The last thing Senegal needed in its long-drawn-out effort to capitalize on large oil and gas finds off its coast was political turmoil. Africa’s newest natural gas superstar had bubbled with optimism when BP Plc, Woodside Energy Group Ltd. and Kosmos Energy Ltd. agreed to develop the fields off the …
Read More »Central Banks’ Appetite for Gold is Skyrocketing
Total gold demand hit an all-time high in 2023, according to a recent report released by the World Gold Council. Last week, the World Gold Council (WGC) released its Gold Demand Trends report, which tracks developments in the demand for and use of gold around the world. Excluding over-the-counter (OTC) …
Read More »IMF’s Chief Says Mideast Growth to Slow in 2024 on Oil Cuts, Gaza
The International Monetary Fund said on Sunday Middle East economies were lagging below growth projections due to oil production cuts and the Israel-Gaza conflict, even as the global economic outlook remained resilient. Despite uncertainties, “the global economy has been surprisingly resilient,” IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva told the Arab Fiscal …
Read More »Brazil’s Gas Imports Fall to Lowest Level in 20 Years Thanks to Hydro Push
Brazil’s natural gas imports fell to a 20-year low last year, according to data from the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). Brazil’s nat gas imports fell to 6.5 billion cubic meters, or 228 billion cubic feet, according to ANP, as the country boosts its hydroelectric capabilities …
Read More »Venezuela Sends Military to Guyana Border over Oil Dispute
Venezuela is sending troops to its border with Guyana in an escalation of tensions over Guyana’s recent oil boom, according to reports citing satellite images and videos posted by Venezuela’s military. Venezuela is attempting to annex an area known as Essequibo, in which Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in December said …
Read More »Shipping Giants Warn of Worsening Red Sea Security Situation
Security threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea are not abating, they are escalating instead, and disruptions to maritime trade are expected to last up to a year, according to some of the biggest shipping companies in the world. Many container and tanker operators have been avoiding the Red …
Read More »Hydrogen Revenue Jumps for World’s Biggest Maker of Shipping Containers
The world’s biggest manufacturer of shipping containers sees a surge in revenues from its hydrogen business, in a sign the clean fuel is starting to gain commercial traction. China International Marine Containers Group Co. makes electrolyzers that can produce hydrogen, as well as storage containers for the gas. It generated …
Read More »Big Oil’s Blockbuster $114 Billion Investor Payout is Largest ever
Oil supermajors returned more cash to shareholders than ever before last year as management teams reined in spending on new projects to free up cash for dividends and buybacks. There may be more to come. Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Shell, TotalEnergies and BP spent $113.8 billion on 2023 dividends and share …
Read More »South Korea’s EV Sales Held Back by Drivers’ Fears of Battery Fires
South Korea’s electric vehicle (EV) sales fell by 0.1% last year for the first annual decline since 2017, as drivers cite fears of batteries catching fire and insufficient number of chargers as key obstacles alongside higher interest rates and high prices. South Korean drivers are concerned that their future EVs …
Read More »Global Demand for Critical Minerals Spurs Recycling Debate
There are big plans for the production of critical minerals to meet the rapidly growing demand as the world undergoes a green transition. Governments are starting to work together to develop their sustainable mining capabilities and ensure that they produce enough metals and minerals to respond to global needs. To …
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