(Argus, 13.Oct.2020) — Italian Eni’s plan to drain a Venezuelan floating oil storage vessel considered a potential environmental risk has been delayed for weeks because of concerns over US sanctions on the Opec country. The Venezuela-flagged Nabarima floating storage and offloading unit (FSO) had been listing in August, with flooding […]
San Diego County Energy Developer Gets Funds
(Indian Energy, 12.Oct.2020) — Long-duration, non-lithium ion energy storage is the final key to unlocking renewables and permanently evading the blackouts and brownouts that California is currently facing due to fires, a changing energy mix and climate change. Without storage, 100% renewables penetration is not possible. To address this, the […]
Katya Mirna Diederich Takes Over As YPFB President
(Energy Analytics Institute, 12.Oct.2020) — Bolivia’s state oil and gas entity Yacimientos PetrolÃferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) announced appointment of Katya Mirna Diederich Kuscevic as executive president, the first woman to take the reins at the company. Diederich replaces Richard Botello Hiza, who resigned in the morning of 12 October 2020 […]
Córdoba Eyes Higher Biofuel Demand, Exports To Brazil
(Energy Analytics Institute, 12.Oct.2020) — The Córdoba province government of Juan Schiaretti continues to advance varied measures that seek to benefit the region’s biofuels sector. Schiaretti’s government is promoting a bill proposing use of biofuels in the public transport of passengers, cargo as well in vehicle fleets of provincial government, […]
Guyana’s Bharrat Meets Mining Sector Contractors
(Energy Analytics Institute, 12.Oct.2020) — Guyanese government officials held meetings with contractors from the mining and forest sectors in preparation of the rainy season with the objective of ensuring key artery roads in the hinterland, particularly in mining and logging areas are accessible and maintained. The meetings were hosted by […]
Iranian Fuel Supplies Good For Two Months
(Energy Analytics Institute, 12.Oct.2020) — The recent arrival of three Iranian tankers to Venezuela carrying around 750,000 bbls of gasoline is only sufficient to last the South American country about two months. Venezuela should at a minimum produce sufficient fuel to cover domestic demand, Eudis Girot, Executive Director with the […]
EP PetroEcuador Initiates ISO Certification Process
(Energy Analytics Institute, 12.Oct.2020) — EP PetroEcuador initiated the ISO 37001 certification process for an anti-bribery management system, which in its initial stage targets the contracting and purchasing processes at the national level. The system also aims to prevent, detect, and combat bribery by establishing a culture of integrity, transparency, […]
Petronas Announces First Gas In Oman’s Ghazeer Field
(Petronas, 12.Oct.2020) — Petronas through its subsidiary, PC Oman Ventures Ltd (PCOVL) together with its partners, BP Exploration (Epsilon) Limited and Makarim Gas Development LLC, a subsidiary of OQ, today announced the start of production from its Ghazeer gas field (Phase 2), located in Block 61, Sultanate of Oman, three […]
Former PDVSA Head Criticizes Anti-Blockade Law
(Energy Analytics Institute, 11.Oct.2020) — The former president of Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), Rafael RamÃrez, criticized Venezuela’s Anti-Blockade Law, which was approved by the country’s National Constituent Assembly. “For more than five years I’ve been denouncing the direction this government is going in terms the delivery of our oil, reversal […]
Solar Panel Users In Colombia To Get Subsidies
(Energy Analytics Institute, 11.Oct.2020) — Colombian households located in areas not connected to the national interconnected energy system will be offered installation of solar panels with resources from the national government. The households will also receive a transitory subsidy of 86%, according to details revealed by Colombia’s Ministry of Mines […]
Partial Reactivation of PDVSA’s Amuay Refinery
(Energy Analytics Institute, 11.Oct.2020) — Venezuela’s Amuay refinery is processing around 160,000 barrels per day (b/d) after reactivation of two plants, according to an oil union official with the Unitary Federation of Petroleum Workers of Venezuela (FUTPV by its Spanish acronym). The volumes correspond to Plant 1 with 65,000 b/d […]
Tipco To Temporarily Shut Kemaman Refinery
(Energy Analytics Institute, 11.Sep.2020) — At the request of the US State Department, Tipco Asphalt plans to temporarily shut down its refinery located in Kemaman, Malaysia. The refinery relies on Venezuelan heavy crude oil for 90% of its feedstock. To avoid US sanctions, the refinery “will have to shut down […]
Fuel Shortages Persist Across Venezuela
(Energy Analytics Institute, 10.Oct.2020) — Venezuela continues to suffer from severe shortages of fuel from gasoline to diesel and across the entire country despite the recent arrival of three Iranian tankers with manly gasoline supplies. Fuel shortages continue across the OPEC-member country since the second shipment this year of Iranian […]
Petrobras To Continue Petros Arbitration
(Petrobras, 9.Oct.2020) — Petrobras, following up on the releases disclosed on 21 and 29 July 2020 and 26 August, hereby informs that a judicial decision was issued at the end of yesterday, October 8, determining the continuity of the arbitration instituted by Fundação Petrobras de Seguridade Pessoal (Petros) and Caixa […]
Petrobras Comments On Petros Arbitration
(Petrobras, 9.Oct.2020) — Petrobras, following up on the releases disclosed on 21 and 29 July 2020 and 26 August, hereby informs that a judicial decision was issued at the end of yesterday, 8 October, determining the continuity of the arbitration instituted by Fundação Petrobras de Seguridade Pessoal (Petros) and Caixa […]
OAS Mission In Bolivia To Observe Elections
(OAS, 9.Oct.2020) — The Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) of the Organization of American States (OAS) will begin to arrive in La Paz tomorrow to begin the tasks of observation in the field ahead of the 18 October 2020 election in which the president, vice president, senators and deputies will be […]
Iranian Tanker Departs For Persian Gulf From Venezuela
(Reuters, 9.Oct.2020) — An Iranian-flagged oil tanker left Venezuela on Friday for Iran’s Kharg Island, Refinitiv Eikon data showed, after the vessel loaded 1.9 million barrels of heavy crude at the South American country’s Jose oil terminal. The shipment marks the latest example of cooperation between the two OPEC nations […]
Q&A: Ecuador Moving From Crisis To Opportunity
(Argus, 8.Oct.2020) — Since leaving Opec in January, Ecuador has been hit by oil market shocks, the Covid-19 pandemic, oil pipeline ruptures, and a staggering legacy of corruption in the state-owned oil industry. Quito is now looking to the private sector to transform the fuels market, and to Beijing for […]
Matapal First Gas Expected In 2022, bpTT Says
(bpTT, 8.Oct.2020) — bp Trinidad and Tobago LLC (bpTT) continues to invest in the energy future of Trinidad and Tobago and has commenced work on the Matapal field development. Matapal is a subsea development comprised of three wells that tie back into the existing Juniper platform. Matapal will deliver gas […]
Noble Corp. Extends Tom Madden Contract In Guyana
(Noble, 8.Oct.2020) — Noble Corporation plc announced the ultra-deepwater drillship Noble Tom Madden has been awarded approximately 6.5 years of additional contract term under the Commercial Enabling Agreement (“CEA”) with ExxonMobil for work offshore Guyana. The Noble Tom Madden was previously contracted until mid-February 2024 and the additional term will […]
PetroPiar and Sinovensa restart blending activities
CARACAS, VENEZUELA (Piero Stewart, Energy Analytics Institute, 8.Oct.2020, Words: 81) — Venezuela’s state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) has reportedly restarted the PetroPiar and Sinovensa blending units, according to reports from local Venezuelan media El Nacional. The first joint venture, PetroPiar, which partners PDVSA and Chevron Corp., is reportedly […]
Trinidad Chamber Responds To 2021 Budget
(Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, 7.Oct.2020) — Following the reading of the national budget for fiscal 2020/2021, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce acknowledges the unprecedented economic challenges which impacted its formulation. With TT’s main revenue streams still dependent on gas and oil – commodities which are not […]
Ecuador To Ink China Oil-backed Loan In Nov.: Ortiz
(Argus, 7.Oct.2020) — Ecuador hopes to sign a new $1.4bn oil-backed sovereign credit agreement with China next month that would restructure existing loans and encourage competition among Chinese oil trading companies, Ecuadorean oil minister René Ortiz told Argus. The fresh Chinese loan would complement Ecuador’s recent $17bn bond debt structuring […]
Ecuador Sues Odebrecht For $281mn Breach Of Contract
(Energy Analytics Institute, 7.Oct.2020) — Ecuador is suing CNO SA, formerly known as Construtura Norberto Odebrecht SA, for $281mn for breach of the construction contract for the pipeline Pascuales Cuenca Poliducto (PPC). The Guayas Provincial Court of Justice, EP PetroEcuador, through its General Manager Ricardo Merino, and the State Attorney […]
Venezuela, Once An Oil Giant, Reaches The End Of An Era
(NYT, 7.Oct.2020) — Wells that once tapped the world’s largest crude reserves are abandoned or left to flare toxic gases that cast an orange glow over depressed oil towns. Refineries that once processed oil for export are rusting hulks, leaking crude that blackens shorelines and coats the water in an […]
Petrobras Reports Record S-10 Diesel Production, Sales
(Petrobras, 7.Oct.2020) — Petrobras reports that in September, for the fourth month in a row, it surpassed the record production of S-10 low sulfur diesel, reaching the 1.89 million m³ mark. Also, in September, Petrobras reached the sales record of the same product when 1.91 million m³ were sold. The […]
ANP To Temporary Reduce Biodiesel Mixture To 11%
(Energy Analytics Institute, 7.Oct.2020) — The ANP Collegiate Board approved on 7 October 2020 the exceptional and temporary reduction of the mandatory mixture of biodiesel-to-diesel oil to 11% from 12% in the months of November and December 2020. The measure is necessary to continue with national supply, since biodiesel supply […]
Brazil Updates Biodiesel Auction Details
(Energy Analytics Institute, 7.Oct.2020) — An updated schedule for the 76th Biodiesel Auction has been published on the auction page on the website of Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP by its Portuguese acronym), the regulator announced 7 October 2020 in an official statement. RELATED STORY: […]
YPF Releases Audit Committee Report
(Energy Analytics Institute, 7.Oct.2020) — Pursuant to the regulations of the National Securities Commission or the Comisión Nacional de Valores and the terms of Article 73 of Law No. 26,831, Argentina’s state oil company YPF SA released its audit committee report, which is available to shareholders at the registered office […]
Proposed Changes To Venezuela’s Organic Oil Law
(Energy Analytics Institute, 7.Oct.2020) — Venezuela’s National Assembly has submitted proposed changes to the country’s Organic Hydrocarbons Law, which it views as fundamental legislation and extremely important in any recovery of the hydrocarbon industry and economy, according to documents seen by Energy Analytics Institute. Proposed changes to the law are […]
Beat Invests In A Greener Future In LatAm, CDMX
(Beat, 6.Oct.2020) — An electric fleet for all passengers that sets their hearts on an experience that transcends the limits of simply moving from point A to point B. Beat, the fastest growing ride-hailing app in Latin America, is very excited to announce today the launch of Beat Tesla service, […]
Ecuador Names New Deputy Mines Minister
(Energy Analytics Institute, 6.Oct.2020) — Ecuador’s Minister of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources René Ortiz commissioned César Vásquez as the country’s Deputy Minister of Mines. Vásquez is a mining engineer from the Central University of Ecuador and has more than 12 years of experience in the country’s mining and electricity […]
Petrobras To Release 3Q:20 Results
(Petrobras, 6.Oct.2020) — Petrobras will release its quarterly production and sales report on 20 October 2020 and its financial performance report on 28 October, after the markets close. On 29 October two webcasts will be held, the first in Portuguese and the second in English, to present the company’s 3Q20 […]
PdV Pins Gasoline Hopes On CRP Complex
(Argus, 6.Oct.2020) — Venezuelan state-owned PdV is focusing on repairs to its 940,000 b/d CRP refining complex to address a severe gasoline shortage that has been temporarily alleviated by Iranian imports. The 305,000 b/d Cardon refinery, which together with the nearby 635,000 b/d Amuay refinery makes up the CRP, is […]
Colombia’s First Fracking Could Start In Late 2021
(Platts, 6.Oct.2020) — The first fracking in Colombia could come by the end of 2021, after companies obtain necessary environmental permits, energy minister Diego Mesa said Oct. 6 The Colombian government expects to sign the first contracts for pilot projects in November and December and complete environmental impact assessments in […]
BHP Buys Additional 28% Interest In Shenzi From Hess
(BHP, 6.Oct.2020) — BHP signed a Membership Interest Purchase and Sale Agreement with Hess Corporation (Hess) to acquire an additional 28% working interest in Shenzi, a six-lease development in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Shenzi is structured as a joint ownership: BHP (Operator, 44% interest); Hess (28% interest) and Repsol […]
Chevron Closes Acquisition Of Noble Energy
(Energy Analytics Institute, 5.Oct.2020) — San Ramon-California based Chevron Corporation reported its acquisition of Noble Energy, Inc. has been completed following approval by Noble Energy shareholders. “We are pleased to welcome Noble Energy’s employees and shareholders to Chevron. Noble’s high-quality assets complement Chevron’s advantaged upstream portfolio, and the combination is […]
OAS And Bolivia Ink Deal To Observe 18 Oct. Elections
(OAS, 5.Oct.2020) — The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Plurinational State of Bolivia today signed the agreement on privileges and immunities for the OAS electoral mission that will observe the general elections on October 18. The Permanent Representative of Bolivia to the OAS, Jaime Aparicio, said that his […]
Karoon Provides Update On Baúna Acquisition
(Karoon Energy, 5.Oct.2020) — Karoon Energy Ltd provided the market with the following update on the status of the Baúna asset acquisition: — Remaining Conditions Precedent: As previously announced, transaction completion is subject to certain remaining conditions precedent under the Sale and Purchase Agreement (the SPA), including the following key […]
Mexico Announces Infrastructure Projects
(Platts, 5.Oct.2020) — Mexico announced on Oct. 5 a set of infrastructure projects worth almost $14 billion to reactivate the economy, including a new coker for one of its six refineries as well as a liquefaction plant to export natural gas. The federal government and private industry will begin working […]
Mexico Unveils Investment Plan Worth Nearly $14 bln
(Reuters, 5.Oct.2020) — Mexico’s government and business leaders on Monday presented a series of planned investments worth over 297 billion pesos ($13.83 billion) which President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador hopes will help to lift the country’s misfiring economy. Ranging from highways, to a train line connecting Mexico City with the […]
Three Iranian Tankers Make It To Venezuela
(Energy Analytics Institute, 5.Oct.2020) — The third and final Iranian tanker, part of a three-tanker flotilla, docked in Venezuela over the weekend with much needed gasoline supplies for the struggling OPEC country. The three Iranian-flagged tankers – Faxon, Forest and Fortune – are estimated to have transported around 250,000 bbls […]
Hess To Divest Interests In Shenzi Field, Gulf of Mexico
(Hess, 5.Oct.2020) — Hess entered into an agreement to sell its 28% working interest in the Shenzi Field in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico to BHP Billiton, the field’s operator, for a total consideration of $505mn, subject to customary adjustments, with an effective date of 1 July 2020. The field […]
Guyana Lists Flaring Production License Details
(Energy Analytics Institute, 5.Oct.2020) — Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources released flaring highlights related to the country’s petroleum production licenses. __________ By Ian Silverman. © Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
Venezuela Aims To Reopen Some 1,571 Petrol Stations
(Energy Analytics Institute, 5.Oct.2020) — Venezuela plans to initiate activities at 1,571 petrol stations across the country starting 5 October 2020 as part of a plan to normalize fuel distribution and marketing. All petrol stations must be active and able to supply fuel including stations with international prices, announced state […]
Quick Comparison: Liza 1 And Payara Developments
(Energy Analytics Institute, 5.Oct.2020) — Major differences in the licenses for the Liza Phase 1 and Payara developments offshore Guyana in the Stabroek Block as provided by Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources and summarized here within. ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45% interest […]
Bolivia Eyes Lithium, Coipasa Salt Flat
(Energy Analytics Institute, 5.Oct.2020) — The industrialization of lithium in the Coipasa salt flat, located in Oruro, includes installation of a complex that will allow for annual production of 25 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate. Details were revealed during a presentation by José Luis Toco, the Vice Minister of High […]
Bolivia’s Añez Says She Will Respect Election Results
(Energy Analytics Institute, 4.Oct.2020) — Bolivia’s interim president Jeanine Añez expressed her commitment to enforce the popular will expressed in the results of the general elections on 18 October 2020. “We have been committed from the beginning and we want to tell the entire population we’re going to enforce the […]
Six Norway Oil And Gas Fields Shut Amid Strike
(Reuters, 4.Oct.2020) — Six Norwegian offshore oil and gas fields were shut on Monday as more workers joined a strike over pay, companies and union officials said. The strike will cut Norway’s total output capacity by just over 330,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, or about 8% of total […]
Eleven Rigs Reactivated In The Vaca Muerta In Neuquén
(Energy Analytics Institute, 3.Oct.2020) — Argentina’s Neuquén Ministry of Energy data reveal 11 drilling rigs have been reactivated in the province, and all targeting the Vaca Muerta formation. Of the 11: three were recently incorporated by YPF, two by Shell, which was the first company to return, two by Pan […]