Russia expects oil refining in 2025 to be flat with 2024
The Russian energy ministry announced on Thursday that the country's oil refinery, coal and gas?production?will remain largely unchanged in 2025, compared with 2024, despite repeated Ukrainian drone attacks against energy facilities. Russia is the third largest oil producer in the world, after Saudi Arabia and the United States. It also holds the largest known reserves of natural gas. Since August, Ukraine has resumed drone strikes deep within Russia.
Palm catches up with Dalian rivals, strengthening ringgit caps the advance
The Dalian Commodity Exchange's strength in edible oils rivals helped to support the palm oil futures on Thursday. However, the stronger ringgit limited the gains. By midday, the benchmark palm 'oil 'contract for February delivery at the Bursa Derivatives exchange in Malaysia rose 46 ringgit or 1.13% to $4109 ringgit (US$1,000.97) per metric ton. The futures traded today in positive territory due to the strength of rival oils. The February contract reached a morning high of 4,128 ringgit.
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.
US permits negotiations over Lukoil’s foreign assets to take place until January 17, 2019.
The United States extended Wednesday a deadline for negotiations to buy the global assets of Russian Oil?company Lukoil. It was originally set at?January 17th. Lukoil's assets were put up for sale soon after President Donald Trump imposed sanctions against the two largest Russian energy companies on October 22, as part of a campaign to pressure Moscow regarding its war in Ukraine. The assets of the company, which include oil fields, refineries and a retail gas station network, are valued at $22 billion.
US auctions first Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas since 2023
On Wednesday, the Trump administration will conduct the first government sale of oil-and-gas drilling rights in Gulf of Mexico?since 2023. This is a test of the industry's appetite?for offshore acres at a moment when the United States?is trying to increase domestic fossil fuel production. The auction is one of the 30 required by President Donald Trump's tax-cut and spending bill that he signed in July. His administration's plans are a major departure from those of his predecessor President Joe Biden.
Exxon predicts increased earnings and oil production by 2030
Tuesday, Exxon Mobil announced that it would target a $25 billion?earnings increase from 2024-2030. The company will also?increase its oil and gas production. Exxon's earnings forecast represents a $5-billion increase over its previous plan. However, Exxon plans to maintain the same spending targets of $28 billion - $30 billion annually through 2030. Exxon said its updated corporate plan reflects the company's efforts to reduce costs and?"increase profits" even during periods of oil price volatility.
Turkstream transactions are not subject to US sanctions, Hungary claims
Peter Szijjarto, Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that the company operating TurkStream will be able to do business in Hungary?without problems? thanks to an agreement reached with Washington. Hungary continues to depend on Russian energy, despite the conflict in Ukraine and Western sanctions. This has prompted criticism from several European Union and NATO allies. Szijjarto, during a Facebook broadcast in Moscow…
EUROPE GAS-European Prices Rise on Slightly Stronger Demand Outlook
Dutch and British gas rates firmed up on Tuesday. Forecasts suggest a slightly higher demand, although both pipeline?and liquefied (LNG?) supply remain robust. LSEG data revealed that the benchmark Dutch front-month MWh contract at TTF hub had increased by 0.16?euros to 27.33 euros (MWh) or $9.33/mmBtu as of 0913 GMT. It fell to its lowest level in April 2024, 26.75 Euros/MWh on Monday. The Dutch day-ahead contracts eased by 0.03 euros, to 26.77 Euros/MWh.
Report: US solar installations up 49% in the third quarter
A study released by Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association on Tuesday showed that the U.S. industry installed new solar capacity of 11.7 gigawatts in the third quarter. This represents a 49% increase. The report said solar accounted ?for ?58% of all new electricity-generating capacity added to the U.S. grid through the third quarter, with more than 30 GW installed. The report said that the rise in solar energy was a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which caused a disruption across the industry.
India's low battery storage bids are raising concerns about project viability
Industry experts and analysts fear that the record-low bids to build battery energy storage system in India could make some projects economically unviable, or even dangerous. This would hinder efforts towards renewable power. Battery projects are critical to India's goal to double its renewable energy capacity by 2030 to 500 gigawatts, while the grid operator reduces excess power. India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), an industry group…
Gazprom Delivers First LNG Cargo to China Post Sanctions
Russian energy giant Gazprom has delivered a liquefied natural gas cargo from Portovaya LNG plant to China, in the first such shipment since the United States introduced sanctions against the project in January, LSEG data showed on Monday.Gas carrier Valera, formerly known as Velikiy Novgorod, brought the cargo from the Baltic Sea's plant to the Beihai LNG terminal, LSEG ship-tracking data showed.Russia's largest LNG producer…
Data shows that Gazprom has delivered the first LNG cargo to China after sanctions from Portovaya.
LSEG data revealed on Monday that Russian energy giant Gazprom delivered a cargo of liquefied gas from the Portovaya LNG facility to China. This was the first shipment since January when the United States imposed sanctions against the project. LSEG's ship tracking data revealed that the gas carrier Valera (formerly Velikiy Novgorod) transported the cargo from the Baltic Sea plant to the Beihai terminal for LNG. Novatek, the largest LNG producer in Russia, uses the same loading port in China to load cargoes from Arctic LNG 2.
Data shows that Gazprom has delivered the first LNG cargo to China after sanctions from Portovaya.
LSEG data revealed on Monday that Russian energy giant Gazprom delivered a cargo of liquefied gas from the Portovaya LNG facility to China. This was the first shipment since January when the United States imposed sanctions against the project. LSEG's ship tracking data revealed that the gas carrier Valera (formerly Velikiy Novgorod) transported the cargo from a Baltic Sea plant to Beihai LNG Terminal. Novatek, the largest LNG producer in Russia, uses the same loading port in China to load cargoes from Arctic LNG 2.
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.
Virginia data centers to replace coal where coal once reigned
Entrepreneurs are now looking at the rural area with the ambitious vision to rebuild its economic by converting the old mines into data centers and solar power systems that could help feed the growing power demand of the artificial-intelligence boom. A non-profit group called Energy DELTA Lab (Discovery, Education, Learning & Technology Accelerator), which is aiming to develop energy resources on approximately 65,000 acres in southwest Virginia, is currently working on such a project.
India's Ministry of Finance urges caution in lending for solar modules as a glut is looming, a letter shows.
A letter from the ministry reviewed by revealed that the ministry urged banks to be cautious when financing new manufacturing capacities of solar photovoltaic modules, due to the possibility of oversupply on the local market. Over the last three years, several Indian companies have increased their solar module production capacity with the aim of exporting to the United States. The U.S. has increased its tariffs on Indian components made in China and is more concerned about the quality of these parts.
EUROPE GAS - European prices drop on warmer and windier weather
The Dutch and British gas price continued to drop on Friday as the forecast of warmer and windier weather for next week reduced demand and tightened up the spread between United States gas delivery and Dutch prices. LSEG data shows that the benchmark Dutch front-month contract was lower by 0.32 euros, or $9.26/mmBtu at 1025 GMT. Data showed that the U.S. Henry Hub front-month contract fell by 0.10 euros to 14.73 euros/MWh or $5.03/mmBtu. The U.S.
The US-Venezuela Relationship as Seen Through the Price of an Oil-Linked Bond
The increased pressure from the United States on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government has brought to light the defaulted debts of Venezuela, including those of Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), the state-owned oil company. Venezuela defaulted in its debts in 2017, but PDVSA paid holders of a bond that matures in 2020. The swap was made in 2016, replacing debt due the next year. The bond is backed by a pledge of 50% of Citgo Holding, through PDV Holding's 100%-owned subsidiary.
US solar companies ask Congress to act on Trump's solar permit freezing
In a letter sent to Congress leaders on Thursday, dozens of U.S. Solar companies called for federal lawmakers to reverse a Trump Administration policy that had stalled permits. The letter highlights the growing concerns of project developers about President Donald Trump's Interior Department increasing its scrutiny of solar permits at a time when energy demand is on the rise. CONTEXT In a memo from Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary in July, Burgum requested his signature on dozens of types of solar permits.
Turkey extends Russia Gas Contracts by an additional year with a view to US Investment
Turkey has finalised an extension of one year to its two gas import contracts that expire with Russia, totalling 22 bcm. It is also considering investing in U.S. production, as part of its efforts to diversify sources of energy. Turkey, Russia's final major gas market in Europe has steadily reduced the proportion of Russian gas in its gas supply mix. It has now fallen below 40%. Both contracts with Gazprom expire this year.