Trump calls on US oil companies to fix Venezuela's rotting energy industry
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, began a meeting at the White House on Friday to discuss Venezuela. He said he wanted executives from some of the largest oil companies in the world to invest $100 billion to expand Venezuela's production. The meeting reflects Trump's importance for oil in his strategy towards the OPEC nation, after U.S. troops seized Nicolas Maduro as the leader of the South American nation during a brazen raid overnight on the capital on January 3. He said: "We will be making the decisions as to which oil firms are going to enter…
Trump meets with oil companies in Venezuela
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, began a meeting at the White House with executives of some of the largest oil companies in the world on Friday. He said that increasing crude production from Venezuela will benefit the United States. The meeting reflects Trump's importance for oil in his strategy towards the OPEC nation, after U.S. troops?seized South American leader Nicolas Maduro during a brazen raid overnight on the?capital of the country January 3. Officials in the Trump administration have stated that they must control Venezuela's revenue and oil sales for as long as possible to ensure it acts "in America's interest".
Baker Hughes reports that US drillers have cut back on oil and gas drilling for the first time in 3 weeks.
Baker Hughes, a closely watched energy services firm, said that U.S. firms have cut back on the number of oil rigs and natural gas rigs operating for the first time since three weeks. The number of oil and gas drilling rigs, a leading indicator of future production, dropped by two in the week ending January 9 to 544, the lowest level since mid-December. Baker Hughes reported that the total number of rigs is down by?40, or 7%, from this time last week. Baker Hughes reported that oil rigs dropped by three this week to 409, and gas rigs by one, the lowest level since October.
White House oil meeting includes independents and has strong ties to Denver
On Friday, the White House will be inviting oil executives to meet with them in order to discuss possible investment in Venezuela. While the list of attendees includes some big names from American oil, such as Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron, it also contains smaller independents, private equity-backed companies, and other players. Only the largest U.S. An oil industry source said that oil producers in Venezuela have the experience and scale to operate there. It is noteworthy that smaller companies from Venezuela were included in the meeting, given that most of them operate in the U.S. Continental Resources will also be there, and HKN Inc.
The European stock rally is stalled as traders evaluate the economic impact of Venezuela
After a string of record closings, European stocks were down?on Wednesday as investors took a break to digest the latest U.S. - Venezuela developments and awaited new economic data. The?STOXX?600 index was slightly lower at 0920 GMT a day after it reached a new closing high. Investors were cautious following the announcement by U.S. president Donald Trump that the United States has reached an agreement to import $2 billion of Venezuelan crude oil, which is expected to increase supply. In response to Trump's remarks, oil prices dropped. Shares of UK energy giants Shell and BP fell 2.4% and 3.1% respectively. The European energy index also dropped 1.7%.
The European stock rally is stalling as traders evaluate the economic impact of Venezuela
After a string of record-breaking?closes?, European stocks were subdued Wednesday as investors took time to digest recent U.S.?developments? between Venezuela and the United States. They also awaited new economic data. STOXX 600 was slightly lower at 0920 GMT a day after it had reached a new closing record. Investors were cautious when U.S. president Donald Trump announced that the United States has reached an agreement to import $2 billion of Venezuelan oil, which is expected to increase supply. In response to Trump's remarks, oil prices dropped. Shell and BP, UK's two largest energy companies, fell 2.4% and 3.1% respectively.
Shell purchases stakes in offshore blocks in Angola from Chevron
Shell announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Chevron to purchase a stake in two offshore blocks in ultra-deep water offshore Angola. European oil companies have announced that they will invest billions of dollars in Angola. Angola is the second-largest crude producer in Sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria. Angola has implemented major regulatory reforms in order to 'attract investments into its energy sector. It aims to keep production at or above 1,000,000 barrels per day. "We have signed a farm-in contract with Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Ltd, a subsidiary of Chevron to acquire a 35% stake in Block 49 and 50 off the coast of Angola.
Bousso: Trump offers US oil companies in Venezuela a poisoned cup
Donald Trump, the president of the United States, is offering U.S. companies an opportunity to revitalize Venezuela's vast and derelict petroleum industry. This is an offer that they might not want to accept. U.S. Representatives of the Trump administration will meet with oil executives this week to discuss increasing Venezuelan oil production. Monday is a holiday. Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips may find it attractive to tap Venezuela's vast reserves of oil - the largest in the world at over 300 billion barrels or about one-fifth the global stock. Venezuela's oil production has a huge potential for?increase?. After years of mismanagement, and U.S.
Bousso: Trump offers US oil companies in Venezuela a poisoned cup
Donald Trump, the president of the United States, is offering U.S. companies an opportunity to revitalize Venezuela's vast and derelict petroleum industry. This is an offer that they might not want to accept. U.S. Representatives of the Trump Administration plan to meet with oil executives this week in order to discuss increasing Venezuelan oil production. Monday is a holiday. Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips may find it attractive to tap Venezuela's vast reserves of oil - the largest in the world at 300 billion barrels or roughly one-fifth the global stock. Venezuela has a huge potential to increase its oil production.
Baker Hughes reports that US drillers added oil and gas rigs in the US for the second consecutive week.
Baker Hughes, an energy services company, said that U.S. firms added oil and natural gas rigs this week for the second consecutive week. The oil and gas rig counts, an early indicator of future output, increased by one in the week ending December 30 to reach 546, its highest level since December 12. Baker Hughes released its rig count report early because of the New Year's Day holidays. Baker Hughes reported that despite a?this week rig increase?, the total number of rigs was still 7.3% lower than this time last year. Baker Hughes reported that oil rigs rose by three this week to 412…
London's FTSE 100 ends lower in a shortened Christmas Eve Session
Investors trimmed positions in pharma giants AstraZeneca & GSK in a shortened Christmas Eve session. The UK's blue chip FTSE 100 'closed down' 0.2% and moved sideways after hitting a 5-week high last 'week, following the Bank of England rate cut of 25 basis points. AstraZeneca dropped by about 0.5% and GSK fell by about 0.5%. The FTSE 250 midcap index, which is primarily focused on domestic companies, was down 0.07% but still managed to notch up its second consecutive weekly gain. As many markets were closed or operating with reduced hours on Christmas Eve, trading volumes were low.
FTSE 100 ticks down in shortened Christmas Eve Session
The FTSE 100 dipped on Wednesday as gains in homebuilders were offset by losses in healthcare during a shortened Christmas Eve session. The UK blue-chip FTSE 100 fell?0.1% to 0936 GMT. It has been trading in a sideways fashion since hitting a five-week-high?last Thursday following the Bank of England’s 25 basis-point rate cut. The midcap FTSE 250 index, which is focused on domestic companies, was up 0.07% for its second straight week of gains. As many markets will be closed or working with reduced hours on Christmas Eve, trading volumes are expected to remain low. The London Stock Exchange will close at 1230 GMT, on Wednesday.
WSJ reports that BP is close to selling its majority Castrol stakes to Stonepeak
The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that BP was close to selling a majority of Castrol's shares to Stonepeak, an investment firm. This deal values BP's lubricants division at $10 billion including debt. The report cited people familiar with this matter as saying that London-listed BP will sell a 65% share in its Castrol division to Stonepeak for approximately $6 billion. Financial Times reported on the matter, citing sources. It also stated that BP would retain a minor stake in a joint-venture, valuing its century-old lubricants 'and engine oil business at around $10 billion.
Baker Hughes reports that US drillers have added oil and gas rigs to their fleet for the first time in 3 weeks.
Energy services firm Baker Hughes said that U.S. firms added oil and gas rigs this week for the first time in 3 weeks. The number of oil and gas rigs, a good indicator of future production, increased by three in the week ending December 23. Baker Hughes has released its rig count report several days earlier than usual due to the Christmas Day holidays. Baker Hughes reported that despite this week's increase in rigs, the total count is still down by 44 rigs since?this time last. This represents a 7.5% decline. Baker Hughes reported that the number of oil drilling rigs rose by three this week to 409, while gas drilling rigs remained unchanged at 127.
Bousso: The geopolitical premium of oil in the ROI vanished by 2025 and is unlikely to return.
In 2025, the global oil markets were faced with multiple black swans events - such as the Israel-Iran War and Ukrainian attacks on Russian refiners. Yet they were barely affected. In an era when energy is abundant, this calm could be the new norm. The year 2025, by any measure, was chaotic in geopolitics, with President Donald Trump's return to his White House and his flurry of trade, diplomatic and policy initiatives dominating the year. On June 12, Israel attacked military, government, and nuclear sites in Iran. This was a pivotal moment for the?energy?markets. On June 22, the U.S.
Bousso: The geopolitical premium of oil in the ROI vanished by 2025 and is unlikely to return.
In 2025, the global oil markets were faced with multiple black swans events - such as the Israel-Iran War and Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries - but they were not fazed. In an age of abundant energy, this calm could be the new norm. The year 2025 will be remembered as a geopolitical chaos, due to President Donald Trump's return in January, and his frenzy of trade, policy and diplomatic initiatives. On June 12, Israel bombed Iranian military, government, and nuclear sites. This was a pivotal moment in the energy market. On June 22, the U.S.
Baker Hughes reports that US drillers have cut their oil and gas rigs a second time in a week.
Baker Hughes, an energy services company, said that the U.S. firms have cut back on the number of oil and gas rigs for a second consecutive week for the first time since August. The number of oil and gas rigs, a good indicator of future production, dropped by six in the week ending December 19. This is the lowest since September. Baker Hughes reported that oil rigs dropped by eight this week to 406; their lowest level since September 2021. Gas rigs remained at 127, and miscellaneous?rigs increased by two to 9. Oil and gas rig counts are expected to decline by 5% in 2024, and by 20% in 2023. This is because lower U.S.
Woodside's new CEO must navigate LNG projects with high costs through glut risk
Woodside Energy is facing a leadership shake up after Meg O'Neill's unexpected departure for the top position at?BP. This comes at a time when the Australian company is trying to deliver on key projects in a?braced?for a glut of supply. Analysts say that the oil and gas company will continue to pursue its global growth strategy. This requires continued investment in new assets as well as continuity in mature fields. After project delays and rising costs, it will be important to advance the Louisiana LNG project. The Louisiana LNG project, valued at $17.5 billion, will be Woodside's key project.
Meg O'Neill, BP's new CEO, will be the first woman ever to lead an oil company.
Energy industry veteran Meg O'Neill was tapped by BP as the leader of a shake-up within the London-based 'oil major'. She made an immediate impression when she took over at Australia's Woodside Energy and secured a deal which doubled the company's production portfolio. Woodside's acquisition of BHP petroleum assets, in a merger of then-$28billions, in '2021' boosted the Perth-based firm with an international presence during a period of industry consolidation. It made it a global top-10 energy independent company and a powerhouse of gas.
Woodside's new CEO must navigate LNG projects with high costs through glut risk
Woodside Energy is facing a leadership shake up after BP's?chief executive Meg O'Neill's unexpected departure for the top position at BP. This comes as the Australian 'firm' is trying to deliver key projects on a market that's braced for an oversupply. Analysts say that the oil and gas "producer" is expected to continue with its global strategy of growth, which requires sustained investment in both new assets and continuity within mature fields. After project delays and rising costs, it will be important to advance the Louisiana LNG project. The Louisiana LNG project, valued at $17.5 billion, will be Woodside's key project.
Why US producers are paying attention to Canada's most popular shale play
Executives, analysts, and advisors say that U.S. producers of oil and gas are seeking new drilling territories in Western Canada's Montney Basin, an enormous shale play in a remote area. The basin is already a hub of M&A and may see even more deals in the near future. The United States has become the largest oil producer in the world as a result of extensive drilling on shale deposits over the past 15 years. After a period of rapid expansion, oil producers are less interested in drilling prospects within the Permian oilfield, which extends across Texas and New Mexico. This is because the remaining area with high-production potential has shrunk.
The new BP CEO has a long-lasting legacy at Australia's Woodside
Energy industry veteran Meg O'Neill was tapped by BP as the leader of a shake-up within the London-based oil giant. She made an immediate impression when she took over at Australia's 'Woodside Energy', securing a deal which doubled the production portfolio. Woodside's acquisition of BHP’s petroleum assets by 2021 in a merger of then-$28 billion?bulked-up the Perth-based firm with an international presence during a time of industry consolidation. It made it a top-10 global energy independent company and a powerhouse of gas. Woodside shares have, however, underperformed their larger rivals over the past five years.
The new BP CEO has a long-lasting legacy at Australia's Woodside
Energy industry veteran Meg O'Neill was tapped by BP as the leader of a shake-up within the venerable London based major. She made an immediate impact when she took over at Australia's Woodside Energy and secured a deal which doubled the production portfolio. Woodside's acquisition of BHP petroleum assets by 2021 in a merger of then-$28 billion boosted the Perth-based firm with an international presence?during an industry consolidation period, making it one of the top-10 independent global energy producers and a gas giant.
Wall Street Journal, December 18,
These are the most popular stories from the Wall Street Journal. These?stories have not been verified and we cannot vouch for their accuracy. Elliott Investment Management, an activist investor group, has built up a stake in Lululemon Athletica of more than $1 billion. It is now bringing a possible CEO candidate to the struggling athletic apparel retailer that it hopes to turn around. BP announced that Chief Executive Murray Auchincloss resigned after less than 2 years as the helm of the oil giant and appointed a outsider Meg O'Neill who is resigning her position leading Woodside Energy to be his successor.
Australian shares continue to fall on the back of the mining slump, Woodside falls on CEO's surprise departure
The Australian share market was set to record a fourth consecutive day of losses, led by the miners. Meanwhile, energy stocks fell as Woodside Energy dropped after it announced its departure. As of 2322 GMT, the S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.2% at 8,567.70. The benchmark closed Wednesday 0.2% lower. Woodside Energy's stock fell as much as 2,6%, its lowest level for nearly two months, after the Australian firm announced that Chief Executive Officer Meg O'Neill will be joining BP as executive director. The sub-index for energy fell as much as 1.5% and reached its lowest level since October 22.
BP appoints Woodside's Meg O'Neill to be CEO following Auchincloss' abrupt departure
BP, a major oil and gas company, announced that it has appointed Meg O'Neill as its 'CEO', effective April 1, after abruptly removing 'Murray' Auchincloss. O'Neill is the first CEO to be appointed by BP from outside of the company, and the first female to lead any of the top five oil companies in the world. Her unexpected appointment shows that the British oil giant is looking to improve its business, after years of lagging behind its competitors such as Exxon?Mobil?and Shell?. The company began a major shift in strategy earlier this year. It cut billions of dollars from planned renewable energy projects and shifted its focus to traditional oil & gas.
The UK has exempted Egypt's Zohr Gas Field from Russian sanctions
Britain added Egypt's Zohr Gas Field, where Russian oil major Rosneft has a 30% stake - and London-based BP a 10% one – to a list of projects that are exempted from its Russia sanctions. In October, Britain and the United States sanctioned Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft, and Lukoil for their involvement in funding Moscow's invasion in Ukraine. The amended?general license, issued on Wednesday, allows for payments and business activities?linked to Zohr up until October 2027. BP owns a stake in Zohr along with?majority shareholder Eni, Rosneft, and other partners. The license did not give a reason for the exclusion.
The UK has exempted Egypt's Zohr Gas Field from Russian sanctions
The UK added Egypt's Zohr Gas Field, where?Russian oil giant Rosneft has a 30% stake? and London-based BP has a 10%?holding?, to a list that exempts Russia sanctions. In October, Britain and the United States sanctioned Rosneft, one of Russia's largest oil producers, for their role in financing Moscow's invasion in Ukraine. The amended general licence, dated?on Wednesday?, allows now payments and business activities linked to Zohr?until?October 2027. BP, Rosneft, Eni and other partners hold a?stake? in Zohr alongside majority stakeholder Eni. The license did not give a reason for the exclusion.
Petrobras enters Brazil's solar energy sector with deal for Lightsource bp subsidiary Lightsource Bp 49.99%
The state-owned oil company of Brazil, Petrobras, has signed a deal with Lightsource bp to purchase 49.99%?of its subsidiaries in the country. The partnership will be structured in a 'joint venture' and aligned with the Brazilian company's 2026-2030 plan for diversifying its portfolio. The agreement did not disclose any financial details. Lightsource bp is a British 'oil company' that has a pipeline of between 1 - 1.5 gigawatts at advanced stages of development. It also has other projects in Brazil which are less mature. The companies said that the completion of the transaction was still "subject to regulatory clearances".
Action Energy will begin trading on the Boursa Kuwait Premier Market on Wednesday
The exchange announced that the shares of oilfield services provider Action Energy Company would begin trading on Boursa Kuwait Premier Market on Wednesday under a ticker symbol ALF?TAQA. Kuwaiti company AEC was founded in 2015. It provides services such as drilling, exploration, production, gas injection, and maintenance for oil and gas installations, wells, refineries, and petrochemical facilities. AEC increased its issued and paid up capital from 20 million dinars to 56,65 million dinars (about 184,80 million?millions) through a number of measures…
Shell mergers chief Greg Gut quit after CEO blocked BP bid, FT reports
The Financial Times reported on 'Tuesday that Shell's head of mergers Greg Gut had left the oil giant after CEO Wael Sawan and top executives rejected an internal proposal to??buy rival BP? this year. Gut and the M&A Team pushed for a BP deal early this year. Andrew Mackenzie, chair of the board, was said to have been interested. However, Sinead and Sawan, finance chief, felt that a large deal could derail the strategy. Shell denied media reports that it bid for BP in June. It said it was bound to UK rules and, as a result, such a statement prohibited it from bidding for BP during the next six-month period.
Baker Hughes reports that US drillers have cut back on oil and gas rigs a second time in the last three weeks.
Baker Hughes, a leading energy services company, said that U.S. firms cut back on the number of natural gas and oil rigs for a second consecutive week in its closely watched report published Friday. The oil and natural gas rig count fell to 548, the lowest level since November 26, a good indicator of future production. Baker Hughes reported that oil rigs increased by one this week to 414, the highest since November 21. Gas rigs dropped by two to 127. Oil and gas rig counts?declined about 5% by 2024, and 20% by 2023. This is because lower U.S.
Bousso: ROI-Permian will retain US oil crown after peaking even though it has reached its peak
The Permian Basin is set to reach its peak oil production in December. This will be a turning point for the U.S. Shale Boom that has reshaped the global energy markets over the last 15 years. But drilling innovations will ensure that the output of America's most prolific patch of oil will remain stable for many years. In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that the Permian Basin, which spans West Texas, and Southeast New Mexico, will produce a record 6.76 million barrels of oil per day in December. This is only slightly more than November's production. The U.S.
Bousso: ROI-Permian will retain US oil crown after peaking even though it has reached its peak
The Permian Basin is set to reach its peak oil production in December. This will be a turning point for the U.S. Shale Boom that has reshaped the global energy markets over the last 15 years. But drilling innovations mean that output in America's largest oil patch will remain stable for many years. In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that the Permian Basin, which spans West Texas and southeastern New Mexico will produce an unprecedented 6.76 million barrels of oil per day in December. This is only a little higher than November's total. The U.S.
BP and Chevron top the list of bidders in Trump's first Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas auction
BP, Chevron, and Shell were the top bidders at the first U.S. Government sale of oil and natural gas drilling rights for the Gulf of Mexico since 2023. The auction ended with a total of $279.4 millions in "high" bids. It was the first out of 30 required by President Donald Trump's tax cuts and spending bill that he signed in July. His administration's plans on offshore leasing represent a major departure from those of his predecessor President Joe Biden. Biden had planned a historically low number of oil and?gas?auctions in an effort to shift away from fossil fuels while addressing climate change.
Venture Global responds to Shell's fraudulent claims in LNG arbitration
Venture Global responded late Tuesday night to Shell's legal challenge over the oil major losing an arbitration case involving liquefied gas cargoes. They rejected Shell's allegations of fraud and accused Shell of violating arbitration confidentiality. The legal documents filed in New York Supreme Court are the latest in a long saga about Venture Global's alleged failure to deliver LNG in accordance with long-term contracts, while selling LNG on the spot market at a time when prices were soaring after Russia's invasion in Ukraine. Shell, BP and Edison are among the companies that have filed arbitration cases against Venture Global.
Venture Global responds to Shell's fraudulent claims in LNG arbitration
Venture Global responded late Tuesday night to Shell's legal challenge over its loss in an arbitration case involving liquefied gas cargoes. The company rejected allegations of fraud, and accused Shell of breaching arbitration confidentiality. The legal documents filed in New York Supreme Court are the latest in a long-running saga about Venture Global's inability to deliver LNG in accordance with long-term contracts, while selling LNG on the spot market when prices rose after Russia's invasion in Ukraine. Shell, BP, Edison and other companies filed arbitration claims in 2023 against Venture Global. Shell lost in August while BP won in October.
Shell In Advanced Discussions to Buy LLOG Exploration for Over $3B
Shell is in advanced discussions to buy LLOG Exploration offshore in a deal valued at more than $3 billion. This would increase the oil major's portfolio of upstream oil and gas producers by acquiring one of the biggest privately owned oil and natural gas producers in the U.S. Gulf. Sources said that the parties were in advanced talks, and that an agreement was close. One source added that the deal could be signed by the end the year.Sources?advised that there is no guarantee that a deal would be reached between Shell and Covington…
Australia's Waitsia Project begins sending gas to LNG export
Beach Energy, an Australian company, announced on Monday that the Waitsia onshore project located north of Perth has begun sending natural gas to Woodside Energy's liquidified natural gas export facility. Mitsui, a Japanese company, operates the Waitsia Project and shares it with Beach. Mitsui and Beach have signed a contract with the North West Shelf partners Woodside, BP Shell and Japan LNG for the supply of the facility in 2020. Japan LNG, a partnership between Mitsui & Mitsubishi, holds a sixth of the facility. Murray Watt, Australia's Environment Minister, signed a contract to extend the life of the LNG export facility until 2070 a few months ago.
Baker Hughes reports that US drillers have added rigs to their fleet for the fourth time in just five weeks.
Baker Hughes, a leading energy services company, said that U.S. companies added drilling rigs this week for the fourth time within five weeks. The number of oil and gas drilling rigs, a good indicator of future production, increased by five in the week ending December 5. This is its highest level since late November. Baker Hughes reported that oil rigs increased by six this week to 413, the highest level since late November. Gas rigs, on the other hand, fell by one, to 129, which is their lowest level since late November. Oil and gas rig counts are expected to decline by 5% and 20% respectively in 2024, as the lower U.S.
Petrobras, Brazil's state-owned oil company, says that it could begin Sudoeste de Tartaruga Verde in just two years.
Sylvia Anjos said that Brazil's Petrobras may begin producing oil at the Sudoeste de Tartaruga verde block within two years. In November, the firm discovered the block in Brazil's Campos Basin. Anjos described the discovery as "marvelous" on the sidelines an event in Rio de Janeiro. Anjos explained that the tight timeline for production would be possible due to Petrobras's plan not to commission a floating vessel to develop the well but instead to connect it with an offshore unit nearby through a subsea cable. Petrobras has reduced its investments in the business plan for 2026-2030, partly due to lower Brent oil prices.
Florida lawmakers ask Trump to reject drilling on the western coast of Florida
Florida's entire U.S. Congress delegation urged President Donald Trump on Thursday to exclude their state from a plan of his administration to expand drilling for oil and gas to new coastal areas. They said it would threaten Florida's tourism and military industries. The letter from Florida Senators Rick Scott, Ashley Moody, and the 28 House members of Florida was a rare example of bipartisan opposition to the Republican President's policies. The majority of Florida's congressional members are Republicans. The letter stated that more than 50,000 jobs are linked to military facilities in the Florida Panhandle.