Energy transition
China LNG demand forecast revised up by 48%
China’s seemingly unstoppable appetite for energy has boosted the country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand forecasts by 48% from earlier estimates, as unconventional supply looks to plug the supply and demand gap, says a new report
JP Morgan commodity staff cuts won’t spread, but Europe recruitment slows
The recent commodity desk cull at JP Morgan is unlikely to be the start of an industry-wide trend, but the aggressive commodities build-outs from investment banks have slowed in Europe
Hungarian power exchange launch positive for eastern European markets
The Hungarian power exchange's (HUPX) first day-ahead auction was a positive development for the Hungarian power market, say analysts
HSBC enters energy derivatives market
HSBC and Total Oil Trading expect to offer their first products in a few months' time
France’s power shortfall would threaten UK power supply
A potential power shortfall in France could put pressure on UK energy supplies and prices, says analyst.
BP’s oil spill to tighten global oil supply - report
BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill will tighten global oil supply as US oil production is set to wane, following expectations the disaster will lead to stricter regulation and closer scrutiny of drilling operations in the US, say Barclays Capital
China disputes IEA energy data
The International Energy Agency’s claim that China has overtaken the US as the largest energy user, has exacerbated concerns that supply and demand data could be out of sync with price forecasts
31% of oil and gas firms lack ETRM solutions
Nearly one third of all oil and gas companies are more susceptible to systemic risk, as a report reveals 31% of these firms lack an energy trading and risk management (ETRM) solution for their operations
China unveils major oil and gas plan
China’s seemingly insatiable appetite for energy production and consumption reaches new levels as the country unveils plans to increase oil and gas production by a third by 2020
Iraq's oil minister calls for swift action on contracts
Iraq calls on foreign energy companies, such as BP, Eni and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to move swiftly to implement their recently awarded contracts
CFTC to rework position limits rule
CFTC Chairman confirms regulator will propose new rule on position limits as part of its expanded remit under financial legislation that could be enacted imminently by US President Obama
Moody’s warn of Spanish power sector downgrade
Rating agency warns that a surprise Spanish government review of wholesale electricity prices could lead to a downgrade of Spain's power companies
Gazprom quashes fears over Georgia pipeline stake
Russia’s energy giant Gazprom shoots down fears that it is looking to acquire or has acquired a significant stake in Georgia’s main natural gas pipeline and says it is only hypothetically interested in an acquisition
Events force IEA to recalibrate oil assessment methods
The International Energy Agency says game changing events including sovereign debt issues, China’s oil demand and the BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill have forced it to revise the way it assesses oil markets
China homes in on shale gas
China hopes to replicate the United States’ success in exploring and producing shale gas as the country looks to tap into new energy resources
Commodity markets face hedging activity boost
With commodity market conditions seemingly ripe for consumer hedging, Lianna Brinded looks at whether there has been a recent uptick in consumer hedging activity
Gap between PR on safety & reality hit BP
BP has been accused of negligence and arrogance following the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Alex Davis examines the central role energy sector reputational risk management must now play
Energy sector’s retirement timebomb poses major op risk
Up to 80% of the world’s current energy and commodities workforce are set to retire within 15 years according to recent data. Lianna Brinded investigates the operational risk implications
Knock-on effects of US drilling ban could be long-lasting
What longer-term implications could the moratorium on new drilling in the Gulf of Mexico have on production costs and supply amid uncertainty over new regulations asks Pauline McCallion
European refineries face difficult times
European refining has been in the doldrums for the last few years. Alex Davis looks at the outlook for Europe’s refiners and at how this will affect hedging strategies
US power markets switch to nodal trading
Several North American power market system operators have switched to a nodal system in recent years in search of greater market transparency, more granular and accurate pricing and the ability to manage congestion more precisely. Pauline McCallion looks…
Obstacles in the UK power market
An uncertain landscape for the UK power market is discouraging the participation of smaller electricity companies and preventing the development of healthy liquidity levels, say experts. Katie Holliday investigates the market’s prospects