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Energy Markets

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels

Nigeria will start exporting a new crude grade by March and boost output

Cawthorne crude is similar to Bonny Light and valued for its gasoline and diesel yields Cawthorne export via vessel with a capacity of 2.2 million barrels, increasing production Kpler claims that Nigeria's crude oil and condensate production could reach 1.7 million barrels per day. Seher Dareen and Isaac Anyaogu LONDON, FEB 24 - Nigerian state oil firm NNPC plans to export a new sweet, light crude grade named Cawthorne in March. This will add to the recent increase in production from Africa's largest exporter. This launch is part a broader effort by Nigeria to increase production. It has been hampered...

Fossil Fuels

Oil prices fall below the seven-month highs as traders focus on U.S. Iran talks and trade policy

Oil prices were below a seven-month high as traders weighed the uncertainty surrounding U.S. Trade Policy and the prospects for U.S. Iran nuclear talks in light of heightened Middle East tensions. Brent crude futures fell 9 cents or 0.1 percent to $71.40 per barrel at?0120 GMT. This follows a volatile session on Monday, when it reached its highest level since the 31st of July, $72.50, while alternating between gains and losses exceeding 1%. U.S. crude oil futures fell 11 cents or 0.2% to $66.20 per barrel. This is after the previous session saw a rise to $67.28 - the highest...

Fossil Fuels

McGeever: Watch out for the oil's disinflationary drag disappearing

Since mid-2024, oil prices have consistently been a disinflationary factor for the U.S. economy and global economy. This may soon change. Brent and West Texas intermediate crude oil futures are at their highest level in almost seven months, fueled by signs of an economic?upturn? at the beginning of the year as well as simmering tensions between the U.S. and Iran that could lead to a military conflict. WTI rose to?above $67 per barrel on Friday, and Brent reached $72, bringing their gains for the year so far?to?around 15%. More importantly, from an inflation-calculation perspective, oil's rise means the year-on-year increase...

Fossil Fuels

Groupa Azoty’s Polyolefins submits debt restructuring plan before planned Orlen transaction

Azoty announced on Saturday that the Polish chemical company Grupa Azoty’s GA Polyolefins has proposed a debt restructuring to its creditors through Poland’s National Debt Register. This is a necessary step towards stabilizing their?finances?ahead a planned acquisition of energy group Orlen. The plan is part of a deal, which was launched in late 2014, that allows the unit renegotiate its debt repayments to avoid bankruptcy after failures with installation at its flagship polymer project halted production. Key Details * As of November 28, the arrangement covered claims that were undisputed, totaling?around 6.1 zlotys (about $1.75 billion). The new proposals include...

Pollution

Verona protests ahead of Olympics closing ceremony

The protest was against the housing costs, and the environmental concerns associated with the Winter Games. The "Olympics?" rally was organized by university groups and associations that oppose hosting an event they say disrupts forests, pours concrete onto fragile land and deepens social inequality. The rally, "Olympics? "We're here to protect our territory against speculation...and from the impossible cost of attending events," Giannina, a 76 year old activist said. Tickets were priced between 950 euros and 2,900 euros. The ceremony began at 8:30 pm (1930 GMT), inside Verona’s ancient Roman Arena. The banner said: "Fewer Games, more homes." Francesca (34),...

Fossil Fuels

Verona protests ahead of the closing ceremony of the Olympics

The Winter Games were accompanied by protests against housing costs, environmental concerns and the cost of the Winter Games. The ceremony will be held in the ancient Roman arena of Verona at 8:30 pm (1930 GMT). The rally was called "Olympics?" The rally, "Olympics? No thanks", was organized by university groups and association that oppose the hosting of a?event they say disrupts forests, pours concrete on fragile land?and deepens societal inequality. "We're here to defend our land from speculators... and the absurd cost of attending events," Giannina, a 76-year old activist, said, noting that tickets costing 400 euros for a...

Fossil Fuels

Berlin can now take control of Rosneft German assets

The European Commission approved a new trusteeship on Friday that will give Berlin long-term control of the German assets owned by the Russian oil group Rosneft. This is part of the efforts to find a structural solution for the company. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Germany's long-standing energy relationship with Russia was shaken. It is necessary to renew the trusteeship every six months in order to?preserve energy security'. This creates uncertainty, mainly regarding the PCK Schwedt Refinery which supplies the majority of fuel to Berlin. The current trusteeship ends on March 10, 2019. The transaction that was examined by...

Fossil Fuels

Saudi Arabian crude exports drop to a three-month low in December

Data from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative on Thursday showed that crude oil exports by the world's biggest oil exporter dropped to 6,988 million barrels a day. This is down from 7.378 million barrels a day in November and the lowest since September. Saudi Arabian crude production reached its highest level since April 2023 in December. In November, the output was 10.050 millions bpd. The crude oil used in Saudi Arabia was either refined into products or exported. This is despite a moderately higher production of crude. Riyadh, along with other members of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), provides...

Oil & Gas

Venezuela owes Repsol $5.4 billion, according to an annual report

The Venezuelan government owes Repsol 4,55 billion euros ($5,37 billion), the Spanish energy group said in its report for the first-time on Thursday. Repsol is active in Venezuela since over 30 years, employs staff and is a major partner of the state energy company PDVSA. It is one of a few companies that have been granted a license to run oil and natural gas operations in Venezuela by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. Repsol received a permit in March of last year from the U.S. authorities allowing it to receive PDVSA oil as "payment for debt"....

Coal

The cartel office warns that the growing power of top suppliers could pose a threat to German electricity market.

The cartel office of Germany said that changes in Germany's energy market have increased RWE's, LEAG's and EnBW's clout, which has led to a greater reliance on imports, as well as an increase in supply risks. According to the Bundeskartellamt annual report, which is based on data between May 2024 and April 2025, Germany's move away from flexible energy sources, such as coal, nuclear, and hydroelectric, has made remaining plants more important for meeting demand. The country temporarily activated reserve?stations to meet the energy needs of the crisis caused by Russia's conflict in Ukraine. However, from early 2024 onwards it...

Oil & Gas Refining

Gains in refining for energy group Orlen offset impairment losses, lifting shares

Orlen, a Polish energy group, reported adjusted core earnings higher than expected on Thursday. This was helped by a stronger downstream result which overshadowed the?net profit miss caused?by asset impairments as well as lower oil and natural gas prices. The shares rose 2.2% as of 0849 GMT. This boosted Poland's blue chip index WIG20 which rose by 0.5%. Analyst Tamas Pelser at?Erste Group said that the 4Q25 period was a positive one for the Polish energy giant, highlighting "the very strong contribution" of refining in a margin-friendly environment. Orlen's model refinement?margin increased in the fourth quarter, as sanctions and Ukrainian...

Electric Utilities

Italy increases corporate tax on energy firms to fund bill reductions

Italy?approved a 2-percentage point hike in the IRAP -corporate tax for energy firms on Wednesday. This will help fund a set of measures aimed to reduce bills for families and businesses that use a lot of energy. A decree viewed by revealed that the move will bring in an extra 1 billion euros (1,18 billion dollars) to the government through 2028. This money will be used to finance the energy bill reductions planned. Meloni, in a social media video, said that the package would have a "significant impact" and guarantee benefits to households and businesses of over 5 billion Euros....

Crude Oil

Crude Oil

Investors jittery about AI disruption as stocks dip

The global stock market fell for a second consecutive day on Tuesday. This was due to a variety of factors, including uncertainty about President Donald Trump's policy on tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and a renewed concern over the economic upheaval caused by artificial intelligence. The president announced that a 10% levy would be applied across the board after the Supreme Court declared Trump's emergency tariffs illegal?on?Friday. Effect on Tuesday . Trump said that the tariffs would be 15% but it wasn't clear when or if this would apply. Trade partners and investors are unaware of the status of many tariff agreements,...

Crude Oil

Asia stocks attempt to stabilize after Wall St sale dims mood

After a wobbly start on Tuesday, Asian stocks stabilized after a new sell-off linked to AI on Wall Street. Investors were also affected by increased anxiety about President Donald Trump's tariff policy and geopolitical conflicts. MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific share index outside Japan is on course for new highs following a seven-day rally. The index gained?0.3% as benchmarks in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan both reached their highest levels on record. Nikkei 225 in Tokyo rose 0.9%, while China's CSI300 gained 1.2%. Both markets were playing catch-up following a holiday. S&P 500 futures e-mini were up by 0.3%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Crude Oil

Asia stocks attempt to stabilize after Wall St sale dims mood

After a shaky start, Asian stocks stabilized after Tuesday's wobbly start. A fresh AI-related selloff on Wall Street shook investors. Investors were also affected by increased?anxiety about U.S. president Donald Trump's policy on tariffs and heightened geopolitical tensions. MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific share index outside Japan is on track for a seven-day rally. It advanced 0.4%, as benchmarks in Taiwan & South Korea reached their highest levels ever. Nikkei 225 in Tokyo rose by 0.8%, while China's CSI300 gained 1.3%. The markets were playing catch-up following a holiday. S&P 500 futures rose 0.3%. The Nasdaq Composite fell 1.1% overnight, as investors...

Mining

Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

As China returns from its holiday, copper prices hit their highest in over a week

The copper price rose on Tuesday to its highest level in more than a month, fueled by a positive mood and a stronger demand from China, the world's largest metal consumer, after markets reopened following a holiday. Benchmark?copper for three months on the London Metal Exchange?had gained 2.4% by 1700 GMT to $13,182 per metric ton after reaching its highest price of $13,196 since February 12. LME copper fell 0.7% on Sunday, but has gained 22.5% over the last three months. However, it is still well below its record high of $14,527.50, set on January 29. Alastair Munro is a...

Mineral Resources

Weisfisch to sell Glencore almost $115 Million of cobalt, according to sources

Glencore agreed to buy nearly 2,000 tons of cobalt from Rami Weisfisch, an industry veteran. The deal is a historic one. Two sources confirmed that the material, which is essential for defense and military gear, will be shipped to the United States to be included in its planned stockpile. The U.S. administration of President Donald Trump is actively seeking out critical materials, including cobalt, to reduce its dependence on China. China is the world's dominant supplier and processor for metals and minerals required by strategic industries. China has used its power to impose quotas, new regulations and ban the export...

Mineral Resources

Copper falls from a one-week peak as inventories increase, and confusion surrounds tariffs

Prices of copper fell on Monday as inventories continued to rise. Investors were also unsure about the future of U.S. Tariffs and Chinese Trading ahead of reopening following a holiday. Benchmark three-month Copper on the London Metal Exchange fell 0.9% to $12,843 per metric tonne by 1700 GMT. It had earlier reached a session high of more than $13,050. LME copper is up about 3% in the last four sessions but still far below its record high of $14,57.50 on January 29, which was reached. The fact that there is more inventory outside the U.S. may be a little dampener...

Mineral Resources

Andy Home: ROI-West must set its own prices to avoid China's control of rare earths.

The price of rare Earths has risen sharply, pushing the market price above the minimum price guaranteed by the U.S. government in its groundbreaking deal with domestic producer MP Materials. The good news is that the U.S. government will not be subsidizing MP Materials' production of neodymium, praseodymium or NdPr as long as the price remains above the critical threshold at $110 per kilogram. Since signing the agreement with the Department of Defense in July last year, the innovative 'floor-price' mechanism has protected the U.S. National champion from low prices. DoD earns 30% on the price increase. The problem is...

Mineral Resources

Greenland's Prime Minister says "no thanks" to Trump's hospital vessel

Greenland's prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded "no thanks", on Sunday, to the idea of U.S. President Donald 'Trump' to send a hospital boat to Greenland. Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to takeover this territory. Trump announced on social media on Saturday that he is working with Jeff Landry, the Louisiana Governor and special envoy for Greenland to send a hospital boat to Greenland. "President Trump’s idea to send an American?hospital boat here to Greenland was noted. We do have a free public healthcare system. Nielsen said in a Facebook post that it was a "deliberate choice". Nielsen said...

Mineral Resources

Copper, aluminium drive higher after court rejects Trump tariffs

The prices of copper, aluminium, and other base metals rose on Friday as the U.S. Supreme Court overturned sweeping tariffs that were imposed by President Donald Trump in accordance with a law meant to address national emergencies. London?Metal Exchange benchmark 3-month copper increased 0.8% to $12,917 per metric ton at 1720 GMT. It had previously reached $12,985.50, its highest level in a week. Aluminium also rose 1.2% to $3103.50. The ruling is "constructive" for base metals, as it reduces the near-term risk to global trade flows and demand. The upside will likely be limited, however, given that some sector-specific duties...

Mineral Resources

Businesses celebrate victory over Trump tariffs but refunds may take some time

The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the White House emergency tariffs were invalid. This was a victory for thousands of businesses. The refund process?has just begun. The court's decision could have a ripple effect on the global economy. It ruled that Donald Trump cannot use the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act in order to levy a broad?tariff on imports. The corporate world spent months adapting to Trump's constantly-evolving policy on trade and his use of tariffs to advance his agenda. Not only to address trade issues, but also to act as a weapon against the policies...

Mineral Resources

Anglo American suffers $3.7 billion loss due to De Beers write-down

Anglo American reported a $3.7billion loss on Friday, after another writedown of its diamonds business. The miner is pushing ahead with plans to shed its non-core assets as well as complete its merger with?Teck Resources. Anglo has wrapped up an uneven reporting season for London listed mining groups. This highlights the divergent fortunes of the industry as Antofagasta benefitted from rising copper prices, while other diversified peers suffered due to weaker markets in iron ore and diamonds. The company recorded a $2.3bn pre-tax impairment on its De Beers division, reducing carrying value from over $4bn to $2.3bn. Analysts' estimates of...

Mineral Resources

Imerys cancels UK Lithium Project to Focus on France

Imerys, the minerals group, announced on Thursday that it has halted its project to develop lithium production in Britain. Instead, they will focus on a more advanced venture in France. Imerys British Lithium's project in Cornwall (southwest England) aims to produce over 20,000 tons of lithium carbonate annually and potentially meet the lithium demand for 500,000 electric vehicles. Imerys, in its annual report, said that it had placed the project under care and maintenance. It has suspended active development. "We realized that managing two projects in two countries at the same time was a lot," CEO Alessandro Dazza said to...

Mineral Resources

FTSE 100 drops as Rio Tinto disappoints, US-Iran tensions are a factor

London's FTSE 100 fell from its record highs on Thursday as Rio Tinto shares dropped after the global mining company's earnings missed expectations. Meanwhile, simmering tensions between the U.S. and Iran kept investors wary. Blue-chip index dropped 0.5%, after two consecutive sessions of closing at record highs. The mid-cap FTSE 250, which is primarily focused on the domestic market, was down by 0.4%. Rio Tinto dropped 3.6% following the miner's?reporting flat annual earnings. Lower prices at its iron ore business, its mainstay, were offset by a strong performance?in its copper division. Other London-listed companies also fell as copper prices were...

Mineral Resources

Eramet, a struggling miner, slumps following a 'disastrous 2025' capital increase

Eramet shares plunged by 22% in France on Thursday, after the company announced a huge drop in its annual earnings and that it was planning to sell assets and increase capital. The mining and metalurgical group announced on Wednesday a core adjusted profit of 372 millions euros ($439million), down 54% since 2024. This was due to a variety of unfavourable circumstances, from low prices to production setbacks. The company also announced that it would not pay dividends in the next two-year period, putting the shares on a course to their worst trading day ever since December 2018. Varun Sikka, an...

Mineral Resources

After a disastrous year, Eramet Mine plans to increase capital and sell assets

French mining group Eramet announced on Wednesday that it would?launch an 500 million euro capital increase ($590.40 millions) and consider selling stakes to some activities in 2026, after a decline in earnings and an increase in debt in the past year. The nickel, manganese, and lithium producer announced the measures at a time when it is also facing a'management crisis' following the firing of the former CEO Paulo Castellari as well as the suspension of the?finance director Abel Martins Alexandre in a matter of days earlier this month. Christel Bories has temporarily taken over the CEO role that she handed...