Portugal To Import More US, Nigerian LNG, Aims To End Russian Supply
Portugal plans to increase purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States and Nigeria as it aims to end already dwindling supplies from Russia, Environment Minister Maria da Graca Carvalho said on Tuesday.
Portugal imported 49,141 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of natural gas in 2024, of which around 96% was LNG, data from electricity and gas grids operator REN shows.
Nigeria accounted for 51% of those LNG deliveries, about 40% came from the United States and around 4.4% from Russia.
In 2021, Russia accounted for 15% of Portugal’s LNG supply.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union has implemented targeted sanctions on Russian oil and gas imported through pipelines, but has not prevented the import of LNG transported by ship into Europe.
“Portugal is now practically independent of Russian gas but we want to reduce this figure further by importing more gas from Nigeria and the United States,” Graca Carvalho told a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, according to economic website ECO.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with tariffs if countries do not increase their purchases of U.S. energy.
ECO reported the minister urged greater cooperation within the 27-nation European Union to ensure energy independence and security, saying Iberia was still an “energy island” as it had “been difficult to build interconnections with France”.
Source: Natural Gas World
Trump Urges EU To Buy More U.S. LNG
President Donald Trump has urged the European Union to step up its purchases of crude oil and liquefied natural gas from the U.S. if it wants to avoid tariffs on all imports.
“The one thing they can do quickly is buy our oil and gas,” Trump told media on Monday, as quoted by Bloomberg. “We will straighten that out with tariffs, or they have to buy our oil and gas.”
On his first day in office, the president lifted a so-called pause on new LNG export terminal construction that the Biden administration imposed on the industry following one study that claimed LNG exports had a higher carbon footprint than coal.
The United States has become the largest LNG exporter in the world in a few short years and it also became the biggest supplier to the European after 2022 and the suspension of most Russian pipeline flows.
Before 2022, U.S. LNG exports to the continent averaged 15 million tons per year, but they jumped to 55 million tons in both 2022 and 2023.
Last year was more challenging because Europe started feeling the effect of higher-price energy, namely, problematic economic growth and reduced competitiveness for European industries.
Europe’s job is made harder by long-term contracts. Europe generally prefers to buy its LNG from the spot market with EU officials arguing greater independence—despite the price premium on the spot market.
Yet U.S. LNG exporters have committed significant volumes to buyers with long-term contracts and don’t really have a lot to spare for spot market loving European buyers, according to Bloomberg’s Stephen Stapczynski.
This means it would be difficult for Europe to respond to Trump’s calls for rebalancing the trade deficit that the U.S. is running with one of its top trade partners, even if it really wanted to, which it obviously does.
Source: Oilprice.com
Nigeria: NNPC Ltd. Blames Vandals For Buguma Wellhead Fire
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd., has alleged that the fire incident at its Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd., NEOL, was caused by pipeline vandals.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. in a statement on said the fire was caused by the activities of vandals who were attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil.
Buguma Wellhead 008 is located in Buguma community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Soneye said the unfortunate act of sabotage, which also resulted in severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve, reflected a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone.
He said since March 2023, crude oil theft on the asset had been persistent, with criminals who were resorting to extreme measures, including the use of dynamite to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons.
“The NNPC Ltd. remains committed to combating these fires and mitigating the financial losses associated with these criminal activities, which place a significant burden on the nation’s economy.
“The company is working closely with relevant security agencies to put an end to these acts of vandalism.
“Additionally, NNPC Ltd reaffirms its commitment to supporting communities affected by these destructive activities and will continue to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on those affected,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GTPCWU Congratulates New BOST MD
The General Transport Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union has congratulated Afetsi Awoonor on his appointment as the newly appointed Acting Managing Director of Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation (BEST) Company, formerly known as BOST.
Afetsi Awoonor was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama last Friday and he officially assumed post on Monday, 20th January 2025.
In a statement issued and signed by Edmund Agyei Domfreh, Secretary, PMSU, and Abdul Samadu Hamidu, AG. Divisional Secretary, JSU, it said it is a great pleasure to receive such welcoming news at this moment.
It continued that “we hope that this incredible opportunity given to you would help the growth of BOST and affect positively the staff as well.
“We believe that you have worked tirelessly to earn such a position; therefore, we shall put in all our efforts to help your administration to succeed.
“We wish you good luck in your new position,” the statement concluded.
Afetsi Awoonor will be the 7th Managing Director and also the second youngest person to manage the company after Dr Edwin Alfred Provençal.
Afetsi Awoonor was introduced to the staff at the company’s head office at a short but impressive durbar.
Mr Afetse thanked the outgoing MD for his service to the company and promised to take BOST to the “next level.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Named Top Employer In South Africa
South Africa’s national power utility, Eskom, has been recognised as a Top Employer in South Africa for 2025 by a global HR body.
This prestigious accolade is a testament to Eskom’s commitment to creating an exceptional workplace environment, developing and embedding cutting-edge Human Resources (HR) policies, and people practices.
The recognition was announced by the Top Employers Institute, the global authority on HR strategies and certification, after a rigorous benchmarking process.
Eskom excelled in six key HR domains, covering 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing.
Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, expressed his pride and gratitude, saying, “This recognition reinforces our dedication to our employees’ growth, well-being, and empowerment. It’s a testament to the collective effort and commitment of every member of our Eskom team.”
Marokane emphasized that Eskom’s high-performance culture, built on six cornerstones – People Prioritisation, Operational Excellence, Financial Prudency, Accountability, Customer Centricity, and Values-driven – has been instrumental in achieving this recognition.
As one of the certified Top Employers, Eskom joins an elite group of over 2,300 organisations across 121 countries/regions.
This achievement not only enhances Eskom’s reputation as an employer of choice but also underscores its commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, connected, and empowered to succeed.
Eskom’s recognition as a Top Employer for 2025 is a milestone achievement, reflecting the organisation’s dedication to its people and its pursuit of excellence.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Gambia: Ministry Of Petroleum And Energy Renamed
The President of The Gambia has approved the renaming of the country’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy to the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines (MOPEM).
A statement issued by the Ministry said the inclusion of mining is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Ministry’s capacity to oversee and support the growing importance of the mining sector alongside its longstanding responsibilities in the Petroleum and Energy sectors.
By this notice, the general public is also notified that the name change has been gazetted by the Ministry of Justice.
“We thank the general public for their continued support. As we move forward under our new name, we remain dedicated to serving the nation with transparency and dedication to our mandate,” it said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Afetsi Awoonor Assumes Post As MD Of BOST
The newly-appointed Managing Director of Bulk Energy Storage and and Transportation (BEST) Company, formerly Known as BOST, Mr Afetsi Awoonor, has assumed post, this portal can confirm.
Afetsi Awoonor was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama last Friday.
Earlier today, Monday, the new Managing Director received a handing over document from the outgoing Managing Director, Dr Edwin Alfred Nii Obodai Provençal, who managed the company from 2019 till date under the previous government.
Under the outgoing Managing Director, BOST witnessed a massive transformation from a loss-making company to a profit-making entity.
After 12 consecutive years of losses, the Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company (BEST) achieved a remarkable turnaround, recording profits of Gh¢161 million in 2021, Gh¢342 million in 2022 and Gh¢208 million in 2023.
The company estimates to make a minimum of Gh¢300million profit for 2024.
As of 17th January 2025, BOST’s books looked good with over GH¢85,000,000 sitting in the company’s account.
Afetsi Awoonor will be the 7th Managing Director and also the second youngest person to manage the company after Dr Edwin Alfred Provençal.
Afetsi Awoonor was introduced to the staff at the company’s head office at a short but impressive durbar.
Mr Afetse thanked the outgoing MD for his service to the company and promised to take BOST to the “next level.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: Vandals Destroy Over 18 Transmission Towers In January—TCN
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has reported that more than 18 of its transmission towers were vandalised between January 9-14, 2025, across Rivers, Abia and Kano states.
A statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, the Public Affairs Manager at TCN, on Sunday, giving a breakdown of the unfortunate incidents, said that Emmanuel Okpa, the General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, reported that routine patrols by linesmen on January 10, uncovered damage to towers 171 through towers 181 and 184.
Continuing, she said that on January 14, vandals targeted towers 146, 147 and 149 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132Kilo Volt kV line in Rivers, removing base brackets and compromising the stability of the towers.
“In Abia State, Mr Azuh Lucky, the Head of the Lines Department for the region, reported the theft of bolts, nuts and structural members from towers 160 to 162 on the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line.
”Meanwhile, in Kano, towers 105, 106 and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV transmission line were critically damaged by vandals on January 9, compromising their structural integrity and risking collapse.
”In the early hours of January 17, vandalised 132kV underground transmission cables were discovered by TCN engineers near Millennium Park in Abuja. This affected the power supply to the central area and its environs.
”These incidents pose a significant challenge to TCN’S operations as a company,” she said.
She said that the company had bolstered security measures, increased lines patrol and the number of vigilante groups, and is also collaborating with security operatives.
Ms Mbah appealed for the full support of every Nigerian, particularly those in communities hosting TCN’s installations.
“Nigerians must collectively recognise that the transmission network is our collective asset and essential for our socioeconomic development.
”The vandals and those who buy stolen materials are sabotaging the nation. All hands must be on deck to ensure the growth of the country’s power sector, which is critical to the development of our country
”TCN’s grid expansion plans are under tremendous strain due to the persistent vandalism of its installations,” she said.
She said that the financial implications of constant repairs to vandalised transmission installations, along with the stress on the grid, were having adverse effects on the TCN grid expansion drive.
”This is a clarion call for everyone to join forces with TCN to put an end to this menace and safeguard our electricity network,” Ms Mbah said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Libya Aims To Boost Oil Production To 2 Million Barrels Per Day
Libya is gearing up to boost its oil production to two million barrels per day (bpd) within the next two to three years.
To achieve this, the country is focusing on brownfield development and local investment.
The Minister for Oil and Gas, Dr Khalifa Abdulsadek, outlined the plan to reach 1.6 million bpd by the end of 2025 and laid the groundwork for a longer-term growth at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in Tripoli on Saturday.
“There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks,” stated Minister Abdulsadek during the Ministerial Panel, Global Energy Alliance–Uniting for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future.
“We want to make sure local oil companies take part. We also want to leverage the upcoming licensing round to support our planned growth in the oil sector.”
The Minister’s remarks were complemented by a strong call for international participation in Libya’s upcoming licensing round, signaling the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and maximising the potential of its energy sector.
Highlighting Libya’s vast natural gas potential–with reserves of 1.5 trillion cubic meters–Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, stressed the need for enhanced investment in gas projects.
He pointed to ongoing initiatives like the $600 million El Sharara Refinery as opportunities to stimulate economic diversification.
“Natural gas is available,” Hamel stated, adding, “It is the greenest of hydrocarbons and we see natural gas continuing to grow until 2050.”
The panel also tackled the global energy transition, emphasising Africa’s unique challenges and the need for the continent to harness its resources to achieve energy security.
Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), underscored the critical need for finance, technology and reliable markets to drive progress.
“At APPO, we have noted three specific challenges for the African continent. Finance, technology and reliable markets,” he stated, questioning whether Africa can continue to depend on external forces to develop its resources.
As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Libya holds an estimated 48 billion barrels of proven oil reserves.
The country’s efforts to expand production, attract investment and drive innovation are central to the discussions at LEES 2025.
Endorsed by the Ministry of Oil and Gas and National Oil Corporation, the summit has established itself as the leading platform for driving Libya’s energy transformation and exploring its impact on global markets.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Afetsi Awoonor Named As Acting Managing Director Of BOST
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Afetsi Awoonor as the acting Managing Director of Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BEST), formerly known as BOST.
Afetsi, who is the son of renowned poet and novelist, late Prof. Kofi Awoonor, will be the second youngest person to be appointed as the managing director of BOST after Dr. Edwin Alfred Provencal.
This portal knows that Afetsi Awoonor has a track record of transformative leadership in sub-Saharan Africa’s energy, oil, gas, and mining industries.
Besides, this portal has gathered that Afetsi Awoonor’s career spans 20 African countries, where he has spearheaded landmark projects that have significantly impacted national economies.
As acting Managing Director of BOST, Afetsi Awoonor is expected to leverage his deep industrial knowledge and experience to drive operational excellence at the state-owned enterprise.
Afetsi Awoonor expressed his gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing him as the managing director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) on Facebook.
He acknowledged the trust and confidence placed in him and committed to serving with excellence, integrity, and a vision for sustainable growth in Ghana’s energy sector.¹
Awoonor also thanked his well-wishers, friends, and colleagues for their kind words and support, stating that their belief in him strengthens his resolve to make a meaningful impact in his new role.
He concluded by thanking President Mahama for his leadership and belief in his capacity to contribute to Ghana’s development.
BOST has the mandate to develop a network of storage tanks; pipelines and other bulk transportation infrastructure throughout the country and rent or lease out part of the storage facilities to enable it generate income as well keep Strategic Reserve Stocks for Ghana.
Profile
Afetsi Awoonor is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, writer, and petroleum trader.
Born on August 31, 1982, in Accra, Ghana, he is the son of renowned Ghanaian poet and novelist, Professor Kofi Awoonor.
Afetsi’s educational background is impressive, with a degree in Marketing from Central University College in Accra.
He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a dual Executive Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in International Oil and Gas Leadership from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland, and the IFP School in Rueil-Malmaison, France.
Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Business Administration from the Geneva Business School, Switzerland.
As a writer, Afetsi has published poetry pieces, including “Nairobi Calls Again” (2015), a tribute to the victims of the 2013 Westgate mall and the 2015 Garissa University attacks in Nairobi and Garissa, Kenya.
Afetsi’s life took a dramatic turn during the September 2013 terrorist attack at Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya, where he was attending the Storymoja Hay Festival with his father.
Unfortunately, his father, Professor Kofi Awoonor, lost his life in the attack.
Afetsi himself was shot twice in the back and suffered grenade shrapnel in the leg but managed to survive.
Today, Afetsi Awoonor is recognised as a business leader and philanthropist, with nearly two decades of experience leading multicultural teams and turnkey projects.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Fuel Tanker Blast Kills At Least 70 In Suleja
At least 70 people have been confirmed dead and more injured in Niger State in northern Nigeria on Saturday when a petrol tanker overturned, spilled fuel and later exploded.
According to report, the unfortunate incident has displaced many residents, and many had to flee for their lives.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident in a statement issued earlier today.
The accident in Niger state follows a similar blast in Jigawa state last October that killed 147 people, one of the worst tragedies in Africa’s most populous nation.
FRSC sector commander for Niger State, Kumar Tsukwam, said most of the victims were impoverished local residents who had rushed to scoop up the spilled petrol after the truck had overturned.
“Large crowd of people gathered to scoop fuel despite concerted efforts to stop them,” Tsukwam said in a statement.
“Suddenly, the tanker burst into flames, engulfing another tanker,” he narrated.
Earlier FRSC announced that 60 corpses had been recovered from the scene but the figure has jumped to 70 dead bodies.
Firefighters managed to put out the fire.
In a separate statement, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), explained that the explosion occurred when one oil tanker collided with another tanker and later attempted to transfer the oil.
While this was going on, the petrol came into contact with a generator used to complete the transfer, resulting in an explosion that killed and injured many.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed shock over the tanker explosion.
The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as “worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate”.
While sympathising with the families of the victims of the explosion and the repose of lives of the deceased, the Governor cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety just as he directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging the Security Agents to also ensure security in the area.
The price of petrol in Nigeria has soared more than 400% since President Bola Tinubu scrapped a decades-old subsidy when he assumed office in May 2023
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Lawyer Edudzi Tameklo Named As Acting CEO Of NPA
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo, a renowned legal practitioner, as the new CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
NPA is the regulatory body of the downstream petroleum industry in the West African nation.
His appointment was contained in a press release issued by the Presidency on Friday, January 17.
Tameklo, currently the legal director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been a key figure in the party’s legal matters and a frequent face on Ghanaian TV stations.
As a seasoned lawyer, Tameklo has gained substantial experience in litigation, representing clients in high-profile cases involving immovable property law, oil and gas law, and complex commercial transactions.
His expertise in natural resource law, intellectual property law, and commercial law will undoubtedly serve him well in his new role at the NPA.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, January 18, Mr Tameklo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Mahama for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
He pledged to work diligently to justify the trust placed in him.
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment and will put my best foot forward to deliver on the confidence reposed in me,” he stated, assuring Ghanaians of his readiness to meet the demands of his new role.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle Appointed As Ag. CEO Of Petroleum Commission
The President of the Republic of Ghana H.E. John Dramani Mahama has appointed legal practitioner, Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Petroleum Commission, Ghana.
The appointment was made in accordance with Article 195 (1) of the Constitution and Section 11 (1) of the Petroleum Commission Act, 2011 (Act 821).
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the President on Friday, January 17, 2025.
The statement said the appointment is pending receipt of the constitutionally required advice of the Board of the Commission, in consultation with the Public Services Commission.
It further added that the appointment takes effect from Friday, January 17, 2025.
Victoria has previously served on the Board of Petroleum Commission and has a wealth of experience in the energy sector.
She has also worked as Deputy Head, Economic Section, Economic Trade attaché of the Swiss Embassy.
The lawyer has had a stint with Hogan and Lovell, UK under International Lawyers for Africa program.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Petrosol Rewards 14 Lucky Customers With Exciting Prizes In Ataabadze
PETROSOL Platinum Energy Ltd has announced the winners of the 3rd draw of its ongoing “Energizing Dreams” promo.
The event, held at Ataabadze near Elmina, in the Central Region, saw 14 lucky customers win exciting prizes, including a tricycle, motorcycle, fridge, smart TV, mobile phone, and fuel coupons.
The “Energizing Dreams” promo is part of PETROSOL’s efforts to reward loyal customers for their support over the past decade.
According to Mark Adu-Boateng, Lubricants Marketing and Communications Manager, “We value our customers’ loyalty and appreciate their trust in our brand. We look forward to continuing to energize their dreams and aspirations.”
The winners expressed their gratitude to PETROSOL for making their dreams a reality. The promo will continue to run, with more exciting prizes to be won.
Customers can participate by purchasing PETROSOL’s products and following the instructions provided.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com