Crude oil
Market cautious on Brazil’s 2010 oil bloc auction
News that Brazil is looking to auction more oil and gas blocs this year has met with a lukewarm reception from the oil markets as they await more clarity on the timing, production estimates and pending oil regulations, say analysts.
BP and Devon team up to develop oil sands play
BP and Devon Energy have entered into a joint venture that will use the latter’s in-situ production expertise to develop BP’s Kirby oil sands leases in Alberta, Canada.
IEA revises China oil outlook for 2010
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has revised its global oil demand forecast for the second time this year, following a double digit upwards surge in China’s year-on-year apparent oil demand in January.
Shell: Nigerian oil and gas production is falling
Crude oil and gas production in Nigeria has fallen by around 30% over the past five years, following a slowdown in exploration and production activity in the country, says Ann Pickard, Shell’s regional executive vice-president of exploration and…
BAML: Iraq poses risk to oil outlook
Iraq poses a risk to oil market outlook as the country may not fulfil output expectations in the shorter term, says Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML). However, the prospect of a huge increase in oil production may still maybe able to keep prices under…
Energy Risk: What's coming next?
Energy Risk brings you a snapshot of what's moving and shaking the markets.
Global supply squeeze to ease with China/Saudi ties
The global oil supply tightness forecast for the next five years due to increasing Asian demand might be eased by China’s latest move to promote closer ties and secure more imports from Saudi Arabia, say analysts.
Oil price of $70-80/bbl expected in 2010
Oil prices are expected to remain between $70 and $80 per barrel (bbl) this year, according to a consensus of industry experts speaking at the IP Week conference in London.
China seen overtaking US as biggest oil importer in 2-3 years
“In two to three years, China will be the largest global importer of crude oil,” Jorge Montepeque, global director of market reports for Platts, said at today’s Global Outlook for Oil event during IP Week.
Oil price volatility still concerns the market
After oil prices started to stabilise in the last quarter of 2009, all eyes turned to the market outlook for the year ahead. But as we enter a new decade, oil still remains at the top of the risk agenda and price forecasts differ vastly. Lianna Brinded…
Lukoil-led consortium seals Iraq deal
A consortium led by Russian private oil company Lukoil is the latest in a line of energy giants sealing deals in Iraq, in a move set to develop one of the country’s largest oil fields.
Iran sets out mixed energy plan 2010/2011
Iran’s national budget for 2010/2011 will be less reliant on oil revenues but will still reveal "good news" on oil production of 20% enriched fuel in February this year, says Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in a move aimed at making the state less…
Eni, Oxy & Kogas seal Iraq deal
Three major oil and gas companies have sealed a deal with Iraq’s South Oil Company and Missan Oil Company that is set to increase production by 1 million barrels per day (bbl/d) over the next six years.
Sonatrach CEO probe not affecting exports
Market fears about an Algerian oil and gas export shutdown are unfounded, say analysts, following confirmation that the chief executive of state-owned energy company Sonatrach is now under judicial review.
EIA: World will be more dependent on Opec oil
The world will become more dependent on Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) oil by the start of 2011, following sustained surplus production capacity and a forecasted decline in growth from countries outside the producer group, says…
Saudi Aramco switches to Argus Sour Crude Index
Saudi Arabia’s national oil company Saudi Aramco is to use the Argus Sour Crude Index (ASCI) published by Argus Media as the benchmark price for all grades of crude oil sold to US customers from January 2010.
Playing Russia’s game
Rachel Morison examines the current investor appetite for Russian oil E&P
The Last Contango
Oil prices have remained in the doldrums so far this year, but the market took a surprising turn as it slipped into a contango at the end of 2008 that has so far remained in place. Pauline McCallion examines its causes and speaks to analysts about their…
Oil Storage Data - Taking Stock
Volatile prices and perceived problems with WTI as a benchmark have triggered renewed calls for weekly European stock data to supplement US data. An EC directive is currently being discussed, but not everyone is in favour of this, finds Rachel Morison
Expropriation - A very real risk
Expropriation or forced government renegotiation is a big risk for oil companies that is likely to increase in times of lower oil prices. Randel Young and Richard Devine look at how to safeguard against the worst effects