Obama arrived in the Riyadh yesterday on the backdrop of a proposed Congress bill that leaves the potential for citizens to sue the Kingdom over 9/11, and a subsequent Saudi threat to withdraw $750 billion from the US. But this is not the key issue behind Obama’s visit. Rather the above is merely the straw that broke the camel’s back. …
Africa’s Soaring Demand for Energy Creates Oil Storage Opportunities for Investors
Africa’s annual appetite for gasoil and gasoline is expected to climb by as much as 8%, while demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has hit double digits. The continent’s growing home-grown energy supply will help satisfy some of the burgeoning demand. Africa produced 8.2m b/d of crude last year – 76% came from Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt and Angola, according to …
Disruptive Technologies Could be Savior Oil Industry Seeks as it Contends with Low Prices
Oil and gas companies, which are grappling with an intense battle for customers amid a supply glut and stressed prices, are increasingly looking for ways to improve efficiency and reliability of their assets to gain a competitive edge. One area of rising investment is in the confluence of technology that allows greater communication and integration of different devices and sensors, …
OPEC Producers Shouldn’t Panic Yet About Slowdown in China
Concerns that the slowdown in China’s economic growth will curb Asia’s energy demand from the Middle East and beyond could be premature. Yes, any hint of weakness in the world’s largest net importer of crude and its second largest economy rings alarm bells in OPEC capitals and in boardrooms across the globe. India and Southeast Asian economies are also flourishing …
Iran to Try Attract International Oil Companies Back with New Petroleum Contract
The need for Iran to invest in its oil and gas sector to maintain and boost output is obvious. In a bid to create an environment more conducive to attracting foreign investment, the oil ministry has started working on a new contract model for international companies seeking to become involved in domestic oil field developments which will be unveiled in …
Iran’s Energy Sector Gears up for Post-Sanctions Era
After years of isolation, Iran is positioning itself for the lifting of international sanctions, a move that would revive the Islamic Republic’s ailing energy industry, pave the way for its return as a major oil exporter and provide much-needed stimulus to the domestic economy.