Oil & refined products
IEA cuts global oil demand for 2009 and 2010
The International Energy Agency (IEA) slashes global oil demand for 2009 and 2010, following questions over the health of the global economy, weaker-than-expected data from Asia and the Middle East, and repercussions from the volcanic ash cloud and the…
Offshore policy remains unclear after drilling ban
The full effect of the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill on US offshore drilling policy remains unclear as the official investigation continues.
Iraq seals oil deal with Kurdistan
The Iraqi government has resolved the longstanding oil dispute with Kurdistan, signalling a short-term increase in oil exports, while the prospect for a petroleum law, which would detail revenue and expense allocations for foreign energy companies in…
Gulf of Mexico oil spill to delay BP drilling projects
BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill could lead to production delays throughout the industry while safety regulation tightens up.
Oil supply outlook: Nigeria
An uptick in Nigerian oil production at the end of 2009 led to hopes of greater supply stability. However, with political uncertainty looming and attacks on oil facilities on the rise again, Lianna Brinded asks experts if they are still optimistic for…
Turning points: Catherine Flax, chief executive officer of commodities for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at JP Morgan
Catherine Flax, chief executive officer of commodities for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at JP Morgan, shares her renowned enthusiasm for the commodities sector with Lianna Brinded
European oil refineries profitability to drop off
European oil refineries have little chance of making profits for companies over the next two years, despite the sector’s first quarter burst of profitability, say industry analysts.
Saudi Arabia global oil exports to wane post-2010
Saudi Arabia’s long-standing status as a swing producer of crude oil could be drawing to a close according to the head of national oil company Saudi Aramco.
China’s oil demand rise won’t tighten global supply
China’s apparent oil demand rose by 12.8% in March this year, following the expansion of refining capacity and rapid growth in the Chinese economy, but this does not indicate that global supply will tighten, say analysts.
Europe jet fuel price recovering as flights resume after volcanic ash ban
The Europe-wide flight ban resulting from volcanic ash clouds has cost the jet fuel market 500,000 tonnes-worth of demand this month, with logistical congestion expected to remain until the end of the week.
Volcanic ash clogs up Europe jet fuel market
European jet fuel traders are hoping for heavy rain to clear the skies of volcanic ash, after a loss of demand for a day and a half looks set to impact on prices and logistics.
Ex-RBS Sempra boss heads to UBS
UBS has hired former RBS Sempra Commodities head Kaushik Amin amid speculation that it will restart its commodities trading business
CFTC data shows speculators don't influence commodity markets
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) re-aggregated data releases show speculation has minimal impact on oil price movements, according to investment bank Credit Agricole.
IEA remains steady on global oil demand for 2010
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has stuck to its previous forecast for global oil demand in 2010, following two consecutive upwards revisions, but has lowered its 2009 estimates based on adjusted official data.
Obama launches new offshore drilling plan
In a joint announcement yesterday, US President Barack Obama and secretary of the interior Ken Salazar disclosed further details of efforts to strengthen energy security.
BP and CNPC push forward in Iraq despite oil law uncertainty
BP and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) have awarded a raft of other energy and commodities companies deals to start drilling and production in the lucrative Iraqi Rumaila oilfield, which they operate, despite the current lack of a petroleum…
Bullish data in China oil shop
With China’s seemingly unstoppable growth in oil demand fuelling speculation that it can only rise further this year, Lianna Brinded investigates how this will impact global supply and change trading relationships
Iran’s nuclear standoff forecast to push up oil
As more companies pull out of trading deals with Iran, analysts predict oil prices will rise on the back of production contraints and geopolitical uncertainty, writes Lianna Brinded
Mixed views on return to backwardated oil market
A tightening of the long-running contango in WTI crude oil prices has sparked debate about whether the futures price curve could soon swing into backwardation. Pauline McCallion reports
China secures big Angola oil deal
Chinese oil refining, producing and trading company China Petroleum and Chemical (Sinopec) has acquired deep-water oil assets in Angola by buying a 55% stake in Sonangol Sinopec, in a bid to further secure its diverse portfolio of oil import security.
Iraq’s oil output targets 'impossible'
The Iraqi government’s stated intention to increase oil capacity from 2.5 to 10-12 million barrels per day (b/d) over the next decade is impossible and actual production will fall far short of official stated targets, a panel of market experts has…
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.