IMF will soon begin a mission in Ukraine, stressing the need for anti-corruption measures
Julie Kozack, the spokesperson for the International Monetary Fund, said that a staff delegation will be sent to Ukraine to discuss the country's financing needs and to explore a possible new lending program. She also stressed the importance of continuing anti-corruption measures in the war-torn nation. Yuliia Shvyrydenko, Ukrainian Prime Minister, announced on Thursday an audit of state-owned businesses, including those in the energy industry, after an alleged corruption scandal involving $100 million that led to the suspensions of two cabinet members. The anti-corruption authorities announced this week that they had arrested five people, and two more are still at large.
Blackstone invests $1.2 billion to build a power plant in West Virginia
Blackstone announced on Thursday that its unit will invest around $1.2 billion in building a power station in West Virginia. The asset manager is stepping up efforts to meet the surging demand for electricity due to artificial intelligence and industrial expansion. Utilities, large investors and data center operators have increased their funding to build more power capacity. The Wolf Summit Energy Project, a 600-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle plant in Harrison County, will provide power to Old Dominion Electric Cooperative which services about 1.5 million people across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Bilal Khan is a senior managing Director at Blackstone.
How much will the price of ROI-LNG drop by 2026? Russell
The market for liquefied gas is bracing itself for an increase in supply, mostly from the top exporter, the United States. However, it is not clear how low the spot price will need to fall to clear these additional volumes. According to commodity analysts Kpler, the global supply of super-chilled gasoline is forecast to reach 475 million metric tonnes in 2026. This represents a 10.2% increase over the 431 millions tons predicted for 2025. This figure is comparable to South Korea's total annual demand, which is the third largest LNG importer in the world behind China and Japan. Go Katayama, Kpler's principal LNG expert, told a Sydney seminar on Thursday that the U.S.
EU injects new money into Ukraine for Naftogaz
The top European development banks and Ukrainian Naftogaz energy company signed a deal Thursday that will provide hundreds of millions to ensure Ukraine's gas supply in the face of ongoing Russian attacks on its infrastructure. The war with Russia has impacted the energy system of Ukraine, causing a rise in gas imports. Norway announced in January that it would finance Ukrainian purchases of natural gas. The EIB, which is the lending arm of the EU, announced that an EU grant will provide Naftogaz with 127 million euro ($127 million) in additional funding on top of the 300 billion euro loan they announced last month.
Swiss trader MET Group triples 2025 LNG cargoes, eyes global expansion, executive says
A Swiss energy trader, MET Group, has nearly tripled its liquefied gas cargo import volume so far this season. It expects even greater growth in the years to come as it prepares for expansion outside Europe and capitalises on global LNG demand. MET delivered LNG in 16 countries during the past year. Its most active markets were Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. In Asia, MET delivered LNG to China (India), Japan, and South Korea. "We have already transacted 82 loads this year. In the previous year, we transacted 28 cargoes. By the end of the year, we will have tripled the amount of business that we do.
Inpex Japan raises its annual profit forecast due to lower costs
Inpex, Japan's largest oil and gas exploration company, raised its net profit forecast by 5% for the year on Thursday. Lower-than-expected expenses offset a reduced shipment of its Ichthys project in Australia because of maintenance. The company expects a net profit of $3.65 billion in 2025. This is up from the August forecast of $3.65 billion. It also exceeds analysts' estimates of 370.9 billion yen, according to an LSEG survey. The net profit from January to the end of September increased by 1.4% over the previous year, reaching a new record of 293.4 billion yen.
Norway oil companies raise 2026 investment outlook, survey shows
A survey by the Norwegian Statistics Office of industry participants showed that their estimated investments for 2026 have increased compared to three-month estimates. Norway is the world's second largest oil producer, and after Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022 it became Europe's leading natural gas supplier. According to estimates made in August, the country's largest business sector is expecting to invest a record amount of 275 billion Norwegian crowns (approximately $27.38 billion) by 2025. This represents an increase of 7.3% over last year.
French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch
Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. The French parliament voted on Wednesday to suspend the controversial pension reform, as budget bills for next year are pushed through under constant threats to the survival of the government. Solvay announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Noveon Forge to supply rare earth materials starting in 2026. It has also partnered up with Permag to supply rare earth materials. Carrefour, Europe's biggest food retailer, announced…
ADNOC Gas' quarterly profit increases by 8% due to strong domestic demand and better margins
ADNOC Gas announced a 8% increase in its third quarter net profit, to $1.34bn, on Thursday. This was its highest ever for this period. Strong domestic demand and improved margins were able to offset the weaker oil prices. ADNOC's subsidiary in Abu Dhabi reported a net profit of $3.99 billion for the three-quarter period ended September 30th, 2025. This is an increase of 10% over a year ago. ADNOC Gas reported that the profit growth was achieved despite the average oil price of $71 per barrel during the nine month period. This compares to $83 per barrel in the same period the previous year.
New Fortress Energy delays quarterly filings amid debt restructuring discussions
New Fortress Energy, a U.S. company that deals in liquefied gas, has asked for more time to submit its third-quarter financial results. The company is negotiating a debt restructuring due to an upcoming interest repayment. The company has been delaying its quarterly filings all year and said that the outcome of these talks could impact what it discloses for the three-month period ending September 30. New Fortress stated that it would evaluate how possible defaults under their debt agreements could impact its cash position, if the extension was not granted. As of June 30, the long-term debt was $7.8 billion.
Chevron: Argentina's costs are still challenging, despite reform progress
Mark Nelson, Vice Chairman of Chevron, said that the cost of doing business remains high in Argentina despite the promising geology. The government of Javier Milei has made progress to promote the oil industry. Mark Nelson, Vice Chairman of Chevron, said that the geology in Argentina is excellent despite the progress made by the government under President Javier Milei to promote the oil economy. Chevron holds exploration and development interest in the Vaca Muerta Formation in southern Neuquen Province, where the estimated ultimate recovery is 50% higher per well than the average in the Permian Basin in Texas.
Lukoil attracts buyers for its foreign assets
The foreign assets of Russian oil giant Lukoil, which range from Egypt to Kazakhstan are attracting bidders. Time is running out for the deals to be completed before U.S. sanctions are enforced. As part of their efforts to get the Kremlin into peace talks on Ukraine, the U.S. has imposed sanctions against Lukoil. They have already blocked Lukoil’s attempts to sell foreign assets before the deadline of November 21, 2015. Sanctions have already affected Lukoil operations in Iraq and at pump stations in Finland, as well as a refinery located in Bulgaria. As the empire crumbles, governments and other partners hope to grab its foreign assets at a bargain price.
As the US shutdown comes to an end, UK's FTSE100 hits a record high.
Investors welcomed signs that the long-running U.S. shutdown may be ending. The blue-chip index ended 0.1% higher and is now within striking distance of 10,000. The FTSE 250 mid-cap index was down by 0.7%. Upgrade the UK's regulated electric networks and expand their renewable business. Metal mining companies gained 1.3% in value as the copper price increased on global commodities markets. Market sentiment improved after growing optimism that the U.S. This has caused a disruption in the release of important economic data. The Federal Reserve would be better able to make future interest rate decisions if a resolution were reached.
Chevron aims to increase cash flow by 10% annually through 2030 and cut costs even more.
Chevron announced on Wednesday its plans to increase oil and gas production and grow free cash flow annually by more than 10 percent through 2030, all while reducing costs and capital spending. Chevron announced its new guidance on Wednesday at their investor day. The company has been working to improve efficiency following a restructuring that took place earlier this year, which included the layoff of up to 20 percent of employees or approximately 8,000 people. After a delay of a year, the company completed its $55 billion purchase of Hess. This delayed it from providing long-term financial forecasts until now.
Mexico's Vista will invest $4.5 billion to boost production in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale.
Vista, a Mexican energy company, announced on Wednesday that it would invest over $4.5 billion into the vast Vaca Muerta shale in Argentina to increase production. Vista's production is expected to increase to over 200,000 barrels equivalent per day by 2030 from the 114,000 boe/d it was expecting this year. The company said as much in an investor presentation. Mexico City listed shares of the company rose nearly 2% in value after opening to 950 pesos (US$51.72). Vista, Argentina's second largest shale producer has heavily invested in Vaca Muerta. It said that the firm plans to double its export revenue in the next three-year period, bringing in $8 billion.
Lukoil's drilling plans in the Black Sea of Romania are stymied by sanctions
Vantage Drilling, a company listed in Oslo, has cancelled a contract for drilling next year. Two industry sources said on Wednesday that the contract was with Russian oil major Lukoil to explore its Romanian Black Sea Trident discovery. This cancellation comes just days after the company declared force majeure on its Iraqi oilfield, the company's prized asset abroad. Vantage Drilling announced on 19 October that it had cancelled a contract of 260 days for its drillship Platinum Explorer without revealing the client or location. Three days earlier, Britain had imposed restrictions on Lukoil as well as Rosneft, another Russian oil company.
The Black Sea Infrastructure is at risk, according to the Romanian National Defence Strategy
A draft national defence strategy released on Wednesday said that Romania must strengthen its ties with allies along the Black Sea to protect energy projects, which will make Romania the largest gas producer of the European Union in 2027. In the past two years, the EU and NATO member state has been repeatedly violated by Russian drones. Mines have also been spotted in the Black Sea along key trade and energy routes. Bulgaria, Romania and Georgia, along with Turkey and Ukraine, share the Black Sea, which is vital for grain, oil, and oil-based products.
The UK's FTSE100 is down as energy and industrial shares weigh
The FTSE 100 index in London dipped on Wednesday, after two sessions of record-high levels. Losses in energy and industrial shares weighed heavily on the market. Blue-chip index fell 0.1% to 9,886 as of 1214 GMT. However, it is still nearing record levels and within striking range of the 10,000 point. The mid-cap index FTSE 250 rose 0.1%. The market sentiment improved this week as investors hoped for a resolution to the U.S. Government shutdown. Investors expect that the U.S. House of Representatives will vote soon to end the shutdown, which has prevented the release of important economic data.
Chevron targets 10% cash flow growth annually through 2030 and higher cost reduction
Chevron announced on Wednesday its plans to increase free cash flow and oil and gas production by over 10% per year through 2030, and reduce costs and capital expenditures. Chevron announced new guidance on its investor day as part of an effort to improve the efficiency of the company following a restructuring earlier this year that included layoffs. After a delay of a year, the company completed its acquisition of Hess for $55 billion in July. This had prevented it to give long-term financial advice until now. Its shares are up 7.8% so far this year, but they're still behind rival oil producers Exxon Mobil & Shell.
The cold weather forecast is driving up gas prices in the Netherlands and Britain
The wholesale prices of Dutch and British gas rose on Wednesday morning as the colder weather forecast increased demand. LSEG data revealed that the benchmark Dutch front-month contract for the TTF hub had increased by 0.34 euros to 31.50 Euros per Megawatt Hour (MWh), or $10.67 /mmBtu at 0913 GMT. The Dutch day-ahead rate was 30.75 euros/MWh, up 0.55 Euro. The British day-ahead contracts was up by 4.9 pence to 68 p/therm. Ulrich Weber, LSEG's analyst, said that the temperature forecast for next week is 0.7 degrees Celsius colder than it was this morning. The temperatures are expected to be well below normal.