Ukraine

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.

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Swiss trader Gunvor has withdrawn its $22bn offer to acquire Lukoil’s international assets after the US Treasury announced it would block any related operating licence.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

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. —

Poland: Orlen Consolidates Gas, Targets Regional Hub Without Liberalization

Poland’s gas market remains highly concentrated around Orlen, which controls imports, production, and distribution, while Warsaw targets internal and regional expansion backed by new infrastructure capacity and demand from heat and power.

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.
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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.

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.

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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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.

Kazakhstan considers swift decision on Lukoil’s local assets

Kazakhstan is reviewing Lukoil's stakes in major oil projects after the Russian group announced plans to divest its international assets following new US sanctions.

Orban attend des garanties énergétiques lors de sa rencontre avec Trump à Washington

Le Premier ministre hongrois se rendra à Washington pour discuter avec Donald Trump des sanctions américaines contre le pétrole russe, dans un contexte de guerre en Ukraine et de dépendance persistante de la Hongrie aux hydrocarbures russes.
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Italian court approves extradition of Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream case

An Italian appeal court has approved the extradition to Germany of a former Ukrainian commander suspected of coordinating the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, a decision now challenged in cassation.

First El Dabaa nuclear reactor receives 330-tonne pressure vessel

The reactor vessel for Unit 1 at Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear plant has been delivered following a 20-day maritime transport from Saint Petersburg, marking a critical milestone in the country’s energy project.

Explosion on a Russian Oil Tanker in Ust-Luga: No Victims or Leaks Reported

A fire broke out aboard the Russian oil tanker *Koala* after an explosion in the engine room, forcing the crew to evacuate the vessel. The accident, which occurred in the port of Ust-Luga, caused no casualties or oil spills, according to authorities.

Baltic States Complete Integration into the European Power Grid

Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have finalized their synchronization with the European electricity grid, ending their dependence on Russian infrastructure. This project, funded with €1.6 billion, strengthens the region’s energy security.

Slovakia Restores Russian Gas Supply via TurkStream

Following the halt of gas deliveries through Ukraine, Slovakia now relies on the TurkStream pipeline and a route through Hungary to secure its supply. This decision aligns with its independent energy strategy despite geopolitical tensions in Europe.
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Les pays baltes achèvent leur déconnexion énergétique de la Russie

La Lituanie, la Lettonie et l'Estonie vont couper leurs derniers liens avec le réseau électrique russe. Ce basculement, prévu le 8 février, marque leur intégration complète au réseau européen après des années de préparation et d'investissements.

Ukraine seeks to revive European interest in its gas storage

Facing declining interest from European companies in its gas storage capacity, state-owned operator UkrTransGaz is focusing on integrating into the European Union market and implementing measures to strengthen the competitiveness of its infrastructure despite security challenges.

Tata Power explores opportunities in small modular reactors in India

The Indian government is considering amending the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate private sector involvement in civil nuclear energy. Tata Power is closely monitoring these developments, particularly regarding the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology still in the research phase.
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Russia: IAEA Praises Safety Efforts at Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant

A mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed safety practices at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant, operated by Rosatom. The audit highlighted advancements in operational safety while recommending targeted improvements.

EU Strengthens Energy Aid to Moldova with €250 Million

Amid energy tensions with Russia, the European Union has announced a new €250 million financial aid package to support Moldova in 2025. This funding aims to stabilize the country’s energy supply while reducing its dependence on Russian gas.

Trade War: China Imposes Tariffs on U.S. Hydrocarbons in Retaliation

China is imposing new tariffs on U.S. hydrocarbons and coal in response to Washington’s reinforced duties. This escalation intensifies trade tensions between the two powers and raises major strategic stakes in the energy sector. ##
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U.S. Tariffs: Impact on the Global Energy Industry

The recent changes in U.S. tariff policies could affect the global energy industry, particularly trade in key products such as natural gas and renewable energy equipment.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Aramco Adjusts Prices in Response to Asian Demand

Saudi Aramco plans to raise its official selling prices (OSP) in March, driven by China’s economic recovery and the redirection of Russian oil flows. Asian refiners are adapting to these new dynamics, influencing premiums on Middle Eastern crude.

Strikes on Russian Energy Sites: Impact on Production and Markets

Ukraine has claimed drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, affecting strategic facilities of Gazprom and other players. These attacks raise questions about supply and market stability in the region.
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Sami’s Rights and Renewable Energies: Legal Disputes Shake Northern Europe.

At the heart of the vast northern expanses, Sami communities see their ancestral ways of life challenged by the rise of renewable projects. A factual narrative revealing the tensions between economic modernization and the preservation of millennia-old traditions.

Moldova Routes Gas to Transnistria Thanks to the EU

Moldova begins routing gas to Transnistria with the help of €30 million from the EU, ensuring supply until February 10 despite the energy crisis.

Moldova: European Aid for the Gas Crisis in Transnistria Sparks Tensions

The separatist authorities of Transnistria accuse Chisinau of diverting the European aid of 30 million euros intended for gas purchases. Disagreements persist over the distribution of resources amid the ongoing energy crisis following the halt of Russian deliveries.
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American Pressure and Market Balance: OPEC+ Faces Trump’s Demands

The Trump administration is increasing pressure on OPEC to boost oil production. Between economic strategies and geopolitical stakes, global market balance remains fragile as OPEC+ takes a cautious approach ahead of key decisions.

Kazakhstan Embarks on Shale Oil Production

Kazakhstan begins shale oil production in 2025, marking a new step in its economic strategy amidst growth challenges and energy dependency.

Europe Falling Behind on Its Own Hydrogen Objectives for 2030

Despite strong ambitions for renewable hydrogen, Europe is struggling to align its national and industrial efforts, with only 2% of projects surpassing the feasibility stage, according to a report by EY.
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Conflict in Ukraine: Trump, Putin, and Energy Diplomacy Under Pressure

Energy issues and political strategies are shaping relations between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky as negotiations over Ukraine could redefine the global geopolitical balance.

Ukraine Offers Coal to Address Energy Crisis in Transnistria

In the midst of prolonged tensions with Russia, Ukraine offers to provide free coal to Transnistria, a pro-Russian region of Moldova, to alleviate an energy crisis worsened by the cutoff of Russian gas supplies.