PANAMA CITY, PANAMA (Piero Stewart, Energy Analytics Institute, 4.Mar.2025) — Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro ordered activation of the “Absolute Productive Independence Plan” aimed to assist the country maintain its hydrocarbon sector and underlining economic growth. This, after the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued General License 41 (GL41A) […]
Tag: OPEC
Venezuela Flared 46% of its 3,895 MMcf/d of Natural Gas Production in 2024
HOUSTON, TEXAS (Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 21.Feb.2025) — Oil producing Venezuela, a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), flared 46% of its natural gas production of 3,895 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) in 2024, according to details provided by ChemStrategy. Another 46% […]
OPEC Forecasts Slight Rise in Permian Oil Production in 2025
ATLANTA, GEORGIA (Chad Archey, Energy Analytics Institute, 12.Feb.2025) — The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is forecasting US tight crude production in the Permian Basin to grow by 0.2 million barrels per day (MMb/d) in 2025 compared to an average 5.5 MMb/d in 2024. In 2026, production in […]
NRGBriefs Jan. 2025: Golden Pass LNG, Chevron CEO on Argentina Growth
HOUSTON, TEXAS (Editors at Energy Analytics Institute, 31.Jan.2025) — Energy briefs as well as others related to finance, economics, politics, and projects during Jan. 2025 including Venezuela Edmundo González Urrutia planning to tour Argentina, Uruguay, Panama, the US, and the Dominican Republic before his proposed return to Venezuela on or […]
Nigeria Officially Joins BRICS as Partner Country
BELIZE CITY, BELIZE (Aaron Simonsky, Energy Analytics Institute, 17.Jan.2025) — Nigeria formally joined BRICS as a partner country of the grouping. “With the world’s sixth-largest population—and Africa’s largest—as well as being one of the continent’s major economies, Nigeria shares convergent interests with other members of BRICS,” the Brazilian government, which […]
Protected: Venezuela’s Maduro Says Oil Sector of OPEC Country Grew 14% in 2024
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Mexico’s Production Continues Downward Trend, Falls 4.2% in 2024 v 2023
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (Fidencio Casillas, Energy Analytics Institute, 15.Jan.2025) — Mexico’s oil production averaged 1.586 million barrels per day (MMb/d) in 2024, down 4.2% from 1.655 MMb/d in 2023, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Mexico, while not a member of OPEC, is instead an oil […]
Brazil’s Liquid Production on Track to Average 4.2 MMb/d in 2024, 4.4 MMb/d in 2025
BELIZE CITY, BELIZE (Aaron Simonsky, Energy Analytics Institute, 15.Jan.2025) — Brazil’s total liquids production averaged 4.1 million barrels per day (MMb/d) in Nov. 2024, down about 0.3 MMb/d compared to Nov. 2023, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). OPEC expects Brazil’s liquids production, including biofuels, to […]
LatAm NRG Heard: Keith Rowley Exit, Venture Global IPO
(Editors at Energy Analytics Institute, 3.Jan.2025) — LatAm NRG highlights, headlines and “heard on the street,” for the week ended 3 Jan. 2025. —Argentina: Gov’t of president Javier Milei giving full support to Venezuela’s Edmundo González Urrutia as he prepares his return to Venezuela on 10 Jan. 2025 after a […]
Maduro Says Investment of up to $52bn Procured from BRICS, Others
CARACAS, VENEZUELA (Piero Stewart, Energy Analytics Institute, 27.Dec.2024) — Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro assured that his Caribbean country has procured investments of up to $52bn over 2 years. The supposed investment will come from BRICS member countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — as well as other […]
Venezuela’s Economic and Oil Production Strides in 2025 at Donald Trump’s Whim
(Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 23.Dec.2024) — The directional movements of Venezuela’s economy in 2025 will depend on Washington’s new man in charge, Donald Trump. That when he takes office for a second term on 20 Jan. 2025. Ecoanalítica managing partner Asdrúbal Oliveros told Venezuelan-based Petroguia that one negative […]
LatAm NRG Heard: Argentina’s GDP, Chevron Venezuela, Plan Mexico
HOUSTON, TEXAS (Editors at Energy Analytics Institute, 20.Dec.2024) — LatAm NRG highlights, headlines and “heard on the street,” for the week ended 20 Dec. 2024. —Argentina: Argentina’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 3.9% in the 3Q:24 v the 2Q:24, according to the Ministry of Economy. —Mexico: Mexico’s Plan Mexico will […]
S&P Global Publishes its Energy Outlook 2025
(S&P Global, 11.Dec.2024) — Analysts at S&P Global Commodity Insights, the leading independent provider of information, data, analysis, benchmark prices and workflow solutions for the commodities and energy transition markets, today released their 2025 energy outlook. As the calendar turns to 2025, there is more uncertainty in energy markets heading […]
LatAm NRG Matters: Highlights, Heard for the Week Ended 6 Dec. 2024
(Energy Analytics Institute, 6.Dec.2024) — LatAm NRG highlights, headlines and “heard on the street,” for the week ended 6 Dec. 2024. —Argentina: The Minister of Energy of Neuquén met w/ large oil cos. to advance the infrastructure agenda for the Vaca Muerta shale formation as the province seeks to accelerate […]
LatAm NRG Matters: Highlights, Heard for the Week Ended 22 Nov. 2024
(Energy Analytics Institute, 22.Nov.2024) — LatAm NRG highlights, headlines and “heard on the street,” for the week ended 22 Nov. 2024. LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN —Argentina: In Oct. 2024, Argentina exported $817mn in fuel and energy, accumulating $7,995mn in the first 10 mths of 2024. —Argentina: In Oct. 2024, […]
OPEC’s Al Ghais on Oil Demand Peaking by 2030
(Energy Analytics Institute, 13.Oct.2024) — OPEC Secretary General HE Haitham Al Ghais said that claims around oil demand peaking by 2030, or even dropping by 25%, “are just that – claims.” Al Ghais’ comment was posted 13 Oct. 2024 on X, formerly Twitter, by the organization. Al Ghais also said […]
Saudi Arabia Eyes Boosting Production by 1 MMb/d
(Energy Analytics Institute, 4.Oct.2024) — Saudi Arabia looks to add around 1 MMb/d of production over the next 12-15 months to reach close to 10 MMb/d by the end of 2025, according to a recent Opec report. The production increase is part of a plan by the Kingdom to stop ceding […]
Saudi Arabia Signals Oil Policy Shift
(The Washington Institute, 27.Sep.2024) — The kingdom anticipates and accepts lower oil prices, according to a news report, but the impact on other producers could be comparatively damaging. On September 26, an exclusive in the Financial Times indicated that Saudi Arabia is ready to abandon its unofficial oil price target of $100 […]
China Provides Some Respite as Oil Prices Rise
(Rystad, 24.Sep.2024) — Oil prices are on the rise again, but OPEC’s production cut unwinding still seems far off. Here is Rystad Energy’s oil macro update from Global Market Analysis Director, Claudio Galimberti: “The Chinese government’s announcement of its largest stimulus package since the pandemic, combined with the sudden rise […]
Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman Extend Cuts
(Opec, 5.Sep.2024) — The OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary cuts in Apr. and Nov. 2023, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, held a virtual meeting on 5 Sep. 2024, during which the eight member countries emphasized their collective resolve to […]
Election Results in Venezuela, Possible Routes Forward
(Rystad, 29.Jul.2024) —While the election in Venezuela may be over, the future is still not certain. There was a forgone conclusion that the incumbent government of President Nicolas Maduro may try to perpetrate some sort of electoral fraud to maintain power, and it certainly seems as though that has been […]
Maduro Says Venezuela’s Economy to Grow 8% in 2024
(Energy Analytics Institute, 28.Feb.2024) — Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro said he expects the economy of the Opec country to grow 8% in 2024. The president made the comments during a live broadcast on Venezuelan state television. ____________________ By Piero Stewart. © Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
EAI’s NRGBriefs: January 2024
(Energy Analytics Institute, 31.Jan.2024) — Energy briefs as well as others related to finance and projects during Jan. 2024 including Washington reviewing its sanctions policy on Venezuela; QatarEnergy confirming that Qatar’s LNG production continues uninterrupted; Evercore ISI continuing on Biden’s moves to pause on LNG export terminal approvals; an S&P […]
Venezuela’s 2023 Oil Exports Rose, Aided by US Sanctions Easing
(Reuters, 3.Jan.2023) — Venezuela’s oil exports increased 12% last year to almost 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) as the United States eased sanctions imposed since 2019 on the OPEC country’s energy sector, according to data and documents viewed by Reuters. The increase shows the impact of sanctions relaxation on the […]
S&P Global Releases its 2024 Energy Outlook
(S&P Global, 14.Dec.2023) — Analysts at S&P Global Commodity Insights, an independent provider of information, data, analysis, benchmark prices and workflow solutions for the commodities, energy and energy transition markets, today released their latest 2024 energy outlook. OVERVIEW After years of turbulence, global markets are still striving to find sustainable […]
Machado Says Venezuela to End Socialism: El Nacional
(Energy Analytics Institute, 24.Nov.2023) — Vente Venezuela national coordinator and opposition leader María Corina Machado said the next president of the Opec country would be picked by its citizens, according to the daily newspaper El Nacional. “The disqualification doesn’t stop anyone,” the newspaper reported 24 Nov. 2023, citing comments made […]
Venezuela’s October Oil Exports Fall 19% Despite U.S. Easing Sanctions
(Reuters, 2.Nov.2023) — Venezuela’s oil exports declined in October to less than 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) amid operational hiccups at the country’s main production region, in a sign any sustained output recovery after the lifting of U.S. oil sanctions might take time. The U.S. Treasury Department last month broadly eased […]
African Leaders Slam Western Energy ‘Hypocrisy’ but Financing Woes Remain
(S&P Global, 17.Oct.2023) — In a rousing performance to open African Energy Week in Cape Town, the cry went out from a young troupe of singers: “We want change, we want energy, we want our basic human rights.” The pointed call to action set the tone for the continent’s largest […]
Guyana Not Interested in Joining OPEC, VP says
(Reuters, 26.Jun.2023) — Nascent oil producer Guyana is not interested in joining the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Guyanese Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo said on Monday, as the South American country looks to rapidly boost production and attract new operators. Guyana – which has become one of fastest growing crude-oil producers […]
Venezuela Opposition Envoy Urges Biden to Ease Oil Sanctions
(AP, 3.Apr.2023) — The new representative of Venezuela’s opposition in the U.S. is urging the Biden administration to relax crippling oil sanctions on Nicolas Maduro’s government or risk seeing the socialist-run country turn into another Cuba with Washington scapegoated for increasing authoritarianism and economic hardships. Fernando Blasi’s comments to The […]
OPEC Cuts Oil Demand Forecast to Below the 100 MMb/d Mark [PDF Download]
(Energy Analytics Institute, 12.Oct.2022) — The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) now forecasts oil demand to dip below 100 million barrels per day (MMb/d) in 2022 owing a lower global economic forecast amid ongoing uncertainties and rising challenges impacting major economies. OPEC forecasts oil demand to reach 99.7 MMb/d […]
OPEC+ Deepens Support for Saudi Call to Weigh Supply Curbs
(Bloomberg, 24.Aug.2022) — OPEC’s united front on possible action grew stronger, as more nations endorsed Saudi Arabia’s view that supply curbs may be needed to stabilize world oil markets. Within 48 hours of comments from Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman that OPEC might have to curtail production, fellow […]
Nigeria’s NNPC Renews Oil Contracts to Produce 10 Billion Barrels
(Reuters, 12.Aug.2022) — Nigeria’s state-owned oil firm NNPC Ltd on Friday renewed oil production sharing agreements with international majors and local firms for five deepwater blocks that officials said could produce up to 10 billion barrels over the next 20 years. Nigeria, a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting […]
Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo: An OPEC Icon, A Dear Friend to Many
(OPEC, 6.Jul.2022) — It is with immense sorrow and sadness that the OPEC Secretariat learnt of the passing of the OPEC Secretary General, His Excellency, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, in his home country of Nigeria. He was the much-loved leader of the OPEC Secretariat and his passing is a profound loss […]
Keynote Address by OPEC Secretary General Barkindo
(OPEC, 5.Jul.2022) — Delivered by HE Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, OPEC Secretary General, at the opening ceremony of the 21st edition of Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition, 5 July 2022, Abuja, Nigeria. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, It is very refreshing, indeed a great pleasure to be back home […]
NRGBriefs: Chevron Comments on Venezuelan License; SQM Results
(Energy Analytics Institute, 19.May.2022) — Energy briefs including Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) (NYSE: SQM; Santiago Stock Exchange: SQM-B, SQM-A) holding a conference call to discuss its 1Q;22 financial results; Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSX-V: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) reporting results from 10 new drill holes targeting the Tajitos – Copala resource area, at […]
OPEC’s Mohammad Barkindo Visits Petrocedeño Upgrader
(Energy Analytics Institute, 11.May.2022) — Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) President Asdrúbal Chávez, and the board of directors of the company received the Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Mohammad Barkindo during a “fruitful” meeting at the Petrocedeño upgrader located within the José Antonio Anzoátegui Industrial […]
OPEC’s Barkindo Visits Jose Antonio Anzoátegui Petrochemical Complex
(Energy Analytics Institute, 11.May.2022) —The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo and an OPEC delegation visited the ‘Jose Antonio Anzoátegui Petrochemical Complex’ in Anzoátegui State during their working visit to Venezuela. The upgrading complex is composed of four main upgraders and a petrochemical plant. “There have […]
NRGBriefs: Nigeria’s Barkindo Visits with Venezuelan Authorities
(Energy Analytics Institute, 7.May.2022) — Energy briefs including the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo visiting Venezuela to participate in meetings with the South American country’s high authorities. LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Venezuela — The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo, […]
Venezuela and Iran to Deepen Oil and Defense Ties
(Energy Analytics Institute, 2.May.2022) — Venezuela’s Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami held a working meeting in Caracas with his Iranian counterpart Javad Owji to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation mechanisms between both countries in the oil and defense sectors. The ministers also reviewed different opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the petrochemical […]
Oil Gains as Libya Shuts Its Largest Oil Field Amid Protests
(Bloomberg, 18.Apr.2022) — Oil rose as the shutdown of Libya’s biggest oil field strains an already under-supplied market, overshadowing signals that China’s drastic pandemic lockdowns are weighing on economic growth. Brent crude futures settled above $113 a barrel for the first time since late March while West Texas Intermediate oil […]
NRGBriefs: Venezuela Oil Production Tendencies in Early 2022
(Energy Analytics Institute, 24.Mar.2022) — Energy briefs including Trinidad and Tobago’s Vision 2030 laying out a development agenda to address major National Development Strategy challenges; and a Venezuelan oil expert in Caracas saying that the OPEC country in the early months of 2022 is importing around 60,000 b/d of condensate […]
White House Tells Oil Industry ‘We Need More’ as Fuel Prices Soar
(FT.com, 9.Mar.2022) — The US is engaged in an increasingly frantic search to replace oil supplies lost from Russia as it tries to repair diplomatic rifts abroad and boost production at home to stop fuel prices from spiralling out of control. Jennifer Granholm, US energy secretary, on Wednesday told an […]
Maduro: Venezuela Ready to Provide Oil Stability to World
(Telesur, 4.Mar.2022) — Oil prices have risen this week due to supply concerns amid international sanctions directed at Russia for its military operation in Ukraine. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced during a speech at the II Workers’ Congress his country’s readiness to provide oil and gas stability to the entire world. “The […]
Venezuela Doubles Crude Oil Exports Defying US Sanctions
(Bloomberg, 3.Jan.2022) — Oil exports from Venezuela doubled in December from a year earlier as the country raises production of revenue-generating hydrocarbons in defiance of U.S. sanctions. Shipments averaged 619,000 barrels a day in December. The OPEC-founding member increased exports for a third straight month with the support of ally […]
Mexico Plans to End Oil Exports in 2023 to Reach Self-Sufficiency
(Bloomberg, 28.Dec.2021) — Mexico plans to end crude oil exports in 2023 as part of a strategy by the nationalist government of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to reach self-sufficiency in the domestic fuels market. Petroleos Mexicanos, the Mexican state-owned producer known as Pemex, will reduce crude oil exports to 435,000 […]
As Western Oil Giants Cut Production, NOCs Step Up
(New York Times, 14.Oct.2021) — After years of pumping more oil and gas, Western energy giants like BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil and Chevron are slowing down production as they switch to renewable energy or cut costs after being bruised by the pandemic. But that doesn’t mean the world […]
Emerging Oil Markets on the Path to Net Zero
(News America, 5.Oct.2021) — This year, the world has become increasingly aware of a global energy shortage as well as the irreversible damages of climate change. Throughout Europe, gas prices have tripled due to a fall in inventory meeting a fast-recovering global economy. Reduced wind power, which accounts for roughly […]
Venezuela Still Attractive: Amos Global Energy’s Ali Moshiri Says
(Energy Analytics Institute, 1.Sep.2021) — Venezuela, home to the world’s largest oil reserves, still has an opportunity to capitalize on producing oil amid the energy transition, Ali Moshiri, head of Amos Global Energy tells Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). “Investment is going to go where the lowest cost is and Venezuela […]
Venezuela Oil Czar Says Output To Skyrocket, Sanctions Be Damned
(Bloomberg, 21.Jun.2021) — In Venezuela, waiting in line at a gas station — sometimes for days — has become so routine that it’s hard to imagine life without it. But go see Tareck El Aissami, the oil minister, and you’ll find out something magical is about to happen. In weeks, […]
Biden’s Venezuela Policy In Holding Pattern As Maduro Outlasts Pressures
(S&P Global, 18.Jun.2021) — After Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro outlasted the Trump administration’s maximum sanctions pressure, US President Joe Biden will have to decide whether to offer Venezuela limited sanctions relief or more, amid calls from the left in Congress for humanitarian relief. An easing of some sanctions would only […]
India In Talks With Guyana For Long-Term Crude Supply
(Reuters, 25.Apr.2021) — India, the world’s third-largest crude consumer and importer, has approached Guyana’s government about a possible long-term deal to buy the South American country’s oil, a Guyanese official said. India has expressed interest in buying one of the 1 million-barrel cargoes Guyana’s government is entitled to in order […]
Venezuela Ships Jet Fuel to Iran In Exchange For Petrol
(Reuters, 23.Feb.2021) — Venezuela is shipping jet fuel to Iran in return for vital gasoline imports for the South American nation as part of a swap deal agreed by the two state-run oil firms, three people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Iran has ramped up assistance to Venezuela […]
OPEC Fund Marks 45 Years Of Driving Development
(The OPEC Fund, 28.Jan.2021) — The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) marks its 45th anniversary today. Since inception, the multilateral development finance institution has approved more than $25bn in essential financing for 135 partner countries. Established in 1976 with a distinct mandate to drive development, strengthen communities […]
Venezuela Eyes Private Cos Operating Oil Fields
(Reuters, 14.Jan.2021) — Venezuelan officials have met in recent months with small domestic oilfield contractors to propose letting them operate fields owned by state-owned PDVSA while pocketing part of the proceeds, according to six people with knowledge of the talks. The talks show President Nicolas Maduro, facing a collapse in […]
OPEC Voluntary Production Levels (PDF DOWNLOAD)
(Energy Analytics Institute, 11.Jan.2021) — OPEC’s voluntary crude oil production levels for the months of January, February, and March. __________ By Ian Silverman. © Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
Biden Presidency To Reset US Sanctions Focus
(Argus, 14.Dec.2020) — Washington’s failure in the past two years to force regime change in Caracas by means of severe sanctions gives the incoming US administration of president-elect Joe Biden an opportunity to try a more diplomacy-focused approach. Biden’s policy goal for Venezuela — ensuring a free and fair election […]
Heard Venezuela: Iranian Asset Takeovers
(Energy Analytics Institute, 5.Dec.2020) — Rumors are that Iranian businesspersons and their companies are in the process of taking over operations at Venezuela’s six refineries while also looking to do the same at petrol stations across the OPEC country. Venezuela’s state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) owns six refineries […]
OPEC+ To Boost Output After Tense Negotiations
(WoodMac, 4.Dec.2020) — Tense negotiations and rumours of a rift between Saudi Arabia and UAE ended with a compromise deal for OPEC+ on 3 December 2020. Despite concerns on oversupply for Q1 2021, the group agreed to increase output by 500,000 b/d in January. Production restraint is set at minus […]
Venezuela Crude Production, Exports Recover
(Argus, 1.Dec.2020) — Venezuelan state-owned PdV’s crude production and exports have recovered in recent weeks as China resumed direct loadings and a tanker deficit the company blames on US sanctions eased, according to PdV officials and internal reports seen by Argus. PdV’s crude exports jumped to around 500,000 b/d last […]
Venezuela Supports Three Month Opec Extension
(Energy Analytics Institute, 17.Nov.2020) — Opec producer Venezuela continues to support a three month extension of production levels of 7.7 million barrels per day. “Venezuela ratifies its commitment to continue adopting the necessary decisions to guarantee the stability of the energy market,” Venezuela’s state owned Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) announced […]
Maduro Says Amuay Hit By ‘Terrorist Tttack’
(Reuters, 28.Oct.2020) — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday said the country’s Amuay oil refinery was victim of a terrorist attack on Tuesday that involved a “powerful weapon”, but said the country had gasoline reserves equivalent to 20 days of consumption. An explosion hit a distillation unit at the 645,000 […]
Nabarima Floating Storage Tanker At Risk Of Sinking
(Energy Analytics Institute, 17.Oct.2020) — The Nabarima floating storage unit with around 1,180,000 barrels of oil and located offshore Venezuela’s Sucre state is at increased risk of sinking, an oil union official warns. Nabarima belongs to the Empresa Mixta PetroSucre, which partners state oil company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) and […]
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 […]
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 […]
First Iranian Tanker Enters Venezuelan Waters
(Reuters, 28.Sep.2020) — The first of a group of three tankers carrying Iranian fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela entered the waters of the South American nation on Monday, according to Refinitiv Eikon data, in the most recent sign of the countries’ expanding trade. The two OPEC members have increased cooperation this […]
Africa’s Gasoline Demand To Support Asia, Europe
(Platts, 24.Sep.2020) — Africa’s gasoline demand is expected to support the gasoline markets of Asia and Europe as refinery outages in the African continent, together with a strong recovery in demand, draw more cargoes there, away from storage tanks in regional oil hubs. The demand recovery was demonstrated by a […]
Rafael Ramirez: Venezuela Can Fix Its Own Oil Industry
(Argus, 8.Sep.2020) — Rafael Ramirez served as Venezuela’s oil minister from 2002-2013 and concurrent chief executive of state-owned PdV from 2004-2013, a tumultuous period marked by an oil strike and nationalizations under the late president Hugo Chavez. In this interview, edited for length and clarity, Ramirez, now in exile in […]
Maduro Assigns Oil Sector Workers Three Special Tasks
(Energy Analytics Institute, 3.Sep.2020) — Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro announced three areas of focus for petroleum sector workers as well as others working directly within the state oil giant Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). “I have ordered the Alí Rodríguez Araque Presidential Commission and PDVSA workers [focus] on three tasks: the […]
PDVSA, Eni Weigh Options To Transfer Idled Oil
(Reuters, 2.Sep.2020) — Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA and Italy’s Eni are looking at options to safely offload crude from a floating storage facility on Venezuela’s eastern coast that has remained idle for over a year due to U.S. sanctions, according to sources close to the discussions. The companies suspended […]
Venezuela Faces Possibility Oil Output Drops To Zero
(Oilprice.com, 1.Sep.2020) — Venezuela once considered one of Latin America’s prosperous countries has plunged into the abyss. Years of economic mismanagement, cronyism and corruption have sparked a monumental economic collapse which saw the oil rich country become one of the poorest in South America. There are emerging signs that Venezuela […]
Russia Is Winning The Battle For Venezuela’s Oil
(Oilprice.com, 24.Aug.2020) — In just over a year Venezuela, and the push to oust socialist leader President Nicolas Maduro, has gone from being one of the world’s hottest news headlines to obscurity. The popularity of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó is waning. As the December 2020 election date for Venezuela’s […]
How Venezuela’s Oil Industry Collapsed: FT.com
(FT.com, 23.Aug.2020) — The country’s oil industry was once the envy of the region, but after decades of mismanagement and corruption the sector is facing ruin. The FT’s Andean correspondent Gideon Long asks what went wrong. Watch his video here. __________
Agbami Key Sticking Point In OPEC+ Compliance
(Argus, 11.Aug.2020) — Nigeria’s full compliance to the OPEC+ deal hangs on a key oil grade being treated as a condensate. Since OPEC+ allowed ultra-light oil to be exempt from its production cut deal, the West African nation’s Agbami has been a bone of contention. The challenge is that nobody […]
Saudi Arabia Turns Off America’s Oil Taps Again
(Bloomberg, 9.Aug.2020) — The strategy worked wonders in 2017. It will be more challenging this time around unless the pandemic eases its grip on oil demand. For the second time in three years, Saudi Arabia is slashing the volume of crude it’s sending to America in an attempt to force down […]