Nigeria’s daily crude oil production grew by 3.4% in August, reaching 1.352 million barrels per day, according to the latest data from OPEC. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reported that Nigeria’s output increased by 45,000 barrels per day, up from 1.307 million barrels per day in July. These figures are based on direct communication between OPEC and Nigerian authorities. Secondary sources indicate an even higher average of 1.448 million barrels per day in
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and South Africa’s FirstRand Bank have jointly invested €400 million (R7.9 billion) into various solar and wind energy projects across South Africa. This partnership aims to increase private-sector energy generation, strengthen energy security, and reduce the country’s ongoing power shortages. FirstRand is matching EIB’s €200 million ($221.82 million) loan as part of Europe’s Global Gateway initiative, a strategy focused on clean and sustainable infrastructure. EIB, a key partner in the
Uganda plans to issue new oil and gas exploration licenses in the 2025/2026 fiscal year (July-June) to attract further investment into the sector. The country’s last licensing round, which began in 2019, concluded in early 2023, with two out of five available blocks awarded. “Accelerating oil and gas investments will be key to driving Uganda’s economic growth next fiscal year,” said Finance Minister Matia Kasaija during a speech outlining the government’s priorities for 2025/2026. He
The US Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) is evaluating funding for Eni SpA’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) project off the coast of Mozambique. This follows its previous investment in an onshore LNG facility that faced delays due to security concerns and opposition from environmental groups. Eni’s Coral North floating LNG plant is listed as a pending project by Ex-Im. The bank stated in an emailed response that the financing amount would be disclosed upon final board approval,
Lucara Diamond Corp today announced the recovery of an extraordinary 1,094carat rough diamond from its 100% owned Karowe Mine in Botswana. This remarkable stone bears striking similarities to the 692 carat diamond announced in August 2023, which was polished by HB Antwerp and yielded polished diamonds that sold for in excess of USD13 million. Lucara confirmsthat this newly recovered 1,094 carat stone will also be polishedby HB Antwerp, as part of the ongoing partnership between
Gem Diamonds has unearthed a 122.20-carat rough diamond from its Letšeng mine in Lesotho, marking the third diamond over 100 carats discovered in the past month and the 11th of its kind this year. The company recovered this high-quality, type II diamond on September 1, following the discovery of a 129.71-carat rough on August 23 and a 145.55-carat stone on August 3. Additional notable finds this year include a 212.49-carat rough in May and two
Rio Tinto has rescheduled its tender of run-of-mine rough diamonds from the Diavik deposit in Canada due to reduced production volumes. Originally set for September 30 to October 2, the sale has been postponed until after the Diwali holiday, which runs from October 31 to November 1, the company informed Rapaport News. Patrick Coppens, general manager of sales and marketing for Rio Tinto’s diamond unit, explained, “Geotechnical challenges at the mine in July and August
Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and commodities trader Trafigura are competing to acquire Shell Plc’s service stations in South Africa. The sale has also drawn interest from South Africa’s Central Energy Fund, which owns PetroSA, Sasol Ltd., and Oman’s OQ Trading. A decision on the winning bidder could be made by the end of the year, though it may extend into 2025. Shell is aiming to raise nearly $1 billion from the
Starting in October, Dangote Petroleum Refinery will begin setting petrol prices in Nigeria, moving away from government regulation. Reports indicate that the federal government plans to allow the refinery to determine its own gasoline prices, effective Thursday. “Nigeria will let Dangote set gasoline prices for petroleum marketers starting next month,” sources told Bloomberg. “Petrol marketers will soon be able to purchase directly from the Dangote Refinery.” Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on
HBS International, a Tunisia-based oil and gas company, is investing $65 million this year to enhance natural gas reserves and production in Egypt’s Western Desert, particularly in the southwest El Alamein area. This investment aims to increase the company’s natural gas output in Egypt by approximately 167% by October, reaching 40 million cubic feet per day, up from the current 15 million cubic feet daily. In response to fuel demands for power plants, the Egyptian
