Conflit Intérêt

French manufacturer Vallourec will supply Qatar with premium OCTG tubes in a contract worth an estimated $50 million, supporting the planned expansion of oil and gas operations by 2030.
SBM Offshore has secured an operations and maintenance contract from TotalEnergies for the FPSO GranMorgu unit, the first such project in Suriname, covering operational preparation and post-production maintenance for at least two years.

Maurel & Prom strengthens presence in Angola with strategic offshore acquisition

Maurel & Prom acquires additional stakes in two offshore oil blocks in Angola, consolidating its existing assets for an initial sum of $23mn, potentially rising based on market developments and production performance.
Long a major player in OPEC, Iran sees its influence on the oil market significantly reduced due to US sanctions, Israeli strikes, and increasing reliance on exports to China.
After several months of interruption following a major political upheaval, Syria's Banias refinery has shipped its first cargo of refined products abroad, marking a partial revival of its energy sector.

ExxonMobil secures strategic licence extension for Angola’s Block 17

ExxonMobil and its partners have extended the production sharing contract for Block 17 in Angola, securing the continued operation of major infrastructure in a key offshore asset for Africa’s oil sector.
Egypt’s General Petroleum Company discovers a new oil field in Abu Sannan, producing 1,400 barrels per day, confirming growing interest in this mature Western Desert region.
The South Sudanese government is collaborating with Chinese group CNPC to reactivate several major oil fields, aiming to stabilise national production affected by political instability and ongoing technical difficulties.

TotalEnergies buys 25 % of 40 US offshore licences from Chevron

TotalEnergies takes 25 % of a portfolio of 40 exploration permits on the US Outer Continental Shelf, deepening its partnership with Chevron in the Gulf of Mexico’s deepwater.
OPEC confirms global oil demand estimates for 2025-2026 despite slightly adjusted supply, while several members, including Russia, struggle to meet their production targets under the OPEC+ agreement.
Facing anticipated refusal from G7 countries to lower the Russian oil price cap to $45, the European Union weighs its options, leaving global oil markets awaiting the next European sanctions.

Dangote opens its refinery to Nigerian distributors starting August 15

Starting August 15, the Dangote refinery will directly supply gasoline and diesel to Nigerian distributors and industries, expanding its commercial outlets and significantly reshaping the energy landscape of Africa's leading oil producer.
The sudden appearance of hydrocarbon clusters has forced the closure of beaches on the Danish island of Rømø, triggering an urgent municipal investigation and clean-up operation to mitigate local economic impact.
Canadian company Cenovus Energy has fully resumed oil sands production at its Christina Lake site following a wildfire-related shutdown in Alberta.

CGC launches Vaca Muerta project and bets on heavy crude

Argentine company Compañía General de Combustibles is starting operations in the Vaca Muerta shale basin while boosting heavy crude production due to strong local demand and rising prices.
Oil-backed financing is weakened by falling crude prices and persistent production constraints in the country.
Italiana Petroli, in negotiations with three potential buyers, is expected to finalize the total sale of the group for around €3 billion by late June, according to several sources close to the matter speaking to Reuters on Thursday.

ExxonMobil tops upstream explorer ranking according to Wood Mackenzie

ExxonMobil has been named the most admired upstream exploration company in Wood Mackenzie’s latest annual survey, recognised for its performance in Guyana and its ability to open new resource frontiers.
Petronas' workforce reduction reignites questions about internal trade-offs, as the group maintains its commitments in Asia while leaving uncertainty over its operations in Africa.
The Kremlin condemns the European proposal to lower the price cap on Russian oil to $45 per barrel, asserting that this measure could disrupt global energy markets, as the G7 prepares for decisive discussions on the issue.
The Abuja Court of Appeal rejected Malabu Oil & Gas’s lawsuit against Agip, Eni’s subsidiary, by upholding the statute of limitations on the OPL 245 oil block case.
Portugal’s Galp expects a production surge in Brazil driven by the offshore Bacalhau field, in partnership with Sinopec, Equinor and ExxonMobil.

North Atlantic in talks to acquire Esso’s Gravenchon refinery

North Atlantic has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire the Gravenchon refinery, France’s second-largest, from ExxonMobil in a deal reshaping the industrial landscape of the Seine Valley.
TotalEnergies sells its 12.5% stake in the offshore Bonga oil field to Shell for $510mn, raising the British group's share to 67.5% in the OML 118 block off the Nigerian coast.
The Trump administration authorizes Chevron to maintain limited stakes in Venezuela while prohibiting oil production and export, marking a decisive shift for the oil sector amid geopolitical tensions with Maduro’s government.

Indonesia Energy aims to strengthen its upstream oil presence in Indonesia

Indonesia Energy announces a ramp-up in its oil assets with a 60% increase in proven reserves and confirms a strategic shift toward gradual energy diversification.
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.

Russia Challenges Adjustment to Price Cap on Its Oil 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.
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 awards Mecpec Trading as Best Reseller in East Asia

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.
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 launches Mero-4 production with 180,000 barrels per day in Brazil

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.
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.

Niger orders CNPCNP executives to leave over breach of local content rules

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.