Saudis Turn To Russian Fuel Oil As Iran War Saps Fossil Power Supplies
Saudi Arabia continues to snap up high volumes of Russia’s fuel oil as the Hormuz crisis has forced shut oil and gas wells and reduced domestic supply for power generation amid rising temperatures.
Russia’s vessel shipments of fuel oil and vacuum gasoil (VGO) slumped in May by some 6% from April, due to the continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, Reuters reported on Monday, quoting shipment data on LSEG and traders.
Despite the overall decline in Russian fuel oil exports, to about 3.2 million metric tons last month, Saudi Arabia remained the single biggest buyer, accounting for more than a third of all Russian fuel oil shipments.
These stood at 1.23 million tons in May, down by 17% compared to April, but at still relatively high levels compared to before the war.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude oil exporter, became the leading buyer of Russian’s fuel oil two years ago, after the EU full embargo on Russian oil products came into effect in 2023.
Since then, Saudi Arabia has consistently bought high levels of fuel oil from Russia.
But the Saudi imports took off in March 2026, rising by 18% from February, after the Iran war and the Hormuz crisis forced massive shut-ins of oil and gas production in Saudi Arabia and all other producers in the Middle East.
The Saudis, which use a lot of direct crude burn for power generation, turned to Russian fuel oil, which was de-sanctioned by the U.S. as the conflict raged.
By importing fuel oil from Russia, Saudi Arabia left more of its crude available for exports, via the Yanbu port on the Red Sea that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
Within weeks of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia had managed to hike its East-West pipeline flows from about 2 million barrels per day (bpd) to 7 million bpd, to keep its exports via the Red Sea, despite the closed Strait of Hormuz.
Ghana: PURC Increases Electricity Tariffs By 3.49%, Water Tariffs By 0.85%, Effective July 1
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a 3.49 per cent increase in electricity tariffs across the board and a 0.85 per cent increase in water tariffs for the third quarter, effective July 1, 2026.
According to the Commission, the tariff review is in line with its mandate to adjust tariffs quarterly to reflect developments within the review period.
The quarterly reviews track and incorporate movements in key operational factors that are beyond the control of Utility Service Providers (USPs) but are critical to service delivery.
These factors include the exchange rate between the Ghana Cedi (GHS) and the United States dollar (USD), the domestic inflation rate, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel—mainly natural gas—used to power thermal plants.
In a statement on Monday signed by Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of the PURC, the Commission explained that the quarterly adjustments are intended to maintain the real value of tariffs and ensure that utility providers remain financially viable while continuing to deliver reliable services to consumers.
The Commission applied a weighted average exchange rate of GHS11.2228 to one US dollar for the third quarter of 2026, representing a 0.2 per cent depreciation of the Cedi compared to the previous quarter.
It also used a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 per cent, down from 4.17 per cent in the second quarter, while the weighted average cost of natural gas declined by 1.58 per cent to USD7.9708 per MMBtu.
The hydro-thermal generation mix remained unchanged at 20.9 per cent hydro and 79.1 per cent thermal generation.
Zambia: ZESCO Signs 25-Year Deal To Offtake Power From 400MW Sinazongwe Thermal PlantBased on the combined impact of these indicators, PURC approved a 3.49 per cent increase in electricity tariffs for residential, non-residential, and special load tariff customers.
For residential consumers, the lifeline tariff for users consuming up to 30 kilowatt-hours per month increased from 86.9Gp per kilowatt-hour to 89.93Gp per kilowatt-hour.
Water tariffs were also adjusted upward by 0.85 per cent across all customer categories, including residential, commercial, industrial, public institutions, and bulk consumers.
Under the revised rates, the residential lifeline tariff for water consumption of up to five cubic metres rose from 593.49Gp per cubic metre to 598.54Gp per cubic metre.
PURC said it remains committed to monitoring the performance of utility service providers and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards to guarantee value for money and improved service delivery.
The Commission expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued support in implementing quarterly tariff reviews and indicated that the decision will be published in the Gazette and on its website in due course.
Ghana: BOSTenergies Refutes Fuel Contamination Claim At Kumasi Depot
BOST Energies Limited Company (BOSTenergies) has clarified a recent incident at its Kumasi Depot involving a tanker truck bearing registration number GN 8887-18, which was suspected of carrying adulterated petroleum products to the depot.
According to sources, the truck, with a capacity of 54,000 litres, loaded petroleum products in Tema for discharge at the BOST Kumasi Depot.
Upon arrival, and during routine operational and quality assurance procedures at the depot, BOST said its personnel identified anomalies in the product and immediately initiated the necessary control measures.
In accordance with established quality control protocols, samples of the product were taken and subjected to internal analysis.
According to BOSTenergies, the results indicated that the product did not meet the required specifications.
“To ensure an objective and conclusive determination, additional samples were subsequently submitted to an independent third-party testing facility for verification. The independent assessment confirmed that the product was off-specification,” a statement issued by the company on Monday clarified.
Following this confirmation, BOSTenergies said it notified the regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the tanker truck was immediately impounded in accordance with regulatory requirements.
The company said appropriate regulatory and administrative actions are being pursued against the tanker driver and the transporter.
“It is worth noting that the detection of the off-specification product is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness and robustness of the quality assurance systems and operational controls in place.”
The company stated that at no point did the incident compromise the integrity of products within the depot’s storage and distribution system, as no litre of product was discharged from the said vehicle.
It therefore dismissed publications and media reports alleging fuel contamination at the company’s Kumasi Depot.
“We wish to unequivocally state that these reports are false, inaccurate, and mischievous, and they misrepresent the facts surrounding the matter.”
The company advised the public to disregard any reports suggesting that fuel contamination occurred at the Kumasi Depot.
“Such assertions are unfounded and do not accurately reflect the circumstances of the incident.”
BOSTenergies reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence across its facilities, and said it will continue to work closely with the relevant regulatory authorities to safeguard the integrity of petroleum products throughout the supply chain.
Togo: Togo Oil, Lomé-Tokoin Airport Company Sign Deal To Expand Jet A1 Fuel Storage Capacity
TOGO OIL COMPANY S.A. (T-OIL) and the Lomé-Tokoin Airport Company (SALT) have signed two strategic agreements aimed at supporting the rollout of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Togo and the construction of a 1,500-cubic-metre Jet A1 fuel storage tank at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport (AIGE) in Lomé.
The agreements were signed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Lomé during the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Convention and Exhibition, according to a report by Togo First.
The first agreement focuses on the introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Togo and provides for the development of a supply chain that would replace a portion of the conventional jet fuel used by aircraft with fuels produced from renewable resources and recovered waste.
Considered one of the most effective tools for decarbonising global air transport, SAF can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80 per cent over its entire life cycle compared with conventional jet fuel. Its deployment in Togo would position Lomé among the first airports in West Africa to enter this emerging market.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF could account for nearly 65 per cent of the emissions reductions needed for the global aviation industry to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
As environmental requirements imposed on airlines continue to tighten, the availability of SAF is also becoming an increasingly important factor in the competitiveness and attractiveness of airport hubs.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the initiative could help Togo attract financing for renewable energy, green industry, and energy-transition projects.
The second agreement covers the construction of a 1,500-cubic-metre Jet A1 fuel storage tank at Lomé’s airport.
The infrastructure is expected to strengthen aviation fuel supply security, support growing air traffic, and contribute to the expansion of operations at AIGE.
The investment also aims to reinforce Lomé’s position as a regional logistics hub as air transport activity continues to expand across West Africa.
“It is a striking example of the vision of the President of the Council, who has instructed us to make every effort to continue positioning the country, and especially this airport, among the leading hubs in the sub-region and even on the continent,” said Robert Koffi Messan Eklo, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy pursued by the Togolese authorities to balance economic development, logistics performance, and environmental sustainability.
Ghana: GNPC Explorco And Tamale Technical University Seal Landmark Petroleum Partnership
GNPC Explorco, the exploration subsidiary of Ghana’s national oil company, GNPC, and Tamale Technical University (TaTU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a robust framework for technical knowledge transfer, capacity building, and collaborative skills development between the two institutions.
The Vice-Chancellor of TaTU, Professor Bashiru Imoro Ibn Saeed, signed the agreement on behalf of the university, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to integrating real-world petroleum sector practices into its technical and engineering curricula.
The signing was witnessed by the Chairman of the TaTU Governing Council, Mandariwura (Alhaji) Seidu Iddi, whose presence underscored the institutional and socio-economic significance of the partnership.
The MoU sets the stage for structured interventions, including specialized training workshops, joint research opportunities, and practical industry exposure initiatives.
These are not distant promises; they are deliberate, time-bound commitments designed to position TaTU graduates at the forefront of Ghana’s energy future.
GNPC Explorco Managing Director, Samuel Opoku Arthur, urged all partners to prioritize skills transfer to Ghanaian engineers who will lead subsequent phases of the programme, a clear signal that homegrown talent is not optional but essential.
“The Voltaian Basin is more than just an energy project; it is a catalyst for economic transformation in the North. We are committed to a ‘Ghanaians First’ strategy that prioritizes local content, jobs, and capacity building for the people of this region,” declared Principal Corporate Affairs Officer, Kwasi Appiah.
In a related development, Explorco has signed a project management consultancy contract with LubriMax Ghana Limited and its technical partner, Well Engineers and Planners, to commence drilling activities in the Voltaian Basin.
The move marks a significant step toward Ghana’s first onshore petroleum exploration campaign, with the first exploration well targeted for the third quarter of 2026.
The partnership is expected to strengthen local capacity in the petroleum sector, create opportunities for students and faculty, and support the development of a skilled workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s growing energy industry.
Nigeria’s Power Sector: The Big Picture
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its economic development, yet a fundamental challenge continues to undermine every sector of the economy: the inadequate and unreliable supply of electricity. I have persistently highlighted that the electricity sector represents far more than a utilities problem—it is the backbone upon which Nigeria’s industrial renaissance must be built.
The power sector crisis has become synonymous with Nigeria’s broader economic struggles, particularly for the manufacturing sector, which once served as a pillar of growth and employment.
The statistics paint a sobering picture of Nigeria’s manufacturing landscape. More than 60 per cent of manufacturing firms have exited the national grid, representing an unprecedented abandonment of critical infrastructure by the very enterprises that should be anchoring economic growth. This mass exodus is not a sudden development but the culmination of years of frustration, mounting costs, and deteriorating grid reliability. What was meant to be an engine of development has become a liability that manufacturers can no longer afford to ignore.
The financial burden imposed by unreliable power supply has become staggering. Manufacturers spent N676.6 billion on alternative energy in the first half of 2025, only slightly lower than the N708.1 billion spent in the second half of 2024. This represents an extraordinary outflow of resources dedicated solely to generating electricity that should have been provided by the national grid.
More disturbingly, despite this expenditure, manufacturers have still been unable to meet their power needs because of the country’s unreliable and unaffordable electricity supply. The paradox is stark: manufacturers are spending billions on generators while still operating below capacity and struggling to reliably serve their customers.
The true cost of Nigeria’s power crisis extends far beyond generator expenses. The lack of reliable electricity supply has hampered business growth in the manufacturing sector, leading to annual economic losses estimated at $26.2 billion (N10.1 trillion).
To put this figure into perspective, it is comparable to the annual GDP of several African economies and exceeds the budgets of key sectors of government. These are resources that could otherwise be invested in education, infrastructure, healthcare, or poverty reduction. Instead, they are lost to inefficiencies arising from the failure to provide reliable electricity.
The African Development Bank’s assessment is equally damning: power outages cost Nigerian businesses approximately three per cent of their annual sales, while more than 70 per cent of firms rely on generators because of the country’s unreliable electricity supply. This three per cent loss, when aggregated across the economy, translates into hundreds of billions of naira that could otherwise support growth, employment, and poverty reduction.
Understanding why power supply is so critical to manufacturing requires an examination of the sector’s cost structure. Manufacturing firms in Nigeria spend, on average, 90 per cent of their variable costs on infrastructure, with electric power accounting for roughly half of that amount.
This means that electricity costs represent approximately 45 per cent of a typical manufacturer’s variable costs—a burden that few competitors in more developed economies face. When grid electricity becomes unreliable, manufacturers are forced to operate their own generation facilities, effectively increasing their energy costs while simultaneously reducing their competitiveness in both local and international markets.
I have noted that manufacturers spend several billions of dollars annually on alternative energy sources, costs that are inevitably passed on to consumers. This cost transfer leads to higher prices for goods and services, dampening consumer demand and slowing economic growth. The cycle becomes self-reinforcing: high manufacturing costs lead to higher consumer prices, reducing purchasing power and demand, which in turn results in underutilised production capacity and job losses.
The consequences for employment have been severe. The manufacturing sector recorded 18,935 job losses in the first six months of 2025, a direct consequence of firms reducing operations, relocating, or disconnecting from the grid entirely. These are not merely statistics; they represent families losing income, communities losing economic anchors, and skilled workers being pushed into unemployment or the informal economy.
The employment crisis extends beyond direct manufacturing jobs. When large industrial consumers exit the grid, they also reduce demand for supporting services such as transportation, logistics, packaging, and raw-material processing. The multiplier effect of manufacturing decline ripples throughout the economy, destroying livelihoods and reducing the tax base upon which governments depend to fund essential services.
The gap between installed capacity and actual generation reveals the fundamental problem. Nigeria’s average generation capacity increased marginally by 12.59 per cent, rising to 4,633.79 MW in 2025 from 4,050.07 MW in 2020. While this represents progress, it masks deeper structural deficiencies. The power sector reportedly achieved a 35 per cent improvement in generation, transmission, and distribution performance in 2024, yet actual generation increased by only about 600 MW, suggesting that progress has stalled or plateaued.
More critically, the national grid reportedly collapsed at least 11 times by November 2024, largely due to deteriorating infrastructure. Each collapse triggers a cascading crisis for manufacturers: production halts, goods spoil, contractual obligations are breached, and confidence in the system erodes further. Such unreliability makes long-term business planning difficult and discourages both domestic and foreign investment.
I have consistently called on the Federal Government to create conditions that encourage industries and organisations that have exited the grid to reconnect. This would help stabilise electricity supply while reducing production costs and, ultimately, the prices of goods and services. The solution is not merely to generate more electricity but to create an ecosystem in which large industrial consumers find it economically attractive to return to the grid. This requires tariff stability, guaranteed supply reliability, and transparent regulatory frameworks. As I have previously noted, the sector remains adrift and lacks a clear policy direction.
The government has taken some steps toward reform. Power sector revenue grew by 70 per cent, from N1.05 trillion to approximately N1.7 trillion in 2024, reflecting improved collections and tariff implementation. However, these gains remain modest relative to the scale of the challenge. The Federal Government’s release of the National Integrated Electricity Policy represents a welcome acknowledgment that structural reform is necessary, but implementation remains the ultimate test.
The fundamental truth is that Nigeria cannot achieve the manufacturing-led growth required to lift millions out of poverty without resolving its power sector crisis. If large-scale consumers return to the grid and manufacturers channel their billions of naira in energy spending through the national electricity system rather than private generators, the government could provide electricity at significantly lower costs to all consumers.
This observation captures the essence of the solution: a functional power sector creates virtuous cycles of growth, while a dysfunctional one creates vicious cycles of decline.
The challenge is not merely technical. Nigeria possesses the financial and natural resources necessary to generate abundant electricity.
The real challenge lies in governance, regulatory consistency, and the political will to prioritise long-term structural development over short-term political considerations.
Until policymakers and regulatory authorities demonstrate a sustained commitment to creating a reliable, affordable, and transparent power system, the manufacturing sector will continue to struggle, economic growth will remain constrained, and millions of Nigerians will continue to bear the cost of systemic failure.
As my advocacy through PowerUp Nigeria underscores, the power sector is not simply a technical problem awaiting an engineering solution. It is a development challenge requiring sustained policy commitment, transparent implementation, and unwavering focus on the ultimate goal: using electricity as a catalyst to unlock Nigeria’s vast productive potential and transform millions of lives.
Until that commitment materialises, Nigeria’s economy will continue to operate far below its potential, constrained by the very infrastructure that should be setting it free.
Adetayo Adegbemle is a public affairs analyst, researcher, and Convener of PowerUp Nigeria, an electric power consumer rights advocacy group based in Lagos. (X: @gbemle, @PowerUpNg)
Iran Announces Strait Of Hormuz Closure, Warns U.S. Talks At Risk Amid Israel-Lebanon Conflict
Iran on Saturday announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing what it described as Israel’s continued attacks in Lebanon.
Tehran also warned that little progress was likely in talks with the United States unless the fighting stopped.
According to the Associated Press (AP), key mediator Pakistan said technical-level talks would begin on Sunday in Switzerland, with Qatari mediators also participating.
Iran’s joint military command said the strait was closed because of what it called the United States’ “clear breach of its commitments” by failing to end the war. The interim deal is intended to halt fighting on all fronts.
Shortly afterward, state broadcaster IRIB reported that Iran’s negotiating team was departing for Switzerland, a trip that had originally been scheduled for Friday.
Iranian state media said the delegation includes Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as central bank and oil officials, among others.
The United States disputed Iran’s announcement regarding the strait.
“Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic continues to flow, and U.S. forces are monitoring the situation to ensure this remains the case,” said Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command.
The U.S. military said that 55 merchant ships carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil transited the waterway on Saturday.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said negotiations toward a final agreement would begin only after key commitments are upheld. Otherwise, “the memorandum of understanding as a whole will be jeopardized.”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that top negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were already in Switzerland and were working through the technical details of anticipated talks on Iran’s nuclear programme. The interim agreement gives negotiators 60 days to reach a nuclear deal, although that period can be extended.
Vance told Fox News that he expected to travel to Switzerland “in the next couple of days.”
As part of efforts to revive direct talks, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Araghchi in Tehran earlier on Saturday, according to officials in Islamabad who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Earlier in the day, Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 16 people, including two children, just hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement. Lebanon’s National News Agency said seven people were trapped under rubble after strikes hit the southern city of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry later announced that the death toll from the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah had surpassed 4,000.
A heavy exchange of fire on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said Hezbollah fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight. Israel’s military said it had struck dozens of Hezbollah targets and militants in southern Lebanon.
On Friday, Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter said Israel “remains firmly committed to an immediate ceasefire” provided Hezbollah honours the agreement and ceases hostilities.
Neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a signatory to the U.S.-Iran agreement, which calls for a halt to military operations in Lebanon and respect for the country’s sovereignty.
Zambia: ZESCO Signs 25-Year Deal To Offtake Power From 400MW Sinazongwe Thermal Plant
Zambia’s power utility company, ZESCO Limited, has agreed to offtake the entire output from a 400-megawatt thermal power plant currently under construction in the Sinazongwe–Sinazeze area, being developed by a Zambian company at a cost of US$561 million.
According to ZESCO Chief Operating Officer Fitzpatrick Kapepe, the utility has already agreed to purchase the plant’s entire electricity output under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Kapepe said the project would strengthen Zambia’s energy security, as thermal power generation is not affected by droughts, unlike hydropower.
“We have had discussions with Ezra. We will actually off-take the whole 400MW, obviously less auxiliary losses. This power is going to be off-taken by ZESCO under a power purchase agreement, which will run for 25 years,” Kapepe said in a report by Kalemba.
“The most important thing we need to understand is that the thermal plant is resilient to droughts. Whether we have rains or not, it will still be able to generate power and send electrons to the growth centres of this country.”
He said the additional power would support industries, mining activities, and agriculture as the country works toward its ambitious economic targets.
Kapepe noted that the country is targeting 10,000MW in generation capacity, and the new plant would contribute significantly toward achieving that goal.
“This is baseload power; it is very firm power. It will support the growth centres of the economy. We have the mines, and we know the President’s vision of increasing copper production from just under one million metric tonnes to three million metric tonnes,” he said.
“We also understand the target is to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize and three million metric tonnes of soya beans. This means we still need power to extract value from those growth centres and advance the President’s vision.”
Ezra Group Chief Executive Officer Meron Ezra said the project will be implemented in two phases of 200 megawatts each.
Ezra disclosed that Phase One has already commenced following the completion of pre-construction works this month.
“We have a 400MW power plant project being done in two phases. Phase One is 200 megawatts and Phase Two is also 200 megawatts. Phase One has already started, and we have completed all pre-construction works,” Ezra said.
He added that the entire project would cost US$561 million and is expected to create between 1,200 and 1,500 jobs during the construction phase.
Ezra further noted that the first 200MW phase is expected to be completed and commissioned by the end of next year, while the second phase is scheduled for commissioning in December 2029.
He said the project is currently about 20 percent complete and is progressing well.
According to Ezra, the coal-fired plant will add stability to the national grid, increase access to electricity, and create opportunities for further investment in the country’s economy.
Gambia: Scores Of Gambians Protest Widespread Power Outages In The Greater Banjul Area
Scores of Gambians took to the streets on Friday to protest persistent power outages across the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region.
Some protesters held placards bearing inscriptions such as “Enough is Enough,” “We Can’t Study in Darkness,” Every home deserve electricity”, Restore our electricity and Invest in renewable energy rather than buying old generators.”
The Gambia is currently experiencing widespread power outages, with the national utility company, NAWEC, attributing the situation to generation constraints within the regional power network, which have reduced the country’s power supply by about 60MW.
Despite explanations from NAWEC and government spokespersons that the current power outages are being caused by external factors, opposition parties have rejected the claim, accusing the government of failing to manage the energy sector efficiently.
As a result of the planned protest, NAWEC reportedly suspended staff movements to and from its Head Office and tightened security measures ahead of the demonstration over the ongoing electricity and water crisis.
In an internal memo circulated to staff, NAWEC management said it had been informed of a planned demonstration related to the recent power supply situation in the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region.
The utility company directed that all staff and official vehicles must enter the Head Office premises by 8:30 a.m. on Friday, after which access restrictions would be enforced.
“Field operations staff must suspend all movement to and from the Head Office from 8:30 a.m.,” the memo stated.
Management also advised all NAWEC-owned and rented vehicles to avoid protest routes and areas where demonstrations were expected to take place, particularly vehicles bearing NAWEC logos or identification.
While acknowledging the right of citizens to peaceful assembly, the company said the measures were necessary to protect staff and company assets.
“Management fully respects the right to peaceful assembly, but the safety and wellbeing of all staff remains our top priority,” the memo said. This version incorporates
“Scores of Gambians” into the opening while improving grammar, flow, and news-style readability.
Kenya: Shell Announces Petrol Discount For Kenyans
Vivo Energy Kenya, the company that markets and distributes Shell-branded petroleum products, has announced a discount on petrol across its 340 service stations for customers.
The offer is valid only on Friday, June 19, and forms part of the company’s plan to appreciate customers for their continued support during what it has dubbed “Shell Magical Friday.”
Vivo Energy Kenya Managing Director Peter Murungi said motorists across the country will be able to enjoy premium imported Shell V-Power fuel at the same price as Shell FuelSave Unleaded this Friday.
“The offer will be in all Shell petrol stations. Despite the challenging market conditions, Vivo Energy Kenya is grateful for the continued support and loyalty of its customers. Vivo Energy is the only company that imports and distributes Shell V-Power in Kenya. The premium fuel delivers superior performance and enhanced engine protection by helping to clean critical engine components, ensuring a smoother and more efficient driving experience,” Murungi said in a report by TUKO.co.ke.
With Shell V-Power currently retailing at KSh 229, motorists across the country will save KSh 15 per litre.
Both Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell V-Power will be sold to customers at KSh 214.03.
“Shell V-Power is Shell’s most advanced fuel to date. The new and improved Shell V-Power delivers enhanced engine protection and exceptional performance, making it the fuel trusted and endorsed by Scuderia Ferrari HP, Ducati Corse, and the BMW M Series. One of its key benefits is the 100% cleaning of critical engine components. With three times more cleaning molecules, the new Shell V-Power actively targets and removes engine deposits while helping to prevent future build-up on vital components, ensuring optimal engine performance,” Murungi explained.
Ghana: NPA Launches Technical Committee To Regulate Bitumen Sector
Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has inaugurated a 16-member multi-stakeholder Bitumen Technical Committee tasked with developing a robust regulatory framework to guide the quality, regulation, and use of bitumen in Ghana’s road construction sector.
The committee is chaired by Mr. Abass Tasunti, Director of Economic Regulation and Planning (ER&P) at the NPA, with Ms. Bridgette A. Turkson, Acting Director of the Licensing Directorate, serving as Co-Chair.
Other members include representatives from the NPA’s Quality Assurance, Licensing, Inspections, Monitoring and HSE, and Economic Regulation and Planning Directorates, as well as key stakeholders from the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), and the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
The bitumen industry has existed in Ghana for several years and plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of the country’s road infrastructure. However, there is currently no dedicated regulatory framework governing key activities such as importation, storage, transportation, distribution, and quality assurance.
Speaking on the importance of the Bitumen Technical Committee, the Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Mr. Tameklo Esq., said the committee would ensure that bitumen produced or imported into the country meets the required standards.
“The road sector is a huge consumer of bitumen, and the concern is coming primarily from that sector regarding the quality of the product available. As long as it is a by-product of the refinery, it comes directly under the NPA, and we have the responsibility to ensure that the bitumen that enters the country is of good quality,” Mr. Tameklo said.
“You will notice that the Technical Committee comprises members from the NPA, Ghana Standards Authority, and Ghana Highways Authority so that we can work together to ensure that Ghana uses bitumen of the highest quality.”
The NPA CEO also noted that the inclusion of representatives from various stakeholder institutions would help ensure a collaborative approach toward developing a comprehensive regulatory framework.
“The Technical Committee has strong multi-stakeholder representation, even though it is heavily tilted towards the NPA. This is a very critical committee, and I want all of you to do your best. No compromises—let’s do it for Ghana.”
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr. Abass Tasunti, expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver on its mandate and encouraged members to contribute actively to the process.
“Bitumen is a critical product in the country. Almost all our roads are constructed with it, so it is important that we pay close attention to it.
“As a regulator, the NPA must exercise oversight over all petroleum products, including bitumen. We have been engaging stakeholders over the years to develop a framework that will ensure any bitumen produced or imported meets international standards.
“The diversity of this committee is intended to ensure that the best expertise is brought to bear on this task. I therefore encourage everyone to participate fully so that we can develop a practical and effective regulatory framework,” Mr. Tasunti said.
The inauguration of the Bitumen Technical Committee marks a significant step in the NPA’s efforts to strengthen quality assurance and regulatory oversight within Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
Kosmos Energy Completes $127m Sale Of Equatorial Guinea Assets To Panoro Energy
Kosmos Energy, a U.S.-based oil and gas company, has announced the completion of the sale of its interests in the Ceiba Field and Okume Complex production assets in Block G, offshore Equatorial Guinea, to Panoro Energy for approximately $127 million.
The company said it also expects future contingent payments of up to approximately $40 million, subject to certain oil price and production thresholds.
In a statement, Kosmos Energy said the proceeds from the transaction will be used to repay borrowings under the company’s reserves-based lending (RBL) credit facility.
Kosmos Energy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew G. Inglis, said:
“We are pleased to have closed this transaction, a win-win for Kosmos and Panoro. For Kosmos, the transaction high-grades our portfolio by divesting high unit-operating-cost production and increases balance sheet resilience, while retaining exposure to future upside from the assets. Strategically, it also enables Kosmos to focus our capital and expertise on our world-class assets, where we can add the most value for our stakeholders over the long term. We would like to thank CEMAC and the Government of Equatorial Guinea for their timely approvals.”
To reflect the impact of the completed sale, Kosmos said it will provide updated full-year 2026 guidance with its second-quarter results in August.
The company added that year-to-date production from the assets has averaged around 5,800 barrels of oil per day net to Kosmos.
An asset retirement obligation liability of approximately $140 million will also be removed from the balance sheet.
NNPC, TotalEnergies Extend Methane Reduction Partnership For Two More Years
Nigeria’s national oil company, NNPC Limited, has renewed its partnership with TotalEnergies for another two years to expand the use of advanced drone-based technology aimed at detecting, measuring, and reducing methane emissions across its upstream operations as part of its decarbonisation and gas-flare reduction commitments.
The agreement, aimed at helping NNPC Ltd meet its gas-flare reduction obligations in line with its Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) commitments, participation in the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0, and its near-zero methane emissions ambition by 2030, follows an earlier agreement signed in 2023 for the adoption of the AUSEA technology.
The agreement was signed by NNPC Ltd’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, and TotalEnergies Country Chair and Managing Director, Matthieu Bouyer, on behalf of their respective companies at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ntia expressed satisfaction with the first phase of the technology’s deployment, stressing that he would like to see it scaled across more assets.
“Today’s signing represents a practical step in NNPC Limited’s journey to build a credible, transparent, and action-oriented decarbonisation programme. Through the AUSEA initiative, we are strengthening our ability to detect, quantify, and prioritise methane abatement opportunities using advanced measurement technology,” Ntia said.
He also called for the institutionalisation of progress reporting in line with compliance requirements and highlighted the potential for technology transfer under the AUSEA programme.
On his part, TotalEnergies’ Senior Vice President for Africa, Mike Sangster, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation his company has enjoyed from NNPC over the years. He noted that TotalEnergies was the first oil-producing company in Nigeria to end gas flaring across all its assets and said the AUSEA technology had been instrumental in achieving that milestone, as the company works towards near-zero methane emissions by 2030.
AUSEA is a drone-based technology developed by TotalEnergies in partnership with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Reims.
The technology helps identify unaccounted emission sources, provides a basis for reviewing and improving existing emissions reporting processes, supplies data for evaluating operational systems and implementing corrective actions, and enables the estimation of flare combustion efficiency.Ukraine Hits Moscow Refinery As Zelenskyy Seeks Trump Support To End War
Ukrainian drones have hit a Moscow oil refinery for the second time this week while Russia fired missiles at Kyiv, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks support from the United States and Europe to reach a deal to end the war.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday that its air defences shot down 555 Ukrainian drones over several regions overnight, with almost 200 intercepted as they approached the Russian capital.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said several drones struck an oil refinery.
“Air defence forces continue to repel a massive attack. Several drones managed to reach the Moscow oil refinery,” Sobyanin said, adding that a shopping centre also suffered minor damage.
The attack on the oil facility was the second this week. A drone strike on Tuesday halted operations at the refinery, according to the Reuters news agency, as widespread damage to Russian energy facilities worsens the country’s fuel crisis.
The regional governor said that, in the surrounding Moscow region, a high-rise residential building, an industrial facility, and a number of private houses were also damaged in the drone attack.
Sheremetyevo Airport, Moscow’s busiest, suspended flights and evacuated people, with several passengers seeking shelter in the car park, the airport said in a statement.
Kyiv, meanwhile, came under a second Russian air attack this week as ballistic missiles were launched at the Ukrainian capital, city officials said.
“The enemy is attacking the capital with ballistic missiles. Stay in safe places until the air raid alert is over!” Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, said in a Telegram post.
Authorities in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy said one person was killed in a drone attack.
Al Jazeera’s Audrey MacAlpine said nine locations were hit after at least 239 drones and seven ballistic missiles were launched at Ukraine overnight.
“Ukraine says that it was able to intercept the majority of them,” she added.
Earlier this week, a major Russian attack on Kyiv killed 11 people and damaged a UNESCO-listed 1,000-year-old monastery, drawing condemnation from European leaders. Russia denied striking the monastery.
The attacks come as Zelenskyy works to pressure Russia into negotiating an end to its more than four-year-long war. Zelenskyy said he had spoken to US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other G7 leaders to coordinate efforts to end the war.
G7 leaders pledged to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences and increase pressure on Moscow’s war economy, including by tightening sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas sectors.
Trump told reporters he was “gonna do whatever I can” to end the war.
Zelenskyy said he received important commitments from the G7, including “more air defence missiles along with licences to produce them, and a winter support package.”
“Importantly, the US is ready to provide a backstop across these lines of effort,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “It is key that everything discussed be implemented. Russia must learn that its war will never be normalised.”