Kazakhstan

Chevron strengthens post-Hess strategy and reassures markets on growth

In New York, Chevron outlines its long-term vision following the Hess integration, focusing on financial stability, spending reduction, and record production to consolidate investor confidence.

Sofia secures Lukoil refinery ahead of planned state takeover

The Bulgarian government has increased security around Lukoil’s Burgas refinery ahead of a state-led takeover enabled by new legislation designed to circumvent international sanctions.

India and Russia strengthen nuclear cooperation with new projects

Russia and India are preparing an expanded agreement for the construction of VVER-1200 reactors and modular nuclear power plants, while accelerating work at the strategic Kudankulam site.
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Washington locks in Kazakh tungsten supply and frames its C5+1 bet

The United States secures a tungsten joint venture in Kazakhstan and mining protocols in Uzbekistan, with financing envisaged from the Export-Import Bank of the United States and shipment routed via the Trans-Caspian corridor.

Three U.S. gas basins reshape prices, flows and contracts

Appalachia, Permian and Haynesville each reach the scale of a national producer, anchor the United States’ exportable supply and set regional differentials, LNG arbitrage and compliance constraints across the chain, amid capacity ramp-ups and reinforced sanctions.

Vallourec to deliver over 30,000 tonnes of pipes for TotalEnergies in Iraq

TotalEnergies has tasked Vallourec with supplying tubular solutions for drilling 48 wells as part of its integrated gas project in Iraq, reinforcing their ongoing industrial cooperation on the Ratawi field.
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Bulgaria passes law to take control of Lukoil refinery

Faced with US sanctions targeting Lukoil, Bulgaria adopts emergency legislation allowing direct control over the Balkans’ largest refinery to secure its energy supply.

Gunvor drops $22bn bid for Lukoil assets under US pressure

Swiss trader Gunvor has withdrawn its $22bn offer to acquire Lukoil’s international assets after the US Treasury announced it would block any related operating licence.

Trump grants Orban oil exemption in exchange for US gas deal

The United States grants Hungary a one-year waiver on sanctions targeting Russian oil, in return for a commitment to purchase US liquefied natural gas worth $600mn.
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Gunvor rules out resale of Lukoil assets to Russia after acquisition

Commodities trader Gunvor confirmed that the assets acquired from Lukoil will not return under Russian control, despite potential sanction relief, amid growing regulatory pressure.

Western sanctions disrupt Lukoil’s international operations

Sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the U.K. are paralyzing Lukoil's operations in Iraq, Finland, and Switzerland, putting its foreign businesses and local partners at risk.

Aramco’s net profit drops for the eleventh consecutive quarter

Aramco reported a 2.3% decrease in its net profit for the third quarter, amid global economic uncertainties and an oversupply of oil, although its adjusted earnings showed a slight increase.
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EU bans Russian LNG, Arctic bottlenecks and clauses under strain

The gradual ban on Russian cargoes reshapes European flows, increases winter detours via the Northern Sea Route and shifts risk toward force majeure and “change of law,” despite rising global capacity. —

Bulgaria halts fuel exports to EU after sanctions on Lukoil

Sofia temporarily restricts diesel and jet fuel exports to safeguard domestic supply following US sanctions targeting Lukoil, the country’s leading oil operator.

Lukoil sells its African oil assets to Gunvor under pressure from US sanctions

Swiss trader Gunvor will acquire Lukoil’s African stakes as the Russian company retreats in response to new US sanctions targeting its overseas operations.
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Washington temporarily authorises operations linked to Rosneft’s German assets

The United States has issued a general license allowing transactions with two German subsidiaries of Rosneft, giving Berlin until April 2026 to resolve their ownership status.

Excelerate Energy to build Iraq’s first floating LNG terminal in $450 mn deal

Excelerate Energy has signed a definitive agreement with Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity to develop a floating liquefied natural gas import terminal at Khor Al Zubair, with a projected investment of $450 mn.

Turkey locks in 19 Bcma of LNG, Moscow and Tehran under pressure

Botaş lines up a series of liquefied natural gas (LNG, liquefied natural gas) contracts that narrow the space for Russian and Iranian flows, as domestic production and import capacity strengthen its bargaining position. —
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Kazakhstan begins negotiations to export uranium to Finland

Talks are underway between Astana and Helsinki to consider the delivery of Kazakh uranium for Finnish nuclear power plants, amid efforts to diversify energy export markets.

Lukoil begins sale of international assets after new US sanctions

Lukoil has started divesting its foreign assets following new US oil sanctions, a move that could reshape its overseas presence and impact supply in key European markets.

UK Sanctions 20 “Shadow Fleet” Tankers and Rosneft Marine

The United Kingdom tightens sanctions against Russia's oil sector by targeting twenty tankers operating in the "shadow fleet" and Rosneft Marine, amid rising crude prices exceeding the G7-imposed price cap.

ORLEN boosts LPG import capacity with major investment

ORLEN Paliwa has doubled storage capacities and increased annual LPG handling by 65% in Szczecin, now reaching 400,000 tonnes following an investment exceeding PLN 150 million ($36.5mn).

Serbia negotiates gas deal with Gazprom at competitive European price

Belgrade is currently finalising a new gas contract with Russia, promising Europe's lowest tariff, according to Srbijagas General Director Dusan Bajatovic, despite Europe's aim to eliminate Russian imports by 2027.
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Syria resumes petroleum exports from strategic Banias refinery

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.

European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban

The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.

Indonesia and Russia strengthen strategic partnership on civil nuclear energy

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will meet Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg this week to discuss civil nuclear cooperation, defence, and security, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral economic and strategic relations.
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Asian Bank Funds Kyrgyz Energy Upgrade and Targets Kambarata-1 Project

The Asian Development Bank provides nearly a million dollars for improving Kyrgyzstan's energy system and considers an additional $150 million for the strategic Kambarata-1 hydroelectric dam.

Arctic Shipping Route: Commercial Opportunities and Technological Challenges for the Naval Sector

The Northern Sea Route attracts businesses due to its logistical speed but presents significant technological challenges for the naval industry, especially in designing vessels adapted to extreme Arctic conditions.

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.
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Hungary firmly opposes European plan on Russian energy

Hungary, supported by Slovakia, strongly expresses opposition to the European Commission's plan to phase out imports of Russian energy resources, citing major economic and energy impacts for Central Europe.

European Union Hesitates to Independently Lower Russian Oil Price Cap

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.

Nuclear safety at Zaporizhzhya compromised by prolonged conflict in Ukraine

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant remains immobilised by armed conflict, dependent on a single fragile power line and groundwater wells to cool its reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
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Kazakhstan selects Russia and China for its first nuclear power plants

Kazakhstan has selected Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation to build two nuclear power plants totaling 2.4 GW, a decision following a favorable referendum and coinciding with Xi Jinping’s upcoming strategic visit.

Israel Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facilities After Critical Uranium Enrichment Levels

Facing alarming breaches of uranium enrichment thresholds by Iran and explicit existential threats, Israel launches targeted military strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, escalating regional tensions dramatically.

Russia Proposes Converting Iranian Nuclear Excess into Energy Fuel

Russia declares itself ready to retrieve and transform Iran’s excess nuclear materials into fuel, a proposal aimed at easing tense nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.
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Rosatom claims USD 2.9 billion from Finland’s Fortum and Outokumpu

The Moscow Arbitration Court postpones by nine months the trial initiated by Rosatom against Fortum and Outokumpu, seeking nearly three billion dollars following the controversial cancellation of a nuclear project in Finland.

Kremlin Warns of Global Impact from New Russian Oil Price Cap

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.

Brussels proposes to ban all transactions related to Nord Stream gas pipelines

The European Commission aims to prevent any return of Russian gas via Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 with a total transaction ban, part of its 18th sanctions package against Moscow.
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Moscow seeks IAEA assistance to resolve nuclear dispute with Washington

Russia requests IAEA intervention to resolve the deadlock involving American nuclear fuel at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, a critical issue for the potential restart of the site currently under Russian control.

Bratislava urges Brussels to cap gas transit costs

Slovakia is calling on the European Commission to regulate gas transit fees as the EU moves toward a ban on Russian imports by 2027.