Russian spy ships have been spotted mapping energy and telecommunications infrastructure in northern waters. Nordic broadcasters have tracked messages from these ships to Russian naval bases, suggesting an information-gathering operation potentially for acts of sabotage.

The UN is holding a virtual donor conference on May 4 to raise the missing $29 million for the crucial operation to rescue an abandoned oil tanker off the coast of war-torn Yemen. The operation to prevent an oil spill in the Red Sea has a total cost of $148 million.

The EU is preparing for a possible interruption of natural gas supplies from Russia in 2023, but is ready with contingency plans. The Commission stresses the need for the EU to prepare for the energy transition and not to become too dependent on a single supplier.

Andrew Light emphasizes at the G7 Ministers' meeting the importance of new gas investments and critical mineral security to reduce dependence on China. G7 leaders adopted an agreement recognizing a role for gas.

Emmanuel Macron will participate in the 2nd North Sea Summit to accelerate the deployment of offshore renewable energy. France will join seven other European countries in making the North Sea the "green powerhouse of Europe".

The EU is seeking a deal with the U.S. on critical materials for the energy transition, following a similar deal with Japan, while concerns about Biden's IRA subsidies continue to grow among the U.S.'s economically close partner countries.

Sinopec becomes the first Asian shareholder in Qatar's North Field East project, the world's largest gas field, by acquiring a 5% stake. The project aims to increase Qatar's annual liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and strengthens relations between China and the Gulf country.

Russia is beginning to export fuel to Iran by rail to circumvent Western sanctions. Although bottlenecks are encountered along the road, rail transport represents a promising new avenue for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

Hungary and Russia agreed to amend contracts for the expansion of a nuclear power plant, as well as to sign two agreements on gas and oil during the visit of the Hungarian foreign minister to Moscow. The controversial project is 80% financed by a Russian loan of 10 billion euros.

ICJ rejects Venezuela's objections in a territorial dispute with Guyana over the Essequibo. The court may now proceed to hearings on the merits of the case.

The sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines remains mysterious, according to the Swedish prosecutor who is leading the investigation, with the assumption that a state is responsible. The attack remains linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, although those responsible are not yet known despite ongoing investigations in several countries in the region.

Oil prices are holding steady despite OPEC+ production cuts, with concerns about global economic growth limiting the surprise effect. Analysts are awaiting the release of U.S. commercial inventories for the week ended March 31.

IAEA Director Rafael Grossi travels to Russia to secure the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which has been fired upon several times. Russia says it is ready to work on the implementation of Mr. Grossi's proposals to ensure the safety of operations.

TotalEnergies and the Iraqi government have confirmed the terms of the contract for the development and production of the GGIP project, with Basrah Oil Company holding 30% and QatarEnergy 25%. The $10 billion project aims to improve Iraq's electricity supply.

The U.S. and EU are strengthening their cooperation to accelerate the green transition and ensure energy security. They have committed to maintaining a high delivery of U.S. liquefied natural gas to Europe in 2023.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. wants to continue working with Saudi Arabia, despite the decision by some oil-producing countries, including the Saudi kingdom, to cut production. Kirby emphasized that while the two countries do not agree on everything, they are finding ways to work together on important issues.

Opec+ members have reduced their oil production, causing prices to soar. This decision strengthens the Russian-Saudi couple and puts the United States in difficulty.

Russia and other major oil producing countries have announced production cuts to maintain global prices. These declines caused oil prices to jump on Monday morning, good news for Russian finances.

Oil prices rose after eight OPEC+ countries announced a voluntary cut of more than one million barrels per day through the end of the year, signifying an actual reduction in supply and a tightening of the market. Brent and WTI prices recorded their strongest increases in a year.

Chinese oil giants Sinopec and Cnooc have seen profits rise in 2022 due to the war in Ukraine and the global economic recovery, despite slower growth expected in 2023, while China continues to increase its gas imports from Russia.

The nationalization of Esso Chad's assets, contested by Savannah Energy PLC, has been voted by the Chadian transitional parliament.

Denmark carried out an operation to recover a suspicious object. This object, a smoke buoy, would be linked to the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which took place last September.