Ghana: StarOil Launches “Fuel Now, Pay Later” Scheme To Ease Burden On Motorists
Ghana’s leading indigenous Oil Marketing Company (OMC), StarOil Ghana Limited, has introduced a new digital credit service that allows customers to fuel their vehicles and pay later.
The initiative, launched in partnership with Hubtel, is designed to ease short-term cash flow challenges for motorists while ensuring uninterrupted mobility.
Branded “Fuel Now, Pay Later”, the service enables customers to access fuel on credit at selected StarOil stations and settle the payment conveniently after work or within an agreed repayment period.
To use the service, customers must download the myCredit Score app from the App Store or Google Play, register, and verify their identity using their Ghana Card. They can then visit any participating StarOil station — Mallam Junction, Adenta SDA, Adenta Aviation, or North Industrial Area — to fuel on credit.
Currently, the service is available exclusively to MTN and Telecel subscribers, and customers are required to comply with the applicable terms and conditions set by the partners.
The initiative has caught the attention of Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is widely regarded by many Ghanaians as “Mr. Digital.”
In a social media post, Dr. Bawumia congratulated StarOil Ghana and encouraged other companies to emulate the move.
“I congratulate StarOil Ghana Ltd and its bold and visionary CEO for launching their Fuel Now, Pay Later scheme today, which makes it possible for Ghanaians, especially drivers, to buy fuel on credit using their Ghanacard through the individualised credit scoring system.”
“When I launched this initiative last year, many sceptics did not see it as possible.
“A credit economy is so vital in making life a lot less stressful for many people in advanced economies.
“Thankfully, in Ghana, we have put in place the critical foundational pillars to underpin an efficient credit economy using the Ghanacard as an anchor, and supported by pillars such as the digital address system, our interoperable mobile money payment system, and the individualised credit scoring system.
“I look forward to other OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies) and businesses embracing the individualised credit scoring system to give Ghanaian workers the much-needed option of buying goods and services on credit and paying for them with ease through their Ghanacard and credit score, as Star Oil Ghana has done,” Dr Bawumia said on Facebook.
Israel To Approve $35B Gas Export Deal With Egypt Amid U.S. Pressure
Israel is expected to approve its $35 billion gas export with Egypt, worth an estimated $35 billion, amid pressure from the Trump administration.
Under the deal, Israel will export 130 billion cubic meters of natural gas from the Leviathan gas field to Egypt with partners Chevron Corp., NewMed Energy and Ratio Petroleum Energy guaranteeing a set price for the domestic economy.
Previously, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that the supply agreement was extended until 2040. However, relations between the two countries soured after the Israeli military ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate in September.
Last year, Egypt imported a record 981 million cubic feet per day of natural gas from Israel, good for 18.2% year-over-year increase. Egypt imports up to 20% of its gas from Israel.
Over the past couple of years, the African country has seen its ambitions to become a regional natural gas supply and LNG export hub go up in flames, with a series of setbacks turning the country from a net exporter of the vital commodity to an importer.
Egypt’s natural gas production has experienced a significant and rapid decline in recent years, particularly since its peak in 2021 at around 6.6 bcf/d. Data from early 2025 indicated an eight-year low of below 5 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d).
The main reason for the decline is the natural depletion of existing gas fields, including the massive Zohr field, which accounts for about 40% of Egypt’s total gas production.
Production at Zohr has dropped by about a third since 2019. Lack of New Discoveries and Investment have also taken a toll, with few significant new gas fields discovered since Zohr in 2015.
Further, insufficient investment in exploration and development, partly due to the government’s arrears owed to foreign oil companies, has hampered efforts to offset the natural decline of existing wells.
Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo Cooperate To Boost Regional Gas Access
Three French-speaking West African nations—Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Togo—have signed an agreement to establish a joint framework to strengthen regional access to natural gas.
The agreement followed a meeting of the three countries’ energy ministers in Abidjan on Sunday.
The initiative, backed by the World Bank Group, aims to address shared supply challenges as the three coastal states increasingly rely on gas-fired power generation, according to local outlet Togo First.
Togo, represented at the meeting by Energy Minister Robert Koffi Eklo, faces rising pressure on its power system as production costs remain high when liquid fuels are used. Eklo said deeper cooperation with regional partners is essential and noted that the eventual creation of a regional gas institution—similar to the West African Power Pool (WAPP)—could be considered.
World Bank Vice President for West and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, said coordinated action among the three states would help consolidate demand and strengthen their negotiating position with international gas suppliers.
The World Bank, including IFC and MIGA, has indicated its readiness to support the project. The final declaration identifies three priorities: pooling imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), creating a technical working group within one month to design an operating model, and developing a bankable project structure with World Bank assistance.
The objective is to reduce supply costs, improve energy security, and support a transition toward lower-emission fuels.
The initiative comes as Côte d’Ivoire accelerates its gas development and builds on significant proven reserves. The Baleine field—containing an estimated 3.3 trillion cubic feet of gas and brought into production in 2023—already supplies the country’s power plants.
A new exploration phase is underway, with the Deepwater Skyros vessel drilling three additional wells in the Civette, Calao, and Caracal areas.
A separate bidirectional pipeline project linking Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana is still under consideration. Both governments have reaffirmed their intention to move forward with a gas interconnection to serve power generation, fertilizer production, and industry.
Over time, this link could also reinforce supply to the West African Gas Pipeline, which serves Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
A second regional gas hub could help reduce long-standing dependence on Nigerian gas and diversify supply sources for Togo and Benin.
India Adds 7.2 GW Of Coal Power To Bolster Energy Security
India has added as much as 7.2 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power capacity in the current fiscal year ending March 2026, which is about 60% above the previous fiscal year’s capacity expansion with four months to go, government data showed on Tuesday.
The newly-commissioned capacity in the 2025/2026 fiscal year so far has hit the highest in a decade as India looks to bolster its energy security with flexible baseload power capacity, according to the data shared in Parliament by India’s Deputy Power Minister Shripad Naik and cited by Bloomberg. India’s annual installations of new coal-fired power capacity hit 4 gigawatts in 2024, flat on the five-year high of 2023 and the highest level since 2019, according to official government figures. The country plans to continue relying on coal and expand coal power capacity by at least 2035. India has not taken any decision about expanding its massive coal-fired power generation fleet beyond 2035, the country’s power ministry secretary, Pankaj Agarwal, said this weekend. “India wants to secure its energy requirements,” Agarwal told Reuters, adding that as on 2035, India aims to have 307 GW of coal power capacity. It would be “premature to say what we want to do beyond 2035,” the official said. Reports emerged last week that India’s authorities are considering a significant boost to coal-fired power plant capacity beyond the current 2035 peak coal expansion date and could continue building coal plants until at least 2047. If the plan to expand the coal power fleet by 2047 goes through, India could have as much as 420 GW of coal power capacity by that year, nearly double the current level, or a massive 87% jump from 2025, Bloomberg reported last week, citing sources with knowledge of the plans. Coal-fired power generation and capacity installations in India continue to rise and coal remains a key pillar of India’s electricity mix with about 60% share of total power output.Ghana: Minority MPs Demand Immediate Withdrawal Of New Year Electricity And Water Tariff Hikes
Minority Members of Parliament in Ghana are calling for the immediate reversal of the 9.86% electricity tariff increase and the 15.92% water tariff hike set to take effect on January 1, 2026, vowing to use every parliamentary avenue to block the adjustments.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, December 8, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, George Kwame Aboagye, said the hikes represent an unacceptable shock to already struggling households and businesses.
He stressed that the Minority would stand firmly with the public.
Mr. Aboagye emphasized that the Minority’s position is firm and non-negotiable, describing the tariff hikes as an act of exploitation rather than responsible leadership by the government.
A cross-section of Ghanaians, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has criticized the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for approving the increases, arguing that higher electricity and water tariffs will place additional burdens on workers.
“Our position remains firm and non-negotiable. These tariff hikes must be reversed immediately, and measures must be taken to protect consumers and sustain businesses,” he insisted.
He stressed that the public deserves economic stability rather than continuous setbacks:
“Ghanaians deserve relief, not repeated shocks. They deserve leadership, not exploitation. And as a Minority Caucus, we will continue to hold this government accountable and defend the rights of the people.”
Mr. Aboagye further stated that the Minority Caucus would not rely solely on public criticism but would use its legislative powers to demand fairness and accountability in the management of the nation’s utilities.
“We call on the government to immediately halt these incessant increases. The Minority stands firmly with Ghanaian workers, households, small businesses, and industries struggling to survive.”
Outlining their strategy, he added: “We will continue to use every legitimate parliamentary tool to demand fairness, transparency, and accountability in the management of the nation’s utilities.”
This parliamentary push could involve filing motions, posing urgent questions, or calling for a special debate on the impact and justification for the tariff adjustments approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
The Minority’s strong stance is fueled by concerns over the potential economic harm to key segments of the Ghanaian economy, particularly households and small businesses.
Africa Needs $375 Billion In Gas Investment Over The Next 10 Years, Says Riverson Oppong
Africa will require an estimated $375 billion over the next 10 to 12 years to adequately fund upstream and midstream gas development across the continent, according to Riverson Oppong, Africa Director for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).
“Africa is a gas market. But despite our immense potential – holding 8% of global reserves – we don’t participate on the global stage. Our constraint lies in policy, commercial frameworks, infrastructure and financing conditions,” Dr. Oppong said during a workshop at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, hosted by SPE Senegal.
He said SPE Africa is committed to supporting increased investment through integrated national gas master plans, bankable contractual frameworks, robust infrastructure development, and institutional capacity building.
“Our aim is to foster technical discussions between oil and gas players in Senegal and across Africa,” added Dr. Rose Ndong, Dakar Section Chair, SPE.
During the presentation, global technology company SLB emphasized that digital technology investments can improve exploration and drilling, enhance production efficiency, and strengthen supply chain optimization and resilience.
IoT, analytics and AI were highlighted as key enablers for improving Africa’s upstream value chain by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, better decision-making, and improved safety and environmental compliance.
“Data is a key focus area for improving the upstream value chain in Africa,” noted Larry Velasco, Africa New Venture Manager at SLB.
“The cost of bad data can result in the loss of approximately 15–25% of revenue for most companies.”
SLB also indicated that oil and natural gas demand is expected to grow by about 20% by 2050. This outlook is supported by major oil and gas discoveries across the continent in 2025, with 17 high-impact wells completed this year.
“Energy demand is rising rapidly, and Africa’s oil and gas industry requires a rapid deployment of investment to offset declines and meet peak demand,” stated Paul Freeman, Global Exploration Advisor at SLB.
UK: TotalEnergies Merges Its Upstream Business With NEO NEXT To Become Largest Independent Oil And Gas Producer In The UK
French multinational oil and gas company TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with NEO NEXT Energy Limited (NEO NEXT) to merge its upstream business with NEO NEXT, making it the leading shareholder in the expanded entity.
The new company will be named NEO NEXT+, with TotalEnergies holding a 47.5% stake.
Upon completion of the transaction, NEO NEXT+ will be jointly owned by TotalEnergies (47.5%), HitecVision (28.875%), and Repsol UK (23.625%).
The company will inherit a large and diverse asset portfolio, including NEO Energy’s and Repsol UK’s interests in the Elgin/Franklin complex and the Penguins field.
With TotalEnergies as its leading shareholder, NEO NEXT+ is set to become the largest independent oil and gas producer in the UK, with production expected to exceed 250,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026.
The company will be well-positioned to maximize the value of its portfolio, deliver strong financial returns, and ensure long-term sustainability and resilience for its oil and gas operations.
“This transaction demonstrates TotalEnergies’ long-standing commitment to the UK oil and gas sector and its energy security. As the new largest shareholder of NEO NEXT+, we are excited to bring our recognized track record as a leading operator in the UK North Sea, where we have been present for more than 60 years.
TotalEnergies’ consistent focus on running low-cost and low-emissions operations will be instrumental in delivering material economies of scale within the new NEO NEXT+ portfolio, enhancing the company’s cash flow generation as soon as the deal closes,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.
Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected in the first half of 2026.
Nigeria: Katsina Residents Hit Streets In Protest Over 6-Month Blackout
Residents of Katsina State in northern Nigeria took to the streets on Sunday to protest what they described as six months of complete darkness.
The protesters lamented that the prolonged outage has crippled daily life and deepened economic hardship.
They called for urgent action to restore power to Abuja Quarters, Barhim Layout, Sha’iskawa, and Tigirmis Quarters.
According to the residents, the blackout has plunged more than 5,000 households into severe hardship, worsening water shortages and heightening insecurity in the affected communities.
A representative of the residents, Usman Mohammad-Alqasim, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the long blackout has become intolerable for families struggling to cope.
“For about six months now, thousands of people in these communities have been cut off from the national grid without any clear explanation,” he said.
He attributed the outage to illegal structures built under a 33kV line, which the state government had ordered demolished before the exercise was halted midway.
“Some structures were removed, but work suddenly stopped after the intervention of the Batagarawa Council Chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Kawo,” he said.
Mohammad-Alqasim added that although the chairman informed residents that funds had been approved to relocate the line, no work has begun.
Instead, he claimed, houses originally marked for demolition now enjoy electricity, while the larger communities remain in darkness.
The Village Head of Barhim Layout, Malam Sirajo Aminu, said the blackout has worsened theft and insecurity in the affected areas. “If not for a few concerned individuals, the suffering would have been much worse. Many residents can barely access water,” he said.
Aminu urged the state government to restore electricity and provide essential infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and proper drainage systems. The residents vowed to continue pressing for swift intervention to end what they described as an avoidable and painful ordeal.
Council Chairman Yahaya Kawo confirmed he was aware of the situation and assured residents that efforts were underway to resolve the issue “this week.”
Ghana To Receive 3,600 Net Meters In December To Fast-Track SREP
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition is expected to take delivery of 3,600 net meters in December as the first batch of the 12,000 meters earmarked for the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP).
Upon arrival, the meters will be distributed to the two power utility companies in the country—the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
Ing. Seth Mahu, Director for Renewable Energy and Green Transition at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, disclosed this to Energy News Africa during the recent launch of the SREP web portal in Accra.
The Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) targets households, SMEs, public institutions, and industries nationwide.
According to Ing. Mahu, households stand to gain a $730 subsidy on solar PV installations, paid directly to installers to reduce the cost of systems between 2–5 kilowatts.
SMEs qualify for a $650 subsidy on installations strictly between 2–10 kilowatts to help lower business energy bills.
Public institutions—including 1,089 secondary schools, hospitals, and district assemblies—will also receive free meters, while industrial users with systems of up to 500 kilowatts will receive meters without additional incentives to enable grid-tied exports of excess power.
Ing. Mahu underscored the urgency and transparency of the process: “Once the meters arrive, they will be entered into the database, and we will identify customers who have applied for net metering and deliver the meters to enable their connection.”
He added, “This is a programme that Ghanaians have been waiting for; the industry has been waiting for. Today, it has been launched, and we expect that very soon, people will begin submitting their applications.”
Consumers, businesses, and institutions are encouraged to apply promptly via the user-friendly portal, where the media and civil society can monitor progress in real time.
He explained that subsequent batches will follow to complete the rollout, transforming applicants into prosumers who generate and consume grid energy while supporting Ghana’s 10% renewable energy target by 2030, positioning net metering as a model for Africa.
The initiative—backed by AfDB, CIF, SECO, and government funding—promises to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, create jobs in solar installation, and expand access to clean energy.
Senegal: Petrol, Diesel Prices Drop
The Government of Senegal has announced a reduction in the prices of automotive fuels (super gasoline and diesel) to ease the burden on transport operators and commuters.
Under the new pricing, petrol (super unleaded gasoline) is now sold at 920 FCFA per litre, down from 990 FCFA per litre, while diesel is sold at 680 FCFA per litre, down from 755 FCFA per litre.
The measure reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening household purchasing power, supporting economic operators, and promoting transparency in the pricing of petroleum products.
A statement jointly issued by the Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines and the Minister of Industry and Trade noted that the prices set are maximum rates.
Distributors are therefore authorized to offer lower prices, provided they comply with existing regulations.
The statement added that the relevant departments of the ministries concerned will monitor the proper implementation of these provisions across the national territory.
Ghana: COMAC Celebrates Double Win At 9th Ghana Energy Awards
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in the Republic of Ghana received double honours at the 9th Ghana Energy Awards, held recently at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
The Chamber was named Brand of the Year, a recognition of its consistent efforts in strengthening industry standards, driving meaningful advocacy, and supporting the growth of Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.
Formerly known as the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMC), COMAC’s transition into a chamber has enhanced its visibility and amplified its advocacy efforts.
On the same night, the Chief Executive Officer of COMAC, Dr. Riverson Oppong, was honoured with the Energy Advocate of the Year award.
This award acknowledges his leadership, commitment to policy development, and dedication to advancing a safer and more efficient industry for all stakeholders.
“These achievements reaffirm COMAC’s role as a trusted voice for OMCs and LPGMCs across the nation. We are grateful to our members and partners for their continued support as we work toward a more innovative and sustainable energy future,” the Chamber said.
Zambia: Chinese Firm Plans To Develop 900MW Solar Project To Address Power Crisis
China’s Green Shield Security Services Limited has announced plans to develop a 900MW solar power project with battery storage to support Zambia’s efforts to address the ongoing power crisis facing the country.
According to the company, work on the project will begin immediately once the Government grants formal approval.
The announcement was made during a meeting with the Minister of Energy, where the company sought guidance on suitable locations and available incentives for the solar plant.
The company expressed a strong commitment to fast-tracking the investment and aligning with Zambia’s energy development agenda.
Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote welcomed the delegation and assured them of the Government’s full support.
He emphasised that all energy projects remain a priority and that clearance processes would be expedited to ensure quick implementation.
The Minister highlighted the need for rapid project execution, teamwork, and minimal bureaucracy to attract and retain serious investors.
He encouraged Green Shield and other potential investors to work closely with the Ministry to expand Zambia’s energy capacity and drive economic growth.
Ghana: J.K Horgle Transport & Co Wins Energy Sector Operational Resilience Award
Ghana’s largest petroleum haulage company, J.K. Horgle Transport & Company Limited, has been honoured with the Energy Sector Operational Resilience Award at the 9th edition of the Ghana Energy Awards held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
The recognition underscores the company’s outstanding performance and long-standing impact on petroleum logistics in Ghana and across West Africa.
Its strong culture of rigorous staff training, continuous monitoring, and performance-driven operations has positioned it as a benchmark for operational excellence in petroleum haulage.
From a humble beginning with about three heavy-duty trucks in the 1970s, the founder, Mr. Joseph Kwaku Horgle, has expanded the business to a fleet of more than 500 heavy-duty trucks.
Founded in the early 1970s and incorporated in 2001, J.K. Horgle Transport & Company Limited has grown from a national operation into an international business, transporting petroleum and allied products across West Africa for multinational and local oil marketing companies.
The company currently employs more than 600 staff and continues to invest heavily in well-trained and experienced drivers and support personnel.
Zambia: Gov’t Announces Electricity Connection Subsidies, Fees Cut To K300
The Government of Zambia has announced a new subsidy programme for electricity connections, effective December 22, 2025. Under the initiative, applicants for new electricity connections will now pay only K300, a significant reduction from the previous fee of K4,846.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote made the announcement during the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) launch of the Accelerated Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) initiative in Lusaka.
According to the Minister, the 2026 application window for the subsidy targets 100,000 new electricity connections next year alone.
Mr Chikote also directed REA and ZESCO to ensure the programme is widely publicised, reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access by 2030.
The US$200 million World Bank–funded ASCENT Zambia Programme aims to connect more than 1.6 million Zambians to electricity and clean cooking technologies over the next five years.
World Bank Country Manager Dr Achim Fock said the initiative brings together the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank, and other partners to support sub-Saharan African countries in providing electricity access to 300 million people.
Meanwhile, REA Acting Chief Executive Officer Alex Mumba commended the government for championing the policy and financing reforms that made the programme possible.