Russia

Storm in the Black Sea halts crude shipments at CPC terminal

Caspian Pipeline Consortium suspended loading and intake operations due to a storm and full storage capacity.

Russian gas exports to Europe fall to 18 bcm, lowest level since the 1970s

Pipeline natural gas deliveries from Russia to the European Union dropped by 44% in 2025, reaching their lowest level in five decades following the end of transit via Ukraine.

Lithuania extends gas transit to Kaliningrad until 2030

Amber Grid has signed an agreement to maintain gas transit to Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, with a daily capacity cap of 10.5 mn m³ until the end of 2030, under a framework regulated by the European Union.
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TPAO, MOL and ORLEN expand Libyan presence ahead of 2026 energy summit

Turkish, Hungarian and Polish national companies confirm participation in Tripoli's summit as Libya revives upstream investments and broadens licensing opportunities.

Russia provides $9bn for Turkey’s Akkuyu nuclear power plant

Ankara confirmed new Russian funding for the Akkuyu project, Turkey’s first nuclear site, strengthening its energy ties with Moscow and advancing its domestic nuclear ambitions.

Nigerien junta rejects French accusations over uranium disappearance

Niger’s military regime disputes theft allegations by French prosecutors after uranium stock vanished from a nationalised site previously operated by Orano.
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Rosatom confirms HTGR fuel resilience under extreme temperature conditions

Rosatom successfully completed a series of tests on its high-temperature gas-cooled reactor fuel, validating its performance at up to 1,700 °C under prolonged irradiation conditions.

Solarpro inaugurates 450 MW solar power plant with LONGi modules in Hungary

Solarpro commissions Hungary’s largest photovoltaic plant using 700,000 advanced modules supplied by LONGi, with an expected annual output of 470 GWh.

Holtec and MVM join forces to deploy small nuclear reactors in Hungary

US-based Holtec has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s energy group MVM to assess the deployment of its SMR-300 technology, strengthening bilateral nuclear cooperation and opening prospects for a new market in Central Europe.
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Westinghouse secures $114mn contract to supply fuel to Paks nuclear plant

MVM Group has signed an agreement with Westinghouse to secure VVER-440 fuel supplies from 2028, reducing its reliance on Russia and strengthening nuclear cooperation between Budapest and Washington.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

European gas prices drop due to hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine and improving stock levels

European gas prices reach their lowest level in two months, supported by progress in Ukraine negotiations and slight improvement in gas reserves. The Dutch TTF futures contract falls 3.37% to €42.80.

Kyrgyzstan Relaunches Major Hydroelectric Project with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan team up to construct the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric plant, a Soviet-era project revived to address energy and water shortages in Central Asia. The $3.5bn initiative requires international investment.

CEZ wins arbitration against Gazprom for over one billion crowns

Czech energy group CEZ has won an arbitration case against Russian company Gazprom, securing more than one billion crowns in damages for reduced gas deliveries in 2022.
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Uniper reduces business risks and plans €2.6 billion payment

Uniper recorded adjusted EBITDA of €2.61 billion in 2024, significantly down from the previous year. The company has reduced its business risks, notably by terminating its gas supply contracts with Gazprom Export, and plans to make a €2.6 billion payment to the German state.

Uniper launches two photovoltaic projects in Hungary for 151 MWp

Uniper has launched the construction of two photovoltaic parks in Hungary, in Tét and Dunaföldvár, which will add 151 MWp of capacity to the country’s renewable energy production.

Wood Mackenzie forecasts Brent crude to average $73/barrel in 2025

According to Wood Mackenzie's forecast, the average Brent crude price in 2025 will be $73/barrel, influenced by complex geopolitical and economic factors, including the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Iran.
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The European Commission accelerates Ukraine’s energy integration

The European Commission announces a support plan to strengthen Ukraine’s energy security and fully integrate its electricity and gas markets with the European Union by 2027, in cooperation with Moldova.

EU Nuclear Alliance calls for nuclear energy inclusion in Europe’s affordable energy plan

Eleven European countries urge the European Commission to include nuclear energy in the Affordable Energy Action Plan, aimed at reducing energy costs and enhancing the continent's energy security.

The UK and Norway Strengthen Cooperation to Protect Submarine Infrastructure

Amid rising Russian threats, Norway and the UK will enhance their collaboration to safeguard their vital underwater infrastructure.
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Rosatom begins discussions on cooperation with Egypt in quantum technology

The Russian public company Rosatom begins talks with Egypt to explore joint projects in quantum technology, with concrete proposals in several high-tech sectors.

Putin Asks Kazakhstan’s Partners to Fund CPC Pipeline Repairs After Drone Attack

A drone attack on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) threatens to disrupt Kazakhstan's oil exports. Vladimir Putin urges foreign partners, including Chevron, to fund the necessary repairs.

France Becomes Europe’s Leading Hub for Russian LNG Despite Restrictions

France’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia surged by 81% between 2023 and 2024, reaching €2.68 billion. With its extensive port infrastructure, France has become the primary entry point for Russian LNG into Europe, marking a shift in the market landscape.
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Kazakhstan and Hungary Agree on Oil Exports via Druzhba Pipeline

An agreement was signed in February 2025 between Kazakhstan and Hungary to enhance oil exports from Kazakhstan via the Druzhba pipeline. This development could change the energy dynamics in Central Europe.

Kazakhstan Signs First Uranium Supply Deal with Switzerland

Kazatomprom will supply natural uranium concentrate to Switzerland for the first time under a contract with Axpo. This transaction aligns with Switzerland's strategy to secure energy supplies amid declining Russian gas deliveries.

Drone Attack in Russia Disrupts Caspian Pipeline Consortium Pipeline

A drone strike in Russia has forced the shutdown of a key pumping station on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) pipeline, temporarily reducing its capacity to transport Kazakh oil to Europe. The incident comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
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Global Oil Demand to Rise Sharply in 2025, Says IEA

The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts an increase of 1.1 million barrels per day (mb/d) in 2025, driven by consumption in non-OECD countries. Global production is expected to follow an upward trend despite recent declines and market tensions.

Chernobyl: The Economic Impact of Strikes on the Confinement Arch

The attack of an explosive drone on the Chernobyl confinement arch raises questions about the security of critical infrastructure. The incident, confirmed by the IAEA, could have repercussions on energy markets and the management of nuclear assets.

Kazakhstan Strengthens Gas Exports to China in 2025

QazaqGaz and PetroChina have signed an agreement to increase Kazakh gas exports to China in 2025. This expansion is part of a broader strategic energy cooperation between the two countries, further solidifying their commercial and economic ties.
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Transnistria Bypasses European Offer with Russian-Hungarian Gas Alternative

Facing the end of Gazprom deliveries, Transnistria is now sourcing gas through a Hungarian company, financed by a Russian intermediary. The European Union had proposed aid, conditioned on reforms, which the separatist region rejected.

Moldova: Gas Transit to Transnistria Allowed Under Conditions

The Moldovan government has authorized the transit of gas to Transnistria via Hungary, but under strict conditions. Tiraspol must release political prisoners and lift restrictions. Meanwhile, the region has rejected a €60 million European aid package.