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
Nigeria: Abuja Power Outage Hits Presidential Villa, Other Areas After Vandalism
Power supply in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, has been disrupted after vandals attacked TCN’s 132kV transmission line and underground cables, taking power to the city and its environs.
The affected areas include Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Life Camp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi and parts of the Presidential Villa.
A statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, Public Affairs Manager at TCN on Friday, 17th January 2025, said the vandalism happened around the Millennium Park axis of Abuja.
The thieves made away 40 meters of 1x500mm² XLPE conductors on the two numbers 132kV transmission lines.
As a result of the vandalism, over 60 per cent of the power supply to Abuja has been affected, leaving many areas without electricity.
The statement said engineers have been deployed to the site to repair the damaged cables and restore the power supply to the affected areas.
The company has also appealed to Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security operatives.
The TCN emphasised the importance of protecting the nation’s transmission equipment and installations, stating that it is crucial to the development of the power sector.
The company urged everyone to work together to prevent such incidents in the future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Edward Bawa Appointed As Acting CEO Of GNPC
A former Communication Specialist at the Ministry of Energy, Mr Edward Bawa, has been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
He served as the Communication Specialist at the Ministry of Energy between 2012 and 2016.
After leaving the Ministry, he contested the parliamentary election and won the seat for the NDC for the Bongo Constituency in the Upper East Region.
In Parliament, Mr Bawa served on the Mines and Energy Committee, given his knowledge of the energy sector.
His appointment, effective Friday, January 17, 2025, is per Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 10(2) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Act, 1983 (P.N.D.C.L.64).
The appointment is pending the required advice from the Honourable Minister for Energy, in consultation with the Public Services Commission.
In a formal letter, President Mahama extended his congratulations to the former MP for Bongo and expressed his best wishes for his tenure. The announcement was communicated by Dr Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President.
Mr Bawa will be the second youngest person serving as CEO of the National Oil Company after Mr Opoku Ahwenee Danquah who served as CEO during the immediate past Akufo-Addoo administration.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Independent Power Generators Ghana Congratulates Energy Minister-Designate
The Independent Power Generators, Ghana, has congratulated Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor on his appointment as the Minister-designate for Energy and Green Transition.
Hon. Jinapor was among the first three Ministers of State appointed by President John Dramani Mahama.
He successfully went through a parliamentary vetting last week.
In a statement, Dr Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, CEO of IPPG, expressed confidence in Jinapor’s leadership, saying his pragmatic approach would help address challenges in the power sector and create a resilient energy ecosystem for Ghana.
“We are confident his leadership will bring a renewed focus and drive toward addressing the challenges confronting the power sector,” he said.
Below is the full statement:
A WELL-DESERVED CONGRATULATIONS TO HON. JOHN ABDULAI JINAPOR. MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND GREEN TRANSITION
- The Independent Power Generators, Ghana (IPGG) extends our warmest congratulations on your nomination by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana and successful vetting as the Minister for Energy and Green Transition.
- Hon. Jinapor’s extensive experience in Ghana’s energy sector and commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability and efficiency have been evident in during the vetting. As a critical stakeholder in the energy industry, we are confident his leadership will bring a renewed focus and drive toward addressing the challenges confronting the power sector.
- The role of the Minister for Energy is vital, especially at a time when the nation is seeking to enhance efficiency in distribution, and to reduce debts in the energy sector. We believe that Hon. Jinapor’s pragmatic approach and expertise will contribute significantly to the creation of a resilient and reliable energy ecosystem for Ghana.
- As Independent Power Generators, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the government’s efforts to ensure stable and affordable electricity for all Ghanaians. We look forward to collaborating closely with Hon. Jinapor to achieve shared goals, including sustainable energy generation, the promotion of renewable energy, and the resolution of outstanding financial and policy challenges affecting the sector.
- Once again, we congratulate Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor and pledge our commitment to supporting his vision for Ghana’s energy future.
Niger: Algeria’s Sonatrach Plans 30,000Bpd Refinery & Petrochemical Hub In Dosso
Algeria’s state-owned oil company, Sonatrach, has unveiled plans to construct a refinery and petrochemical complex in Dosso, a city in southwestern Niger.
To realise this dream, officials of Sonatrach, recently, visited Niger and held discussions with Sahabi Oumarou, Niger’s Minister for Petroleum, to lay the groundwork for the project.
According to Sonatrach, the project demonstrates Algeria’s dedication to supporting Niger in transforming its natural resources into sustainable development opportunities.
As part of the agreement, Sonatrach will provide specialised training programmes for Nigerien engineers and technicians at Algerian refineries, guided by experts from the Algerian Petroleum Institute (IAP).
The Dosso refinery will start with a production capacity of 30,000 barrels per day, with plans to expand it to 100,000 barrels per day, addressing local energy demands while generating jobs and attracting foreign investment.
By advancing this project, Sonatrach aims to bolster Niger’s energy independence and drive its economic growth.
Sonatrach has also intensified its operations in the Kafra Oil Field, a 23,737km² block in Niger, where two drilled wells are expected to boost the country’s oil production to 90,000 barrels per day.
This energy collaboration strengthens ties between Algeria and Niger and opens opportunities for additional joint ventures.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ACEP Proposes Commercialisation And Stock Exchange Listing For BOST
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) is advocating for the commercialization of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) and its listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange.
This move is aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in BOST’s operations.
Currently, BOST receives a 12-pesewa margin on every litre of petroleum products, generating nearly GH¢600 million annually.
The margin was designed for the company to use to develop a network of pipeline infrastructure across the country and keep strategic stock.
However, ACEP argues that BOST has strayed from its core mandate of maintaining strategic stock reserves and is instead competing with private bulk oil distributors that pay taxes.
Kodzo Yaotse, Policy Lead for Petroleum and Conventional Energy at ACEP, emphasizes that BOST’s current operations are unnecessary and that commercialization and listing on the stock exchange would ensure transparency and accountability.
He also revealed that BOST controls about 20% of the petroleum import market under the Gold for Oil program.
“The market we operate in now shows that we do not need BOST. Or, if we are to keep BOST, we should commercialize it and list it on the stock exchange,” Yaotse stated.
“This will ensure transparency and accountability in BOST operations while reducing the burden on consumers. That’s another GHp 0.12 removed from payments,” he added.
ACEP believes that transitioning BOST into a commercially driven entity will reduce the financial burden on consumers, foster greater efficiency, and promote accountability within the downstream petroleum sector.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: COMAC Sets Record Straight On Fuel Shortage Fears And Gold-For-Oil Policy
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has dismissed recent media reports suggesting that its CEO cautioned about an imminent fuel shortage in Ghana. According to COMAC, these reports are inaccurate and have caused unnecessary public anxiety.
In a statement, COMAC explained that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Riverson Oppong, did not warn of an impending fuel shortage. Instead, Dr. Oppong provided an update on the temporary reduction in petrol stock, caused by operational factors, including the suspension of refining activities at Sentuo Oil Refinery.
COMAC assured the public that the current stock of petrol can cover approximately three weeks of the country’s demand. Furthermore, vessels are currently discharging petrol, and others are waiting to discharge, effectively mitigating any risk of a fuel shortage.
Regarding the Gold-for-Oil (G4O) policy, COMAC clarified that Dr. Oppong did not suggest that the policy is a solution to fuel shortages. Instead, he advocated for a review of the policy to optimize its implementation and usefulness, given the evolving consumption dynamics in the industry.
COMAC reiterated its support for initiatives that enhance efficiency, stability, and sustainability within the petroleum sector. The Chamber urged media outlets to report responsibly and avoid disseminating information that may cause unnecessary public anxiety.
COMAC assured the public that there is no looming fuel shortage, as adequate supplies are currently available at the ports, with additional volumes expected to further cushion the market.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt: ExxonMobil Makes Significant Natural Gas Discovery Off Egypt’s Coast
US oil and gas super major, ExxonMobil Corporation, has announced a major natural gas discovery in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Egypt.
The discovery was made after the successful drilling of an exploration well in the North Marakia Block, located approximately five miles off Egypt’s northern coast.
According to ExxonMobil, the Nefertari-1 well encountered gas-bearing reservoirs, and the company will continue to evaluate the results.
This discovery has the potential to significantly contribute to Egypt’s energy sector and bolster the country’s position as a major natural gas producer.
The Eastern Mediterranean has emerged as a hotspot for energy exploration in recent years, driven by several significant natural gas discoveries in 2009 and 2010.
The region’s proximity to energy-hungry markets in Europe and the Middle East makes it an attractive location for energy companies.
ExxonMobil is not alone in its exploration efforts in the region.
Other major energy companies, including Chevron, BP, Shell, and Eni, also have assets and exploration plans in the area.
ExxonMobil entered the North Marakia block in 2019 and subsequently sold a 40% stake to QatarEnergy in 2022. The discovery well was drilled using the Valaris DS-9 drillship.
This significant discovery is expected to have a positive impact on Egypt’s energy sector and the regional energy landscape.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Sudan: Foreign Ministry Condemns Militia Attack On Merowe Dam Power Plant
Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has strongly condemned the recent attack by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia on the Merowe Dam power plant located on the Nile River.
The attack, carried out using suicide drones, resulted in the loss of electricity supply to large parts of the country, and the MFA has deemed it a clear terrorist act and a full-fledged war crime.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this crime is part of a larger genocidal plan implemented by the militia, with the support of its regional sponsors.
The statement highlighted the devastating impact of targeting electricity services on citizens’ lives and essential services such as water, health, education, and livelihoods.
The MFA also drew attention to other recent atrocities committed by the militia, including a massacre in Zamzam camp that claimed the lives of 16 displaced persons, and another in the village of Om Meleiha, where 11 civilians were killed.
The Ministry has urged the international community to condemn these heinous crimes and exert pressure on the militia’s sponsors to stop supplying them with weapons and mercenaries.
The Ministry stated that the attack on the Merowe Dam power plant is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of all civilians.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Senegal: AfDB Approves €8.51Million Loan For Energy-Efficient Lighting Initiative
The African Development Bank has launched a groundbreaking energy-efficiency project in Senegal, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable development.
The €8.51 million loan approved by the Bank will fund the “Programme to Promote Efficient Lighting Lamps” (PPLEEF), which aims to replace outdated incandescent bulbs with modern LED lighting in nearly 700,000 households and 80,000 small businesses across Senegal.
This pioneering project is expected to deliver substantial energy savings, reduce electricity costs, and significantly cut carbon emissions. The innovative on-bill financing model allows consumers to repay the cost of the new lighting through monthly energy savings, making the program accessible and affordable for all participants.
According to Jalel Chabchoub, Chief Energy Efficiency Officer at the African Development Bank, the PPLEEF is a milestone for Senegal’s national commitment to sustainable development and universal energy access.
The project will reduce energy demand and consumption during peak hours and pave the way for a more sustainable energy future across Africa.
The PPLEEF is also a replicable and scalable model for other African nations, delaying the need for costly investments in new power plants and reducing energy consumption. Mame Coumba Ndiaye, General Director of Senegal’s Agence pour l’Économie et la Maîtrise de l’Énergie (AEME), noted that the project will have a positive impact on household and small business budgets by reducing their energy bills.
This initiative is part of the African Development Bank’s broader efforts to promote sustainable development and energy equity across Africa.
From 2019 to 2024, the Bank committed approximately $6 billion to energy projects across the continent.
With the launch of the PPLEEF and the ‘Mission 300’ initiative, Africa is making significant strides towards closing its energy access gap.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
IEA Sees U.S. Sanctions On Russia Disrupting Oil Flows
The new expansive U.S. sanctions on the Russian oil industry and exports could affect global oil flows, complicating trade logistics for producers using shadow fleets such as Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Wednesday.
Despite the prospect of declining supply from Russia and Iran, with the latest sanctions against Moscow from the outgoing U.S. Administration and expected stricter sanctions and sanction enforcement from the incoming Trump Administration, the global oil market is likely to remain in a surplus this year, due to supply continuing to outpace demand, the IEA said in its monthly Oil Market Report today.
The agency continues to expect just about 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in global oil demand growth this year compared to 2024.
The expected demand growth of 1.05 million bpd would be an acceleration from the estimated 940,000 bpd growth in 2024 “as the economic outlook improves marginally,” the IEA said.
Global supply, on the other hand, is set to grow by 1.8 million bpd in 2025 to 104.7 million bpd. Non-OPEC+ production is set to rise by 1.5 million bpd in 2025, led by the United States, Brazil, Guyana, Canada, and Argentina, according to the agency.
While the more expansive sanctions on Russia are set to further complicate oil trade logistics, exports on non-shadow tankers remain viable for Russian oil purchased below the price cap of $60 per barrel, the IEA noted.
Moreover, the latest U.S. sanctions on Iran’s shadow fleet from December “now cover vessels that transported an average of over 500 kb/d of Iranian crude in 2024, nearly one-third of the country’s crude exports,” the agency said.
“While it is too early to fully quantify the potential impact from these new measures, some operators have reportedly already started to pull back from Iranian and Russian oil,” it added.
Despite the potential of further supply declines from Russia and Iran, the market isn’t too concerned about a shortfall in global supply, with the expected jump in non-OPEC+ production, as well as the OPEC+ members looking to unwind extra voluntary production cuts.
“Those additions should cover both potential supply disruptions and expected demand growth,” the IEA said.
Source: Oilprice.com