popular articles

New US sanctions target Iran’s energy sector

Washington is targeting the Iranian network to curb the financing of regional activities via the trade in energy products.
Sanctions USA Commerce Iran Houtis

Please share:

On March 26, the US Treasury Department issued sanctions against individuals and vessels involved in the transportation of Iranian energy products, marking the sixth round of measures specifically targeting financial facilitators of the Houthi rebels. These sanctions target Sa’id al-Jamal’s network, using a series of companies and vessels to move Iranian products with shipping documents and practices designed to disguise their Iranian origin.

Impact and objectives of sanctions

According to Rachel Ziemba of Horizon Engage, these sanctions complicate the marketing of certain Iranian products, notably by increasing the cost of selling them to China, the main buyer. Although mainly targeting fuel shipments helping the Houthi rebels and their regional allies, the effectiveness of these measures in reaching Iranian and Houthi rebel finances remains to be assessed.

Vessels and entities sanctioned

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned the Panamanian-flagged tanker Dawn II and its Liberia-based owner Hassaleh International for transporting Iranian energy products to China. Similarly, the Palau-flagged tanker Abyss, its Vietnamese owner Quoc Viet Marine Transport JSC, and its India-based operator Melody Shipmanagement Pvt Ltd, were sanctioned for similar activities. KNH Shipping Private Limited, based in India, was also sanctioned for supplying falsified shipping documents to Sa’id al-Jamal’s network.

By affecting trade in Iranian energy products, these sanctions raise questions about the security of energy infrastructure and the prospects for the gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Market reactions include increased focus on the economic and practical viability of using Ukrainian storage facilities, with PJM Interconnection taking a wait-and-see approach to the evolving legal situation.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

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.
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.
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.
Carlo McLeod joins the new presidential unit dedicated to hydrocarbons as Namibia centralises oil sector governance under the head of state.
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.
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.
Petroecuador suspended activities at its Esmeraldas refinery following a fire, with no injuries reported, while an investigation is under way to assess the damage.
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.
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.
Falling oil prices strain shareholder returns as supermajors weigh high dividends against cash flow stability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
BW Offshore has handed over the operations of the FPSO BW Adolo to BW Energy Gabon while retaining ownership and the vessel lease under previously agreed terms.
BW Offshore has handed over the operations of the FPSO BW Adolo to BW Energy Gabon while retaining ownership and the vessel lease under previously agreed terms.
Savannah Energy recorded a 19% rise in revenues in the first quarter of 2025, driven by the integration of a new asset in Nigeria and improved cash flows.
Savannah Energy recorded a 19% rise in revenues in the first quarter of 2025, driven by the integration of a new asset in Nigeria and improved cash flows.
PermRock Royalty Trust will pay a monthly distribution of USD371,192.79 on June 13, based on oil and gas production from March 2025 and calculated at USD0.030511 per trust unit.
Mazoon Mining, a subsidiary of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), has secured USD 270 million in financing and signed key contracts for Oman’s largest copper concentrate project, aimed at supporting the country’s mining sector.
Mazoon Mining, a subsidiary of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), has secured USD 270 million in financing and signed key contracts for Oman’s largest copper concentrate project, aimed at supporting the country’s mining sector.
Côte d'Ivoire signed an agreement with Yaatra Ventures to build a 170,000 barrels/day oil refinery, a $5.1 billion investment aimed at boosting national refining capacity.
Côte d'Ivoire signed an agreement with Yaatra Ventures to build a 170,000 barrels/day oil refinery, a $5.1 billion investment aimed at boosting national refining capacity.
The International Court of Justice ruled on the validity of treaties between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea over three strategic offshore islets potentially rich in oil.
The International Court of Justice ruled on the validity of treaties between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea over three strategic offshore islets potentially rich in oil.

Advertising