Ukraine

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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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.

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.
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Iran offers support to Venezuela after oil tankers seized by Washington

Caracas says Iran has offered reinforced cooperation after the interception of two ships carrying Venezuelan crude, amid escalating tensions with the United States.

Venezuelan oil: Caracas maintains exports despite US naval blockade

The Venezuelan national oil company has confirmed the continuity of its crude exports, as the United States enforces a maritime blockade targeting sanctioned vessels operating around the country.

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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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.

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.
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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.

IAEA warns of restricted access to Iranian nuclear site since June strikes

The International Atomic Energy Agency denounces the ongoing inspection blockage at several damaged Iranian nuclear facilities, where stocks of highly enriched uranium remain.
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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.

Iran Launches $17 Billion Project to Boost South Pars Gas Field Extraction

Iran invests $17 billion to counteract declining reservoir pressure at South Pars, a gas field shared with Qatar, securing estimated reserves equivalent to around 363 billion barrels of oil.

Trump unveils energy policy in Houston, focuses on fossil fuels

The Trump administration is detailing its energy priorities in Houston this week, focusing on deregulation and support for fossil fuels. The CERAWeek conference, which gathers key industry players, will serve as the stage for these announcements.

Bangladesh: IAEA inspects Rooppur nuclear power plant ahead of commissioning

The International Atomic Energy Agency has begun an assessment visit to the Rooppur nuclear power plant, Bangladesh’s first facility, 90% financed by Russia. The inspection focuses on site safety ahead of the scheduled fuel loading in 2025.
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Orano secures €400M loan from EIB for uranium enrichment plant expansion

Orano has secured a €400 million loan from the European Investment Bank to finance the expansion of its Georges Besse II uranium enrichment plant at Tricastin, aiming to increase its capacity by 30% by 2028.

Jordan bets on uranium to structure its mining industry

Jordan is developing its uranium industry with a feasibility study aimed at securing funding. A strategic partnership with a Kazakh company supports this initiative as the country seeks to exploit its resources locally.

OPEC+ Gradually Increases Iraqi Oil Production Starting April 2025

OPEC+ has authorized a gradual increase in Iraq's oil quota starting in April 2025, enabling the country to reach 4.11 million barrels per day by January 2026, amid strategic developments marked by the imminent reopening of the Iraq-Turkey pipeline.
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Washington ends Iraq’s exemption for purchasing Iranian electricity

The United States has decided not to renew Iraq’s exemption, granted since 2018, allowing Baghdad to import electricity from Iran despite U.S. sanctions. This measure increases pressure on Iraq, whose energy supply largely depends on its neighbour.

Orano signs contract with Energoatom for uranium enrichment

French group Orano has signed an agreement with Energoatom to provide uranium enrichment services until 2040. This collaboration aims to reduce Ukraine's reliance on Rosatom, the Russian nuclear giant.

Public companies emit more CO2 than private firms, according to a study

State-owned companies, such as Saudi Aramco, are responsible for more CO2 emissions than private firms like Shell or ExxonMobil, according to a study by the British think tank InfluenceMap.
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Russia and Myanmar sign deal for construction of nuclear power plant

Russia and Myanmar have signed an agreement for the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar. The project aims to provide affordable energy for Myanmar’s economy while strengthening bilateral relations.

France, Europe’s main importer of Russian LNG in 2024

In 2024, France maintained its position as the leading importer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Europe, despite an overall decline in its gas consumption.

Opec+ announces gradual increase in production, causing oil prices to fall

Opec+ has reaffirmed its plan for a gradual increase in oil production starting from April 2025, a decision that has led to a drop in oil prices, particularly Brent. This strategy marks a shift in the cartel’s approach.
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Opec+ production increases lead to a drop in oil prices

Oil prices dropped this Tuesday after Opec+’s decision to maintain its plan of gradual production increases starting in April, despite calls from the US president to reduce energy prices.

Russia accuses Ukraine again of attacking the TurkStream pipeline

Russia has once again accused Ukraine of attacking the TurkStream pipeline with drones, marking the second attack in two months aimed at disrupting Russian gas deliveries to Europe.

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.
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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.

France negotiates access to Ukrainian raw materials for its defence industry

France has been negotiating with Ukraine since October to secure access to strategic raw materials necessary for its defence industry. This move is part of a broader strategy to diversify supply sources.

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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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.

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.