Nigeria’s national oil company, NNPC Ltd, has reiterated its commitment to developing and revamping downstream infrastructure across the country to enhance collaboration and drive efficiency in the sector.
Addressing attendees at the opening of the 2025 OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos on Monday, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, said competition alone was no longer enough to drive efficiency, adding that operators must embrace collaboration, sustainability, and resilience as the new benchmarks for success.
“At NNPC, we are committed to deploying additional infrastructure across the oil and gas value chain while revamping our existing downstream infrastructure nationwide. These assets will be accessible to partners seeking to store and transport products, supporting strategic alliances and collaboration in the downstream sector,” the GCEO said.
He disclosed that a combination of factors — including strategic policies, fiscal incentives, and transparent, well-structured regulatory frameworks exemplified by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) — has fostered expansion and growth in the sector, requiring new skill sets and further investments in emerging business areas such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and mini-LNG projects.
Ojulari urged participants at the conference to discuss challenges and align on opportunities “to redefine energy systems in ways that are both profitable and sustainable, to forge cross-sector partnerships that transcend traditional competition, and to explore innovative business models and technologies that support decarbonization while driving economic value.”
The OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week is the continent’s leading downstream and midstream energy event, bringing together international organizations, policymakers, regulators, development partners, operators, service providers, and consumers across the downstream energy value chain.
Russian oil giant Lukoil is seeking buyers for its international assets following the imposition of new restrictive measures by the United States against the company and its subsidiaries.
The move marks a major shift for one of Russia’s largest private oil producers, as Western sanctions continue to exert pressure on the country’s energy sector.
Lukoil has begun reviewing bids from potential buyers for its assets, with the sale process being conducted under a U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) wind-down license, according to a company statement.
The company added that it may seek an extension of the license, if necessary, to ensure uninterrupted operations of its international assets during the transition.
The decision comes after U.S. President Donald Trump, on October 22, imposed sanctions targeting Lukoil and Rosneft amid rising tensions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Additionally, the European Union (EU) has approved its 19th sanctions package against Russia, which includes a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
TotalEnergies SE and its partners will end force majeure on their liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, paving the way for work to formally restart on the export terminal after years of suspension, the company said.
Total in 2021 froze the $20 billion plan to build what was at the time hailed as Africa’s biggest private investment, after Islamic State-linked militants carried out a major attack on the nearby town of Palma, in northeast Mozambique.
“The Mozambique LNG consortium has taken the decision to lift the force majeure and the Mozambican presidency was officially informed on Friday by means of a protocol letter,” TotalEnergies said in a statement. “As a final step before fully relaunching the project, Mozambique’s Council of Ministers needs to approve an addendum to the plan of development with the updated budget and schedule.”
The decision to lift the suspension follows a deal reached between the government and Total’s consortium on how to treat future taxes against $4.5 billion in additional costs incurred since 2021, according to the local news site Zitamar, which reported the news earlier.
The $20 billion estimate was made before the project was halted, and it’s unclear how much the updated plan will cost.
The project promises to help transform the economy of one of the world’s poorest nations. Yet the Mozambique LNG plant is located in a region ravaged by an Islamist insurgency since 2017. While foreign troops helped contain the violence after the 2021 attack, there’s been a resurgence in recent months.
Nearly 100,000 people have been displaced since September, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said this week.
With 633 incidents targeting civilians recorded so far, 2025 is on track to become one of the most violent in recent history, according to the organization.
Mali’s military junta has suspended schools and universities across the country due to a severe fuel shortage caused by a blockade on fuel imports imposed by Islamist insurgents, the BBC has reported, citing the country’s Minister for Education, Amadou Sy Savane.
In a televised address, the minister announced that all educational institutions would remain closed until 9 November, noting that the movement of staff and students had been disrupted by the blockade.
He added that the authorities were “doing everything possible” to resolve the crisis so that classes could resume on 10 November.
In a separate statement, the Interministerial Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management said that restrictions would be placed on fuel supplies until “further notice,” with priority given at designated stations to emergency, assistance, and public transport vehicles.
For weeks, Mali has faced a worsening fuel shortage, particularly in the capital, Bamako, after militants affiliated with al-Qaeda imposed a blockade by attacking fuel tankers on major highways.
As a landlocked nation, Mali depends entirely on road transport for fuel imports from neighbouring countries such as Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Long queues have formed at petrol stations in Bamako in recent weeks, and the city’s usually bustling streets have reportedly fallen quiet.
Earlier this month, the military government had assured residents that the situation was temporary, but the crisis has persisted.
Last week, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako announced that non-essential diplomatic staff and their families would leave Mali amid the worsening fuel shortage and escalating security concerns.
The embassy said the disruptions had affected electricity supply and had the “potential to disrupt the overall security situation in unpredictable ways.”
Mali is currently ruled by a military junta led by Gen. Assimi Goïta, who seized power in a 2021 coup.
The junta initially enjoyed popular support, having promised to resolve the long-running security crisis triggered by a separatist rebellion in the north led by ethnic Tuaregs, which was later hijacked by Islamist militants.
The UN peacekeeping mission and French forces, deployed in 2013 to combat the insurgency, have since withdrawn following the junta’s takeover. In their place, the military government has enlisted Russian mercenaries to help tackle insecurity.
However, the jihadist insurgency has persisted, and large parts of the north and east of the country remain outside government control.
Experts at a high-level panel discussion on the topic “CNG: A Lower-Carbon Energy to Grow Africa’s Communities”, during the recently concluded African Energy Week 2025, have called for urgent investment in gas infrastructure across the continent to promote access to clean and affordable energy.
The panel featured Yann Yangari, Partner at Flamboyant Services; David Pappoe, CEO of Energas West Africa Limited; Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC); and Declan Nwokoro, Managing Director of NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd. (NGML).
The experts underscored Africa’s vast gas potential, estimated at about 630 trillion standard cubic feet, and emphasized the need to harness these resources to drive industrial growth, expand energy access, and improve living standards.
They noted that Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions and providing a cheaper, cleaner alternative to traditional fuels such as diesel and petrol. CNG, they said, offers significant benefits for transport, power generation, and domestic use, while supporting Africa’s transition to a lower-carbon economy.
Leading the discussion, Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO of COMAC, urged African leaders to recognize that the continent is both a producer and consumer of gas, and therefore must prioritize the development of infrastructure to increase local utilization instead of focusing on exports.
Dr. Riverson Oppong, Chief Executive Officer of Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, COMAC.
He noted that countries such as Nigeria and Ghana already use gas for electricity generation and criticized the ongoing plan to construct a gas pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco to supply Europe, arguing that such investments should instead focus on meeting Africa’s own energy needs.
“Instead of building a gas pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco to serve European countries, we should build pipelines to supply our own. Africa first,” Dr. Riverson asserted.
GOIL PLC, Ghana’s leading indigenous oil marketing company, continues to expand its operations to offer quality fuel and lubricants to customers with the opening of a brand-new service station at Esereso in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region.
Situated in a strategic location that offers convenience to both motorists and residents, the Esereso Service Station embodies everything customers value about GOIL — ease, quality, and comfort.
At Esereso, customers are guaranteed top-quality fuels — Super XP, Diesel XP, and Super XP 95 — all high-performance fuels designed to deliver maximum power and engine efficiency.
The station also features a Lube Bay, offering trusted GOIL lubricants; a Service Centre with vulcanizing and wheel alignment services; a Mart stocked with everyday essentials and refreshments; as well as a GO Café, Barbering Shop, and Washing Bay.
In his address at the opening ceremony, the Dealer for the Esereso Service Station, Mr. George Asonaba Boadi, urged Ghanaians to look beyond minor price differences and focus on quality and national development.
“GOIL belongs to every Ghanaian,” he said. “Let’s not concentrate on the little price differences but on the quality of fuel and the protection it offers our engines. When you buy from GOIL, you’re fueling national progress and ensuring that even the smallest community in Ghana has access to a fuel station.”
The Head of Fuels Marketing at GOIL PLC, Mr. Emmanuel Kwame Agyiri, emphasized that GOIL will not rest on its laurels and remains committed to ensuring that all parts of the country have access to quality fuel products.
“GOIL remains dedicated to delivering top-quality fuels and ensuring that our services reach every corner of Ghana,” he stated.
In her welcome address, the Zonal Manager for the Middle Belt Zone, Ms. Margaret Ennin, expressed her excitement about the new addition, noting that the Esereso Service Station marks the 86th GOIL station in the zone.
She noted that the opening of the station reflects GOIL’s continued commitment to bringing quality, convenience, and comfort closer to its customers.
“The Esereso Service Station stands as a symbol of progress and pride. Every Ghanaian who fuels with GOIL helps drive national growth, one community at a time. Here, customers don’t just fill their tanks — they experience comfort, care, and the true spirit of Good Energy,” she said.
Africa’s largest petroleum refinery, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, based in Lagos, Nigeria, is set to become the world’s largest petroleum refinery as officials announced plans to expand its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million barrels per day within the next three years.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, owner of the refinery, announced the plan on Sunday in Lagos, during a media briefing.
He said the expansion reflects his confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and Africa’s energy future.
“This expansion reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s future, our belief in Africa’s potential, and our commitment to building energy independence for our continent and the world.It is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future,” Dangote stated.
Dangote explained that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of making Nigeria a global supplier of petroleum products.
He commended the President for supportive initiatives such as the Nigeria First Policy, Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the creation of a one-stop shop for investors, which he said have spurred industrial growth and strengthened investor confidence.
He added that the expansion would help meet rising regional demand, reduce dependence on fuel imports, save billions in foreign exchange, and enhance Nigeria’s energy security.
Dangote revealed that the construction of the new facilities would employ over 65,000 workers, creating opportunities across local industries and building Africa’s technical capacity for large-scale infrastructure.
The business mogul also disclosed plans to increase polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum, boosting the local supply of industrial inputs such as linear alkylbenzene (for detergent production) and base oils.
The business mogul also disclosed plans to increase polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum, boosting the local supply of industrial inputs such as linear alkylbenzene (for detergent production) and base oils.
“With this expansion, the refinery will transition from producing Euro V to Euro VI fuel standards, meeting the highest global environmental benchmarks.
“It will also expand our power generation capacity, ensuring full operational self-sufficiency.”
He said more than 85 per cent of the refinery’s workforce are Nigerians, with ongoing investments in skills development, safety, sustainability, and technology transfer.
“We remain committed to safety, sustainability, and local participation at every stage of this expansion.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people,” he added.
Dangote also announced plans to list the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. within the next year, a move aimed at promoting broad ownership and transparency.
“Our long-term goal is to build Africa’s leading integrated energy and petrochemical hub, the first of its kind on the continent,” he said.
Dangote also assured Nigerians of steady fuel supply during the festive period, in spite of the recent global oil price increases.
“As we approach the end of the year, Nigerians often face fuel shortages and price hikes.
“I want to assure everyone that the Dangote Refinery is fully committed to maintaining uninterrupted supply throughout the festive season.
“For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free of fuel anxiety.” he explained.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Federal and Lagos State Governments, the refinery’s host community in Lekki, financial partners, and the company’s dedicated workforce for their support.
“This expansion is not just about increasing capacity, it’s about confidence in our people, our country, and our continent.
“Together, we are building a stronger Nigeria and redefining what is possible for Africa,” he said.
Dangote also urged other refinery license holders to collaborate in achieving the government’s goal of making Nigeria Africa’s refining hub.
“When Africa builds its own capacity, it builds its own destiny,” he said
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption across the Republic of Ghana increased to 168.6 million kilograms in the first half of 2025, up from 160.5 million kilograms during the same period in 2024 — representing a 5.04 percent growth.
Despite the marginal overall increase, industry data released by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) shows a steep decline in LPG consumption in some parts of the country, while other regions recorded significant gains.
At the regional level, the data revealed that the Upper West Region recorded the sharpest growth at 85.93 percent, more than doubling its volumes to 10.8 million kilograms. It was followed by the Upper East Region at 24.43 percent, and the Ashanti Region at 18.28 percent in the first half of the year.
The Greater Accra Region recorded 12.22 percent, Central Region 13.01 percent, and Western Region 11.48 percent, while the Eastern Region saw a modest 1.32 percent growth.
However, the report showed a steady decline in consumption in the Northern, Volta, and Brong Ahafo regions. Consumption in the Northern Region declined by 49.53 percent, Volta by 31.09 percent, and Brong Ahafo by 8.34 percent — a trend that may suggest accessibility and affordability challenges in these areas.
“This unevenness highlights the need for continuous stakeholder dialogue, affordable pricing, and a stronger CRM rollout to close gaps between high- and low-adoption regions. While CRM has improved availability and access, affordability remains a critical barrier, with rising LPG prices pushing many households back to charcoal — undermining both market penetration and long-term policy sustainability,” the report stated.
Kenya’s electricity utility company, Kenya Power, has reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading electricity supply in the coastal county of Kwale, the Kenya News Agency has reported, citing an official of the company.
Kenya Power has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Kwale County Government to improve electricity supply and connectivity across the region.
During a meeting with County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo and other senior county officials, KPLC Kwale County Business Manager, Eric Momanyi, highlighted ongoing efforts to expand electricity access in the county.
He noted that a new substation currently under construction in Kwale Town will significantly improve power distribution and stability in the region.
Momanyi explained that the new project is expected to extend reliable electricity to far-flung areas such as Kinango Sub-County and support upcoming industrial and public projects.
He further announced plans to replace faulty transformers, upgrade old power installations, and add new feeder lines to stabilize power supply within the coastal region.
“The new substation will be a game-changer for Kwale. It will not only stabilize power in the region but also support growing demands from upcoming industrial and public projects,” said Momanyi.
The public power utility firm has pledged to enhance electricity supply through infrastructure upgrades and improved customer engagement.
Momanyi lauded Kwale County for its excellent record in meeting electricity payments, noting that the meeting sought to collectively address challenges and improve service delivery.
He, however, emphasized that power theft and non-payment remain major setbacks to stable electricity supply in the region.
Momanyi underscored the critical role of community involvement in safeguarding power installations—especially transformers—to prevent service interruptions.
He said Kwale leads among coastal counties in timely bill payments, a reflection of the county’s efficiency and accountability.
Momanyi also called on residents to help protect power infrastructure, warning that vandalism and theft undermine reliable electricity supply.
“By securing our power network, we reduce risks and ensure more reliable electricity supply for our customers,” he said.
County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the county’s commitment to supporting Kenya Power’s efforts to expand electricity access.
She said the Last-Mile Connectivity Project will enhance operational efficiency, reduce crime, and extend business hours for local traders.
Chidodo stressed that reliable power is key to achieving Kwale’s development agenda and improving service delivery to residents.
“We are glad to see this level of engagement from Kenya Power. Our shared goal is to ensure that every public facility and project—especially in rural areas—has access to reliable electricity,” said Chidodo.
She noted that among the priority areas identified for collaboration between Kenya Power and the county government are the County Aggregated Industrial Park (CAIP) in Lunga Lunga Sub-County and the Fruit Processing Plant in Matuga Sub-County.
According to Chidodo, other county infrastructure across various departments will also benefit from the improved electricity connections.
The Government of Uganda has set an ambitious goal of transforming the country into a $500 billion economy through clean, affordable, and sustainable energy, underscoring its commitment to industrial growth, job creation, and inclusive development.
This target is outlined under the government’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which redefines energy not merely as a utility but as a key driver of job creation, industrial development, and long-term socioeconomic transformation.
“Through the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, Uganda aims to fuel a USD 500 billion economy powered by clean, affordable, and sustainable energy that drives industrialization, supports livelihoods, and secures a brighter future for every citizen,” Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development said.
She made this while addressing participants at the Sustainable Energy Development Programme Performance Review, held in conjunction with the Renewable Energy Conference and Expo 2025 (REC25) in Kampala.
The three-day event attracted over 500 participants from government, the private sector, civil society, and development partners to review sector progress, exchange innovations, and identify new investment opportunities.
Uganda’s energy access rate has reached 60%, reflecting continued investment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure nationwide.
Major transmission projects—including Karuma–Kawanda (248 km), Gulu–Kole–Nebbi–Arua (298 km), and Opuyo–Moroto (160 km)—have enhanced grid reliability and expanded electricity supply to homes, industries, and social facilities.
Under the theme “From Access to Impact: Powering Uganda’s Transformation through Sustainable Energy,” Nankabirwa said the next phase, aligned with NDP IV, will focus on scaling generation capacity to 15,420 MW by 2030 and 52,481 MW by 2040, alongside modernizing networks and promoting off-grid systems.
Recent projects such as the 6 MW Nyagak III Hydropower Plant and the 20 MW Nkonge Solar PV Plant have added new capacity, while more than 200,000 new grid connections have been made, integrating the West Nile region into the national grid for the first time.
Off-grid and mini-grid initiatives remain vital in bringing electricity to remote communities, bridging the country’s energy divide.
As part of its clean energy transition, the government is implementing the Biofuels Blending Programme and the National Clean Cooking Strategy to curb dependence on biomass and protect the environment.
At REC25, Uganda also launched the Clean Cooking Unit (CCU), a national initiative that seeks to transition 50% of households to clean cooking technologies by 2030.
The programme is backed by UK bilateral support and the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) initiative. The British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, hailed the initiative, stressing that clean cooking access is essential for public health, gender equality, and climate resilience.
Minister Nankabirwa lauded the collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector, urging sustained momentum toward the country’s clean energy goals.
“We must continue working together to build an energy sector that powers industries, lights every home, and positions Uganda as a regional leader in energy-led transformation,” she emphasized.
Uganda’s evolving energy landscape underscores a shift toward sustainability, equity, and economic resilience, with clean energy positioned as a central pillar of its development agenda. As the transition accelerates, energy will not only power homes and businesses but also propel Uganda’s rise as a competitive, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy.
Russia’s Ryazan oil refinery—its fourth-largest and a key Rosneft asset southeast of Moscow—was forced to halt a major crude distillation unit after a Ukrainian drone attack set part of the facility ablaze this week, industry sources told Reuters.
The targeted unit, CDU-4, handles roughly 4 million metric tons of crude per year, or about 80,000 bpd—nearly a quarter of the refinery’s total capacity.
The stoppage, combined with secondary unit shutdowns including a reformer, vacuum gasoil hydrotreater, and catalytic cracker, has sharply reduced output.
Rosneft has not commented, but sources say the plant continues limited operations.
Ukraine said it hit the Ryazan refinery, one of a growing number of strikes on Russian fuel sites as U.S.-led peace efforts drag on.
Kyiv’s drones have been taking aim at the infrastructure feeding Russia’s war machine, and the Kremlin has been pointing to those same attacks to explain gasoline and diesel shortages at home.
Ryazan processed 13.1 million tons of crude last year, yielding 2.3 million tons of gasoline, 3.4 million tons of diesel, and 4.2 million tons of fuel oil.
A prolonged outage could pressure domestic fuel availability further just as Russia heads into winter, when heating demand peaks and logistical networks tighten.
For global markets, the direct supply hit is small, but the symbolism isn’t. Every successful strike deep inside Russia adds to the risk premium baked into oil prices and tests the Kremlin’s ability to protect the infrastructure that underpins its export revenues.
As the Ryazan blaze cools, markets are still watching for how Moscow will respond—possibly with another round of tightened export controls.
Zambia and Mozambique have begun talks for a joint electricity generation project in Mozambique’s Tete Province, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation has reported, citing a recent meeting between the Presidents of the two nations.
The two leaders held bilateral discussions at State House in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, focusing on the development of the Mphanda Nkuwa Dam on the Zambezi River, which is expected to generate an additional 1,500 megawatts of electricity.
During the meeting, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo said the joint investment would benefit both countries through increased power generation.
He added that Mozambique is also developing gas-fired power stations in Tete Province, which could be considered for joint ventures. Tete Province already hosts Mozambique’s largest power generation facility, the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Dam.
President Chapo said Mozambique is eager to learn from Zambia’s experience in manufacturing and value addition and thanked Zambia for its continued support in stabilizing volatile regions in Mozambique.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema called for the speedy development of the Nacala and Beira Corridors, describing them as vital for ensuring the smooth movement of goods. He added that the corridors should be complemented by rail, road, and oil pipeline infrastructure to strengthen regional trade and integration.
He also noted that Zambia is keen to explore gas deposits in Mozambique and expressed gratitude for Mozambique’s assistance in supplying electricity during the recent drought, emphasizing that without such support, Zambia’s economy could have faced serious challenges.
President Hichilema further called for the joint protection of shared natural resources, including the Zambezi River.
Russian drones attacked the Ukrainian capital for the second night in a row on October 22, injuring four people, officials said within hours of an announcement from Washington imposing sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said drones had damaged several dwellings and other buildings.
Air assaults the night before struck throughout the country, killing at least seven people and causing power outages. One of the attacks hit a kindergarten in Kharkiv and another hit an apartment building in Zaporizhzhya.
The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Telegram that it struck Ukrainian energy infrastructure in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian targets.
The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil after the European Union unveiled a fresh wave of sanctions earlier on October 22. Both actions were aimed at pressuring Russia to end its full-scale invasion of its neighbor.
“Today is a very big day in terms of what we’re doing. These are tremendous sanctions. These are very big — against their two big oil companies. And we hope they won’t be on for long. We hope that the war will be settled,” US President Donald Trump said.
The move marks another shift for Trump, who has resisted putting more pressure on Russia in hopes that Russian President Vladimir Putin would agree to end the fighting. But his patience appeared to have run out after plans for a summit with Putin in Budapest collapsed.
“I just felt it was time,” Trump told reporters at the White House after welcoming NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. “Every time I speak with Vladimir, I have good conversations, and then they don’t go anywhere.”
In another indication that Trump’s patience is wearing thing, the president said he had canceled the Budapest meeting.
“It didn’t feel right to me. It didn’t feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get,” he said.
The US sanctions are designed to increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector and “degrade” the Kremlin’s ability to raise revenue for its war machine, the Treasury Department said in a “Given President Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war, Treasury is sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies that fund the Kremlin’s war machine,”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in the news release.
Bessent said earlier that Putin had not “come to the table in an honest and forthright manner, as we’d hoped.”
The EU sanctions include the blacklisting of oil tankers used by Moscow, travel curbs on Russian diplomats, and a ban on importing liquefied natural gas from Russia by 2027.
The package is the 19th imposed by the EU since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The sanctions were presented last month by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said the purchase of fossil fuels from Russia is financing the Russian war.
The US sanctions follow a similar move by Britain last week, said Rachel Ziemba, an analyst at the Center for New American Security. They are the first notable sanction on Russia from the Trump administration and should have an impact beyond those imposed by Britain alone, she said.
“So it’s a big deal but not as big as it would have been a year ago,” she said in response to a question from RFE/RL, pointing out that subsidiaries operating energy projects are also sanctioned and that could make getting new parts for rebuilding more expensive.
Ziemba also said that the Russian oil companies currently do little business in dollars or in the US financial sector, and the “evasive infrastructure” they use could “blunt” the impact of the new sanctions.
During his visit with Trump, Rutte praised the US president’s efforts to bring the two sides together even after some observers criticized Trump’s outreach to Putin, saying it only allowed the Russian leader to buy time.
Consistent pressure on Russia and frank talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are necessary to reach a cease-fire, Rutte said.
“Look at the Russian economy. There are long lines of cars into the gas stations,” Rutte told Fox News, adding that the Ukrainians have hit an estimated one-third of the Russian oil and gas infrastructure.
He also pointed to moves in Europe to do more to stop Russia’s use of a shadow fleet to move oil around the world.
“All of this will help change the calculus,” Rutte said.
“Collectively, we will change Putin’s calculus and get him to the table and get the cease-fire going. I’m absolutely convinced. It may not be today or tomorrow, but we will get there.”
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has paid an official visit to the head office of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) in Accra as part of his familiarisation tour of agencies under the Ministry of Energy.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, provided an opportunity for the Minister to engage with the management and staff of the Corporation while reinforcing the government’s strong commitment to the successful implementation of the Petroleum Hub Project—one of Ghana’s most ambitious initiatives in the energy sector.
In his address, Hon. Jinapor underscored the strategic importance of the PHDC and the Petroleum Hub Project to Ghana’s energy future and overall economic transformation.
He explained that the Corporation was established to attract significant investment into the petroleum value chain and assured the management and staff of the Ministry’s full support in fulfilling this mandate.
The Minister encouraged staff to uphold professionalism, remain apolitical in the execution of their duties, and embrace innovation and dedication—qualities he described as essential to making the Hub attractive to global investors.
Addressing concerns about the project’s feasibility and scalability, John Jinapor noted that further stakeholder engagements would be undertaken to address any outstanding issues to ensure a smooth and successful rollout.
Welcoming the Minister, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC, expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that the Minister’s presence and assurances would inspire confidence and renewed commitment among the staff.
Dr. Aubynn described the Petroleum Hub Project as both ambitious and transformative, citing global examples from Singapore and the Netherlands to highlight its potential impact.
He also referenced Malaysia’s Petroleum Hub, which created over 80,000 jobs in its first phase, as an illustration of the employment and economic benefits the project could deliver for Ghana—particularly for the youth of Jomoro and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Onasis Rosely, Deputy CEO for Operations and Technical, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and pledged that tangible progress would be evident ahead of the next engagement.
Also present at the meeting were Ms. Halimatu Sadia Abdulai, Deputy CEO for Finance and Administration, as well as directors and senior management of the Corporation.
The Minister was accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry, including Ing. Sulemana Abubakar, Acting Director for Power; Dr. Yusif Sulemana, Technical Advisor; Mr. Richmond Rockson, Esq., Spokesperson and Director of Communication; and other officials.
“GOIL remains dedicated to delivering top-quality fuels and ensuring that our services reach every corner of Ghana,” he stated.
In her welcome address, the Zonal Manager for the Middle Belt Zone, Ms. Margaret Ennin, expressed her excitement about the new addition, noting that the Esereso Service Station marks the 86th GOIL station in the zone.
She noted that the opening of the station reflects GOIL’s continued commitment to bringing quality, convenience, and comfort closer to its customers.
“The Esereso Service Station stands as a symbol of progress and pride. Every Ghanaian who fuels with GOIL helps drive national growth, one community at a time. Here, customers don’t just fill their tanks — they experience comfort, care, and the true spirit of Good Energy,” she said.
Welcoming the Minister, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC, expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that the Minister’s presence and assurances would inspire confidence and renewed commitment among the staff.
Dr. Aubynn described the Petroleum Hub Project as both ambitious and transformative, citing global examples from Singapore and the Netherlands to highlight its potential impact.
He also referenced Malaysia’s Petroleum Hub, which created over 80,000 jobs in its first phase, as an illustration of the employment and economic benefits the project could deliver for Ghana—particularly for the youth of Jomoro and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Onasis Rosely, Deputy CEO for Operations and Technical, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and pledged that tangible progress would be evident ahead of the next engagement.
Also present at the meeting were Ms. Halimatu Sadia Abdulai, Deputy CEO for Finance and Administration, as well as directors and senior management of the Corporation.
The Minister was accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry, including Ing. Sulemana Abubakar, Acting Director for Power; Dr. Yusif Sulemana, Technical Advisor; Mr. Richmond Rockson, Esq., Spokesperson and Director of Communication; and other officials.