships strategy in Africa.
The Trump administration authorizes Chevron to maintain limited stakes in Venezuela while prohibiting oil production and export, marking a decisive shift for the oil sector amid geopolitical tensions with Maduro’s government.
Indonesia Energy announces a ramp-up in its oil assets with a 60% increase in proven reserves and confirms a strategic shift toward gradual energy diversification.

SK Innovation Intensifies Oil Investments with New Projects in Asia

SK Innovation, through its subsidiary SK Earthon, is accelerating investments in offshore oil exploration projects in Southeast Asia, enhancing South Korea's energy security through a regional strategy focused on operational efficiency.
Production at the Mero-4 field began on May 24 using a 180,000 barrels/day FPSO, the result of international cooperation among six partners operating offshore Brazil.
As Western nations debate an adjustment to the price ceiling on Russian oil, Moscow firmly rejects these measures as market-distorting, citing a lack of significant impact on its current exports.

Namibia appoints former Chevron executive to lead its oil strategy

Carlo McLeod joins the new presidential unit dedicated to hydrocarbons as Namibia centralises oil sector governance under the head of state.
Valeura Energy has completed eight wells on Block B5/27 in the Gulf of Thailand, securing stable output and preparing a new investment phase at the Nong Yao field.
Shell recognised Mecpec Trading for its 2023 fuel sales growth and contribution to Singapore's distribution network, with a 23% increase in total volume delivered.

Fire halts operations at Ecuador’s largest oil refinery

Petroecuador suspended activities at its Esmeraldas refinery following a fire, with no injuries reported, while an investigation is under way to assess the damage.
Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) plans to eliminate over 3,000 non-union positions as part of a comprehensive restructuring initiative aimed at significantly reducing operational costs.
TotalEnergies has started production at Mero-4, raising the total capacity of the Mero field to 770,000 barrels per day via five offshore units off the coast of Brazil.

Oil majors threaten dividend cuts as crude holds at $60

Falling oil prices strain shareholder returns as supermajors weigh high dividends against cash flow stability.
Economically fragile Venezuela awaits a critical U.S. decision on renewing oil licenses granted to multinationals, a crucial issue that could significantly affect its recent economic recovery and financial stability.
Nigerien authorities instruct the local arm of China National Petroleum Corporation to repatriate expatriates who have held positions for over four years, citing violations of local content requirements and economic sovereignty.

Union Investment removes TotalEnergies from sustainable funds amid Uganda dispute

German asset manager Union Investment has excluded TotalEnergies from its sustainable funds over allegations of human rights violations linked to the EACOP oil project in Uganda, further complicating its international financing.
The National Oil Corporation suspended crude transport from the Hamada fields following a leak detected south of Zawiya, 45 kilometres from Tripoli.
Iraq has signed a deal with China’s Geo-Jade and Hilal al-Basra to develop an integrated project combining oil, refining and electricity in the country’s south.

US oil stocks rise despite strong refinery activity

US commercial crude oil inventories rose by 1.3 million barrels last week, defying market expectations, according to data published by the US Energy Information Administration.
As Venezuelan elections approach concerning the oil-rich disputed Essequibo territory, Guyana emphasizes increased vigilance, citing risks to its energy and territorial sovereignty amid Caracas' claims. ##
GATE Energy and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly pursue international offshore contracts, combining engineering, construction and commissioning capabilities.