Shell Pledges Support for Angola’s Oil Production Revival as Company Returns After 20 Years Shell has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Angola’s efforts to revive and expand oil production as the global energy company moves to re-establish its presence in the country after a 20-year absence. The commitment was highlighted by Alioune Sourang, CEO of Shell in Angola, following a meeting with Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo. According to a
Sonangol Tanker Hit by Explosion Near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair Port; Crew Safe and Vessel Stable An oil tanker linked to Sonangol, named Sonangol Namibe, was damaged by an explosion last week while anchored near the Iraqi port of Khor al Zubair Port, according to a source from the Angolan state oil company. The vessel, which sails under the Bahamas flag, sustained material damage to its hull after one of its ballast tanks was struck.
Oil Surges 25% to Highest Since 2022 Amid Iran War, Driving Vegoils and Aluminium Prices Oil prices surged nearly 25% on Monday, reaching their highest levels since mid-2022, with Brent crude on track for a record one day gain. In contrast, gold fell 2% as the escalating Iran conflict disrupted global energy supplies, strengthened the dollar, and dampened expectations of near-term interest rate cuts. Agricultural markets, led by edible oils, rose in tandem with crude
Oil Prices Jump Above $114 as Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Trigger Global Energy Market Fears Global oil prices surged sharply on Monday, March 9, 2026, as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz raised fears of a major shock to global energy supplies. According to energy market data, the international benchmark Brent crude was trading at around $114 per barrel at the start of the
Oil Price Surge After US Strikes on Iran Threatens Higher Fuel Costs and Inflation Across Africa A geopolitical conflict thousands of kilometres away is once again threatening to raise the cost of living across Africa. Within hours of US-led airstrikes on Iran on February 28, global oil markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude prices jumping from about $67 to above $82 per barrel a surge of more than 20% in just a few days. It
Seplat Restores 49 Idle Wells, Targets 50 More as Offshore Output Surges After ExxonMobil Asset Deal Seplat Energy Plc has restored 49 previously idle wells to production following its US$1.28 billion acquisition of onshore and shallow-water assets from ExxonMobil, adding significant new capacity as part of a broader offshore turnaround strategy. The company confirmed in its latest audited financial results that the well restoration campaign was a key driver of offshore growth in 2025. Cost-Efficient
Nigeria Splits OPL 245 Into Four Blocks as Shell and Eni Move to Develop 9-Billion-Barrel Deepwater Reserve Nigeria has restructured its high-profile OPL 245 deepwater oil block into four separate assets to be jointly developed by Shell Plc and Eni SpA, potentially unlocking one of Africa’s largest undeveloped offshore oil reserves. According to a source familiar with the decision, final contract signings are expected to begin shortly, although the government has yet to make a
MIREMPET Evaluates Solid Minerals and Hydrocarbon Potential in Icolo & Bengo Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas (MIREMPET) on Monday reviewed the mineral, oil and gas potential of Icolo e Bengo during a high-level meeting with provincial officials and sector technicians. The session, led by Minister Diamantino Azevedo, focused on assessing ongoing activities in the province and identifying mechanisms to strengthen institutional coordination, regulatory oversight and sector development. According to the minister, as one
Nigeria Introduces Cawthorne Light Sweet Crude to Boost Exports and Strengthen OPEC Position The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has announced plans to begin exporting a new light, sweet crude grade known as Cawthorne from March, signaling a gradual recovery in production from Africa’s largest oil exporter. The launch of the new grade comes as Nigeria works to restore output levels that have been constrained for years by pipeline vandalism, crude theft and security challenges in
Egypt Launches $4B Refinery Upgrade Plan to Reduce Fuel Imports and Strengthen Regional Energy RoleEgypt is investing $4 billion to modernize and expand its oil-refining sector in a strategic move to enhance energy security, increase local value creation, and reduce costly fuel imports. Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, outlined the plan, which includes six refinery upgrade projects aimed at increasing national refining capacity and improving operational efficiency. “The government has developed a
