Russia’s Rosatom Wins Bid To Build Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant
Russia’s state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, has been selected after a rigorous process by Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency to build the country’s first nuclear power plant.
Rosatom was selected as the preferred bidder with its VVER-1200 reactors, beating China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) with its HPR-1000, France’s EDF with its EPR1200, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) with its APR-1000/APR-1400.
In a statement announcing the result, Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency said: “The listed companies submitted a comprehensive package of materials consisting of technical and commercial proposals for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. These materials included the following information: estimated construction cost, project implementation deadlines, financing models, methods of localisation of equipment and construction works, recommendations for the development of personnel training and scientific and educational potential, opportunities for integration in the nuclear fuel cycle, and issues of social obligations.”
The assessment was carried out based on a methodology developed by the Atomic Energy Agency, Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP, and French engineering company Assystem. The evaluation considered the areas highlighted in the statement’s list of materials, as well as nuclear power plant safety and international experience. The analysis was then submitted to the Interdepartmental Commission on the Development of the Atomic Industry.
“It was determined that the most optimal and effective proposals for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan came from the Russian company Rosatom,” with second place taken by CNNC and third place by EDF and KHNP, the agency statement said. “Thus, Rosatom was identified as the leader of the international consortium for the project to build the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.”
Discussions are now taking place on state export funding from the Russian Federation based on the proposals submitted by Rosatom.
In a separate statement, Rosatom’s Director General Alexei Likhachev said: “We welcome Kazakhstan’s decision to begin implementing the nuclear power plant construction project.
VVER-1200 generation 3+ reactors combine time-tested engineering solutions with the latest active and passive protection systems developed in strict compliance with international safety standards.
VVER-1200 reactors are already operating in Russia and abroad – four units in Russia and two units in Belarus, and this technology has also been chosen by our partners in Hungary, Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh, and China. There is still a lot of work ahead, and we sincerely count on the help and support of the leadership of Russia and Kazakhstan.”
The Atomic Energy Agency of Kazakhstan stated that it would “continue to work with foreign partners to form an effective international consortium to build the country’s first nuclear power plant.”
Agency chairman Almasadam Satkaliyev added: “All prequalified participants included in the shortlist have their own unique technologies. It is planned to sign a separate agreement with the People’s Republic of China on cooperation in the nuclear sector. We want to use Chinese technologies to build another nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan… In general, there are not many countries in the world that can implement a full nuclear cycle on their own. China has the necessary technologies and an industrial and production base. Therefore, our next main priority is cooperation with China.”
“We have agreements at the highest level. We are interested in adopting Chinese experience, and we understand that they can carry out construction quickly and qualitatively. We have already started work in this direction.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria Warns Oil Companies To Drill Or Lose Their License
Nigeria has warned oil and gas exploration companies that have been awarded oil blocks to begin exploration and production or face license revocation.
The Chief Executive of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, recently issued a warning in Abuja during a visit to his office by Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), emphasising that oil and gas producers must either begin production within a specified timeframe or relinquish their licenses.
According to him, the policy aims to revitalise the oil sector, ensure optimal use of assets, and boost government revenue.
Komolafe discussed the implementation of the ‘drill or drop’ policy, which requires operators to either begin production within a specified timeframe or relinquish their licences.
“This policy aims to revitalise the oil sector, ensure optimal use of assets, and boost government revenue,” he stated.
This portal understands that during the discussion with the IGGP, Komolafe reiterated the dedication of NUPRC to creating an enabling business environment.
He outlined several key policies implemented since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, including the automation of regulatory processes such as granting of licenses and permits, which he said had significantly reduced bureaucratic delays and improved operational efficiency across the sector.
The IPPG Chairman, Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, who also serves as the Chairman of Waltersmith Group, an indigenous oil and gas company, stated that the visit was a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration between the commission and indigenous producers.
He said it served as an opportunity for the IPPG to formally express its appreciation to the NUPRC for the critical role it played in facilitating the recent divestment of assets by international oil companies.
“These divestments, which were closely overseen by the commission, have enabled a significant transfer of upstream oil and gas assets to indigenous operators. This transition marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s energy landscape, creating new opportunities for local companies to scale up operations,” he said.
During the meeting, the IPPG reportedly reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the commission’s ’Project One Million Barrels Incremental’ initiative—a programme designed to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil production.
The group emphasised its readiness to align with this national objective and highlighted its dual focus on both oil and gas development
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Iran Threatens To Leave Nuclear Treaty And Close Strait Of Hormuz
Amid an escalating Israeli air campaign against Iran, calls are mounting in Tehran to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil routes.
The archenemies have been trading fire since June 13 after Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, military bases, and residential areas in a bid to hinder Tehran’s program and eliminate top military leadership.
Several high-profile Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commanders and nuclear scientists have been killed in the attacks. Iran’s Health Ministry said on June 15 that 224 people, including children, had been killed.
At least 24 people, including civilians, have been killed in Iranian counterstrikes, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel said it launched its attack because it had concluded that Iran was weeks, if not days, away from enriching uranium and acquiring a nuclear weapon. Iran rejects the claim, insisting that its nuclear program is peaceful.
Iran’s parliament is moving forward with a bill to withdraw from the NPT, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei announced on June 16. Iranian officials are also threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz if the attacks continue.
But experts warn Tehran’s threats may be more about political theater than imminent change.
NPT Withdrawal: More Bark Than Bite?
Hard-line Iranian lawmaker Hamid Rasaee over the weekend charged that there was no point in remaining in the NPT since it had failed to protect Iran’s nuclear sites from attacks.
Fellow hard-line legislator Mohammad Mannan weighed in, announcing that a high-priority bill would be submitted to the parliament to push ahead with the withdrawal.
Despite the heated rhetoric in Tehran, experts say Iran is unlikely to actually leave the treaty anytime soon.
“For now, Iran appears unlikely to withdraw from the NPT, despite growing pressure from hard-liners,” Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, told RFE/RL.
Even if the parliament passes the bill, it needs to be approved by the Guardians Council, Iran’s constitutional watchdog whose members are directly and indirectly appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s commander in chief who has the final say on all state matters.
Azizi argued that withdrawing from the NPT would effectively gut Iran’s legal defense.
“Tehran has so far based its defense at the international level on the assertion that Israel’s actions are unlawful, citing the absence of an imminent threat. Exiting the NPT would undermine this line entirely.”
In 2010, Khamenei issued a fatwa a religious ruling declaring the use of nuclear weapons as “haram,” or forbidden under Islamic law, and stating that Iran would not pursue them.
Iranian officials have frequently pointed to this decree as proof that the Islamic republic has no intention of developing nuclear weapons.
However, analysts argue that the fatwa does not present a serious obstacle to Iran acquiring a bomb.
They note that Iran could carry out much of the necessary work while the fatwa remains in place, and Khamenei could simply revoke it at a later stage if a decision were made to move forward.
Baqaei said on June 16 that, despite legislative efforts to initiate Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT, Tehran is not looking to acquire nuclear weapons.
Strait Of Hormuz: High Stakes, Low Odds
Hard-line media and several officials have again raised the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz a move that would threaten nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
But Gregory Brew, a senior Iran and oil analyst at the New York-based Eurasia Group, says it’s a threat Tehran is unlikely to carry out.
“Closing the strait is Iran’s last big card to play,” Brew told RFE/RL. “It has the means of essentially blockading the waterway…by deploying short-range ballistic missiles, naval vessels, and mines.”
But attempting to blockade the strategic strait would have major ramifications, such as “immediately” triggering a response from the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
“If war with Israel is proving very damaging, war with the US (and the GCC) would be much worse,” Brew said.
Economically, closing the Strait of Hormuz would also hurt Iran itself because it is using the waterway to export oil, mostly to China.
“So long as that continues, I don’t think it will act on its threats,” Brew added.
Source: Oilprice.com
Oil Prices Rise As Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates
Oil prices rose on Tuesday as the Iran-Israel conflict escalated, though major oil and gas infrastructure and flows have so far been spared from substantial impact.
Brent crude futures gained $1.49, or 2.03%, to $74.72 a barrel by 13:15 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up $1.28, or nearly 1.78%, at $73.05.
Energy stocks surged late last week as the market priced in possible disruption from the conflict between Israel and Iran.
While there was no noticeable interruption to oil flows, Iran partially suspended gas production at the South Pars field that it shares with Qatar after an Israeli strike started a fire there on Saturday.
Israel also hit the Shahran oil depot in Iran.
“The market is largely worried about disruption through (the Strait of) Hormuz, but the risk of that is very low,” said Saxo Bank analyst Ole Hansen, as quoted by Reuters.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Trump Fires Nuclear Chief In Energy Deregulation Shakeup
In a dramatic escalation with sweeping implications for the U.S. nuclear industry, President Donald Trump has removed Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Christopher Hanson, opening up a big vacancy at the top for a candidate with softer regulatory inclinations.
The NRC, which oversees the operation of America’s 94 commercial nuclear reactors and regulates new designs such as small modular reactors (SMRs), plays a pivotal role in U.S. energy security and the clean energy transition. Trump’s move allows his administration to appoint new leadership that could accelerate licensing processes, ease certain regulatory burdens, and potentially fast-track the deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies that fit his broader “energy dominance” strategy, NPR eports. Critics of Hanson have argued that his tenure favored cautious, risk-averse regulatory frameworks that could delay or discourage private-sector investment. By contrast, Trump’s allies are expected to push for a more permissive environment aimed at strengthening U.S. competitiveness against Russia’s Rosatom and South Korea’s KHNP in the global reactor export market. These moves could also influence U.S. leverage in critical supply chain negotiations over nuclear fuel enrichment and uranium sourcing, particularly amid ongoing tensions with China. Major tech companies including Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon, which are increasingly reliant on long-term nuclear power purchase agreements to fuel AI-driven data infrastructure, are closely watching how the leadership change could affect advanced reactor project approvals and market timelines. The industry is bracing for one of the most consequential shifts in U.S. nuclear oversight in years. The deals are lining up, quickly. Constellation Energy and Meta inked a 20?year deal earlier in June for 1,121?MW of output, supporting its relicensing through a $13.5?million?annual tax revenue. Amazon Web Services (AWS) also expanded its nuclear portfolio via a revised “front?of?meter” PPA with Talen Energy, securing up to 1,920?MW through 2042, including backing for future SMRs. Source: Oilprice.comIndia: SECI Launches Tender For 2 GW Solar Projects With Energy Storage
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has launched a tender for 2 GW of grid-connected solar projects paired with 1 GW/4 GWh of energy storage systems (ESS).
The projects will be developed on a build-own-operate basis and can be set up anywhere in India.
According to the notice issued by SECI, the developer must install ESS capacity of at least 500 kW/2 MWh for each 1 MW of solar project capacity contracted.
The ESS component may either be owned by the developer or tied-up separately with a third-party for the supply of power.
SECI will sign 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the selected developers.
A developer must bid for a minimum cumulative capacity of 50 MW of solar and a maximum 1 GW, in multiples of 10 MW.
The solar power developer is mandated to deliver 2 MWh of energy per megawatt of rated project capacity, in alternating-current terms, during peak grid demand hours, as per the schedule given by the buying entity (i.e., for each 100 MW of project capacity, the developer will supply up to 200 MWh of energy during peak hours), on a daily basis.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Minority Demands Repeal Of New Fuel Levy Following Suspension
Ghana’s parliamentary minority caucus has demanded an immediate repeal of the controversial Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act 2025, which introduced a Gh¢1 levy on every litre of petroleum products.
Although the government, through the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has decided to suspend the new levy, which was to take effect today, June 16, 2025, the Minority believes suspending it is not enough.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minority condemned the government’s action to postpone the full rollout of the levy, describing it as a “chaotic, inconsistent approach to economic governance”.
The Minority noted that the eleventh-hour U-turn epitomizes a trial-and-error strategy and reveals a disturbing lack of stakeholder engagement before the passage of the law.
The government’s attempt to justify the decision by citing global crude oil price volatility due to the Israel-Iran conflict was strongly condemned by the Minority as hypocrisy and dishonesty.
The statement suggested that this same government strongly criticized the then-ruling government for ascribing economic difficulties to global events and is now using the same sentiments to justify its own policy incoherence.
The Minority Caucus called for an immediate parliamentary recall to repeal the law, describing its postponement as “wholly inadequate”. Many have expressed the view that the “Energy Sector Levy”, fondly called the “Dumsor Levy”, was a terrible idea from the onset.
At a time when Ghanaians are suffering from the high cost of living, imposing a new fuel tax has been described as economically unsustainable.
The Minority said the government’s argument to postpone the law indefinitely is an insulting half-measure.
“This postponement is not a solution. It is a shameful retreat that exposes this government’s inconsistencies and hypocrisy,” he pointed out.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Nigeria’s President Ahmed Tinubu To Bring Bold Energy Reforms To AEW 2025 Stage In Cape Town
The African Energy Chamber, the organizers of the African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, has announced that Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address delegates at Africa’s premier energy event in Cape Town.
President Tinubu’s participation comes as Nigeria undergoes one of the most ambitious reform drives in its oil, gas and broader energy sectors – a drive that is reshaping the country’s investment climate and unlocking multi-billion-dollar opportunities across the value chain.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has spearheaded a wide-ranging program to reposition Nigeria as a top-tier destination for energy investment.
In May 2025, he signed an Executive Order on Oil & Gas Reforms, aimed at overhauling project delivery frameworks and significantly reducing costs across the industry.
The Order introduces streamlined contracting processes, tax incentives and the removal of regulatory and local content compliance bottlenecks, with a target of cutting upstream project costs by up to 40%.
Such reforms are designed to make Nigeria’s operating environment globally competitive and unlock billions of dollars in new investments.
In the past year, Nigeria has secured over $8 billion in deepwater oil and gas final investment decisions, signalling a renewed appetite among international investors.
ExxonMobil, for example, has committed $1.5 billion to new deepwater field developments.
Shell is also strengthening its position in deepwater and integrated gas – recently increasing its stake in OML 118, which includes the prolific deepwater Bonga field – while Chevron is expanding operations at the Agbami field, one of Nigeria’s largest deepwater discoveries.
Meanwhile, Petrobras has declared its interest in returning to deepwater exploration in Nigeria, seeking frontier acreage because of improved regulatory clarity and investor-friendly reforms.
The country has also unveiled major new initiatives to promote local content and industrial growth, with multi-billion-dollar investments directed at building domestic capacity in fabrication, engineering and services.
This includes the “Naira for Crude” initiative, which aims to promote local refining, enhance energy security and reduce reliance on foreign currency in the domestic oil market.
Beyond upstream developments, Nigeria is advancing its gas monetization strategy and reviving refining capacity to enhance energy security and drive industrialization.
The ongoing operational ramp-up of the 650,000-bpd Dangote refinery – the largest on the continent – is set to begin nationwide distribution of petrol and diesel later this year.
The refinery, along with new investments in petrochemical plants, storage facilities and pipeline infrastructure, is expected to help end Nigeria’s decades-long reliance on gasoline imports, a trade valued at $17 billion.
The U.S., European and global investor community is increasingly engaging with Nigeria as a strategic partner for energy supply diversification and clean energy integration, further solidifying the country’s position as a leading force in Africa’s energy landscape.
“Nigeria under President Tinubu is showing the world how decisive policy reforms can directly translate into investor confidence and tangible project commitments,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
“What’s happening in Nigeria today is a case study for other African producers: it demonstrates that by cutting red tape, streamlining processes and providing fiscal certainty, countries can attract capital on a large scale while creating real value for their people. We are honored to welcome President Tinubu to AEW 2025 to share this important success story.”
President Tinubu’s address at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies will provide a unique opportunity for African and global stakeholders to gain insights into Nigeria’s evolving oil and gas sector, the government’s strategy for long-term energy security and the country’s vision for sustainable industrial development.
His leadership is setting a benchmark for how resource-rich nations can balance competitiveness, local value creation and inclusive growth.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
EU Aims To Cut All Russian Gas Imports By 2027
As the European Union seeks to end its dependency on Russian energy, the European Commission is set to propose this week a ban on new contracts for natural gas supply with Russia on the basis of trade law, which needs a majority vote approval instead of a unanimous EU call.
EU companies will be banned from signing new contracts for Russian gas, based on trade law, which is aimed at sidestepping vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia, the Financial Times reported on Monday, quoting a summary of the proposals it had seen.
Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to receive Russian gas via a pipeline through Balkans, have pledged to veto an outright ban in a sanctions package.
Passing sanctions needs unanimous approval from all EU member states, but the use of trade law would require only an approval from the majority of the countries.
Yet, the EU will grant exemptions to Hungary and Slovakia to phase out current Russian gas contracts by 2027, officials familiar with the Commission’s plan told FT.
The phase-out of Russian energy imports is part of the EU’s roadmap to end dependency on Russian energy unveiled last month.
The roadmap calls for the EU to stop all imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027 by improving the transparency, monitoring, and traceability of Russian gas across the EU markets. New contracts with suppliers of Russian gas will be prevented and spot contracts (for immediate payment) will be stopped by the end of 2025, the European Commission said last month.
As part of the EU’s efforts to halt imports of Russian natural gas, the bloc will require EU companies to disclose details of their contracts to buy Russian gas, according to an internal European Commission document seen by Reuters last week.
The EU will demand from EU companies to disclose many details of the deals, including duration, annual contracted volumes, date of conclusion of the contracts, and destination clauses, per the internal documents seen by Reuters.
Source: oilprice.com
Nigeria: Dangote Petroleum Refinery Deploys 4000 CNG Powered Trucks To Distribute Petrol And Diesel Nationwide
Nigeria-based Dangote Petroleum Refinery began a nationwide distribution of premium motor spirit (popularly known as petrol) and diesel on Sunday to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecoms firms, aviation, and other large users.
The company is using its newly procured 4000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers for the exercise.
The refinery is also investing in CNG stations, commonly referred to as daughter booster stations, supported by a fleet of over 100 CNG tankers across the country to ensure seamless product distribution, a statement issued by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery said.
“This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development.
“It affirms our dedication to improving the availability and affordability of fuel, in support of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of all Nigerians,” the company explained.
Under this initiative, all petrol stations purchasing PMS and diesel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will benefit from this enhanced logistics support.
The company explained that key sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and others will also gain from this transformative initiative, as reduced fuel costs will contribute to lower production costs, reduced inflation, and foster economic growth.
According to the company, players in the industry can purchase directly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
In addition, the refinery will offer a credit facility to those purchasing a minimum of 500,000 litres—allowing them to obtain an additional 500,000 litres on credit for two weeks, under bank guarantee.
The move is expected to revitalise previously inactive petrol stations, thereby driving job creation, stimulating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), increasing government revenue, improving fuel access in rural and underserved communities, and strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
This initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reflecting our shared commitment to economic progress, stability, and inclusive development.
“We sincerely thank the Federal Government for its continued support, especially through the Naira-for-Crude scheme, which has helped stabilise fuel supply amid global price volatility,” Dangote Petroleum Refinery said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Petrol Prices Shoot Up; Diesel, Kerosene Prices Reduced
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has reviewed fuel prices for the next month, effective Sunday, June 15, 2025, to Monday, July 14, 2025.
The review saw the petrol price going up by KShs 2.69 per litre, while diesel and kerosene decreased by KShs 1.95 and KShs 2.06 per litre, respectively.
As a result, a litre of petrol now retails at KShs 177.32, while diesel and kerosene sell at KShs 162.91 and KShs 146.93, respectively, in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
In other towns like Mombasa and Nakuru, a litre of petrol now retails at KShs 174.01 and KShs 176.47 respectively, while diesel sells at KShs 159.62 and KShs 162.41, respectively.
The regulator attributed its decision to a decrease in the average landed cost of imported fuel products.
According to EPRA, the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 0.35% from $588.16 per cubic meter in April 2025 to $590.24 per cubic meter in May 2025.
Diesel decreased by 2.42% from $594.60 per cubic meter to $580.23 per cubic meter, while kerosene decreased by 5.14% from $599.84 per cubic meter to $569.00 per cubic meter over the same period.
The prices include the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, and the revised excise duty rates adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
In other towns like Mombasa and Nakuru, a litre of petrol now retails at KShs 174.01 and KShs 176.47 respectively, while diesel sells at KShs 159.62 and KShs 162.41, respectively.
The regulator attributed its decision to a decrease in the average landed cost of imported fuel products.
According to EPRA, the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 0.35% from $588.16 per cubic meter in April 2025 to $590.24 per cubic meter in May 2025.
Diesel decreased by 2.42% from $594.60 per cubic meter to $580.23 per cubic meter, while kerosene decreased by 5.14% from $599.84 per cubic meter to $569.00 per cubic meter over the same period.
The prices include the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, and the revised excise duty rates adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Israel Bombards Tehran, Setting Two Major Oil Facilities Ablaze
Israel’s latest wave of attacks on Iran took out Tehran’s main gas depot and its central oil refinery in separate parts of the capital, engulfing its sky in smoke and flame early Sunday.
The Shahran fuel and gasoline depot, which has at least 11 storage tanks, was hit and set afire during the Israeli attack that began on Saturday night, Iran’s oil ministry said in a statement.
Shahran is in an affluent neighborhood of luxury high rises.
“The fire is terrifying, it’s massive; there is a lot of commotion here,” said Mostafa Shams, a resident of the area. “It’s the gasoline depots that are exploding one after another, it’s loud and scary.”
Separately in the city’s south, Shahr Rey, one of the country’s largest oil refineries, was also struck, according to Iranian state news media. Emergency crews were trying to contain the fire, and a resident of Tehran, Reza Salehi, said he could see the flames from miles away.
Israel’s targeting of Iran’s energy facilities, a crucial source of export cash for the country as well as of domestic energy, represented a significant escalation in its military campaign against Tehran.
Earlier on Saturday, Israel had struck two key Iranian energy sites, including a section of the South Pars Gas Field, which is one of the world’s largest and critical to Iran’s energy production.
“We have entered the second phase of the war, which is extremely dangerous and destructive,” Abdollah Babakhani, an expert on Iran’s energy sector based in Germany, said on Saturday.
However, the multiple massive explosions targeting energy and fuel facilities in and around the capital spread fear among residents.
Israeli warplanes also struck sites in Tehran related to Iran’s nuclear program, including experimental laboratories, according to two Israeli defense officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive operational details.
A woman named Shirin, who lives near the gasoline depot in northern Tehran and asked that only her first name be used out of fear for her safety, said neighbors were frantically calling each other asking what to do. She said the explosion was so loud that her mother fainted. Shirin’s husband was worried about fuel and gasoline shortage following the attack.
“Israel is attacking left and right; it’s not just military targets, this is our livelihood and our lives,” Shirin said in a phone interview from Tehran. She was also angry at the government in Iran, she said, for not providing any guidance or shelter for civilians caught in the crossfire.
Hamid Hosseini, a member of the energy committee of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, said Iran’s municipality had been discussing moving the Shahran fuel depot from the residential area in northern Tehran for years, fearing an attack or an accident could be catastrophic.
The attack on the depot set off massive explosions, according to an official at the oil ministry, who said the depots were exploding one after another and threatened to significantly damage residential neighborhoods in the area.
The depot has about 8 million liters per day of gasoline entering its storage tanks and has a capacity to hold about three full days of fuel needs for Tehran, according to the ministry official.
Source:New York Times
Ghana: Gov’t Indefinitely Suspends Implementation Of New Fuel Levy
The Government of Ghana has suspended indefinitely the new fuel levy which was scheduled for implementation on Monday, June 16, 2025.
The new levy imposed Gh¢1 on every litre of petroleum products namely petrol, diesel, LPG and Marine Gas Oil.
The aim was to generate about Gh¢450 million every month to settle nearly US$3 million debt in the energy sector.
The levy received opposition from a section of Ghanaians including the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies and the Minority Caucus in Parliament, citing lack of stakeholder consultation.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner of GRA, Anthony Sarpong, it said his outfit had been instructed by the Minister for Finance to put the implementation on hold.
The statement said a new effective date would be announced in due course.
The suspension provides a temporary relief to consumers amid concerns over the rising fuel prices and cost of living pressures.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: New Fuel Levy: Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari Sends Message To Ghanaians
Presidential Advisor and Aide to Ghana’s President, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has waded into the controversy surrounding the GH¢1 levy imposed on every litre of petroleum products by the government, suggesting that the levy is intended to address key issues aimed at restoring Ghana’s economy to a sound footing.
According to her, the levy aims to achieve macroeconomic stability, fix the energy crisis, safeguard jobs, and drive development and progress.
The new levy, passed by Parliament on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to raise revenue to settle over $3 billion debt in the country’s power sector.
The Ghana Revenue Authority initially set Monday, June 9, 2025, to implement it but later pushed the date to Monday, June 16, 2025, following concerns raised by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
Sharing her opinion on the new fuel levy, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, in an article posted on Facebook, highlighted the importance of the new levy.
“This is not just any tax; it is an investment in national stability, energy security and long-term development,” she pointed out.
For her, the levy is timely, stating, “As Ghanaians, we have weathered many difficult storms. We now have the opportunity to build lasting solutions. By contributing a small, manageable amount per litre today, we will together ensure a more secure, reliable energy future for all as we #reset Ghana.
“And let us not lose sight of the broader picture. With responsible governance, active citizen engagement and strategic policy decisions, Ghana can move decisively beyond recovery to true transformation,” she said.
She gave an assurance that accountability mechanisms would be instituted to ensure that the levy is utilised wisely for its intended purpose.
Below is the full article
A Step Toward Energy Security: Understanding the New Energy Sector Levy
Ghana’s energy sector is at the turning point. After eight years of mismanagement and corruption, it has been burdened with significant debt and inefficiencies. The consequences of prolonged economic decline and ballooning public debt have been deeply felt.
But change is now underway. Following years of economic decline and ballooning public debt, the arrival of a new leader and a change in government are beginning to yield the fruits of disciplined fiscal management.
Inflation is on a steady decline. The cedi is strengthening and making consistent gains. Investor confidence is returning. And for the first time in years, there is a renewed sense of optimism across the country.
At such a time, difficult but necessary policy decisions become both feasible and impactful. One such decision is the introduction of a GHC1 per litre levy on petroleum products, under the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill.
We understand that Ghanaians have carried a heavy burden in recent years, and no new levy is ever easy to accept.
However, despite this levy’s introduction, fuel prices remain lower than they were in previous months. In practical terms, consumers will continue to benefit from reduced costs. More importantly, this levy is different. It is targeted, transparent and purposeful.
Why Now?
- Macroeconomic Stability Creates Policy Space: Ghana’s improving fiscal outlook provides the government with room to introduce targeted levies with clear benefits without further destabilizing inflation or worsening the cost of living. This policy is therefore designed not to punish, but to protect.
- Fixing the Energy Crisis for Good: For far too long, Ghana’s energy sector has been riddled with debt, inefficiencies and inadequate infrastructure financing. This levy is ring-fenced, meaning every cedi collected will go directly toward settling sector debts, stabilizing electricity generation and ensuring reliable power supply for households, businesses and industries.
- Protecting Jobs, Power and Progress: Load shedding, fuel shortages and energy debt have real human costs in lost jobs, rising production costs and missed opportunities. In this respect, this levy is a preventative measure to avoid future disruptions and safeguard Ghana’s economic future.
- Publishing regular reports on how the revenue is used.
- Auditing the levy’s implementation through independent mechanisms.
- Engaging civil society to monitor its impact and provide feedback.