CNPC Defies Niger Junta, Continues Oil Exports
State-owned Chinese oil giant CNPC continues to produce and export oil from a newly expanded oilfield in Niger despite ongoing disputes with the local authorities, Reuters reported on Friday, quoting sources familiar with the situation.
CNPC set foot in Niger in the early 2000s, developed the Agadem oilfield there, built a refinery in southern Niger and a pipeline to a port in Benin.
The Chinese oil giant, which has invested over $5 billion in Niger’s oil industry so far, started production at the Agadem oilfield in 2011, at a rate of 20,000 barrels per day (bpd).
The field’s capacity has been recently increased to 90,000 bpd.
CNPC continues to export Nigerien crude via Benin, and total export sales have reached $2 billion, according to Reuters’ sources.
The crude production and exports continue despite the dispute with the military junta, which took power in a 2023 coup that ousted the elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.
The military junta leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, was sworn in in March 2025 as Niger’s President for a transitional period of five years.
The junta seeks to exert more control over Niger’s natural resources. Niger is estimated to hold significant oil reserves, as well as deposits of uranium, gold, and coal.
The military leadership, however, expelled Chinese expatriates earlier this year and insists that CNPC hire more local workers who are to account for 80% of the workforce at CNPC-led projects in Niger. Currently, the share of Nigerien workers at CNPC’s oil facilities in the country is below 30%.
The new regime also wants CNPC to bridge the gap in pay between local workers and Chinese expatriates.
Despite the dispute and ongoing talks, crude from the Agadem oilfield continues to flow to the local Soraz refinery and to Benin for exports on the international market, according to Reuters’ sources.
Source: oilprice.com
South Africa: Eskom Seeks 20-Year Extension For Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has applied to the country’s national nuclear regulator for a 20-year extension of Unit 2 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, located in Cape Town.
The current operating license for Unit 2, which has a generation capacity of 930 MWe, will expire next year. In anticipation of this, Eskom has formally applied for an extension.
Speaking at the recently concluded African Energy Week in Cape Town, during a session on Nuclear Energy in Africa: Financing, Economic, and Sustainable Deployment, Velaphi Ntuli, Chief Nuclear Officer at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, stated that Unit 2 is safe and has no operational safety issues—hence the decision to seek an extension.
“Currently, there are no safety issues with Unit 2,” he said.
Mr. Ntuli added that Eskom was optimistic the regulator would approve the application, given the strong case presented.
“We hope that the regulator will rule in our favor and approve our request,” Ntuli stated.
He further told the gathering that Eskom had already completed public hearings in the Northern Cape and would continue the process in the Western Cape, as required by law.
Eskom’s application follows an earlier request for the extension of Unit 1, which was granted by the Nuclear Regulator of South Africa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Tanzania Takes Bold Step Toward Efficient Energy Use And Product Quality Control, Unveils Five Laboratories
The Government of Tanzania, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has launched five national laboratories designed to test the quality and efficiency of energy use, as well as Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and an energy labeling system.
In addition, a device for measuring the amount of carbon emissions produced by cooking stoves was also launched.
Speaking at the launch on 16 October 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Dr. James Mataragio, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, said the establishment of the laboratories comes at an opportune time, as the government continues to implement various national energy policies and strategies.
The laboratories and the carbon-measuring device are located at the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).
Dr. Mataragio stated that the projects will bring significant change to the country by promoting efficient energy use, increasing the adoption of clean cooking solutions, supporting environmental conservation efforts, and reducing electricity costs for citizens.
“It is time to be proud as a nation when we take concrete steps to ensure that every appliance used at home, in offices, and in industries contributes to efficient energy use. This reflects the Government’s strong commitment to ensuring access to modern, affordable, and safe energy services for all, while promoting efficiency to support economic and social development,” said Dr. Mataragio.
He added that the newly launched laboratories and standards will ensure that only products meeting quality and efficiency requirements enter the market, thereby reducing electricity consumption, lowering user costs, and cutting carbon emissions.
The implementation of this initiative targets products that account for over 45% of national electricity consumption. Establishing energy efficiency standards is expected to save more than 370 GWh of electricity annually by 2030, equivalent to supplying electricity to over 500,000 households each year and reducing more than 250,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually.
The refrigerator and air conditioner standards have been approved at the East African Community (EAC) level, benefiting Tanzanian consumers and manufacturers through access to a regional market characterized by quality, safety, and sustainability.
For her part, Dr. Ashura Katunzi, Director General of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), said that following the launch, the next step is to provide education and guidance to relevant stakeholders, including manufacturers of the targeted products, to enable them to start utilizing the laboratories.
She added that public awareness campaigns will also be conducted to encourage citizens to purchase and use products bearing the newly introduced energy efficiency labels.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mark Stalmans, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Tanzania, said the implementation of these projects demonstrates the strong partnership between the Government of Tanzania and the European Union in advancing development initiatives across the country.
He emphasized that the launch should lead to tangible results in market regulation, monitoring, evaluation, and the implementation of labeling systems to protect consumers and ensure product quality.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The laboratories and the carbon-measuring device are located at the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).
Dr. Mataragio stated that the projects will bring significant change to the country by promoting efficient energy use, increasing the adoption of clean cooking solutions, supporting environmental conservation efforts, and reducing electricity costs for citizens.
“It is time to be proud as a nation when we take concrete steps to ensure that every appliance used at home, in offices, and in industries contributes to efficient energy use. This reflects the Government’s strong commitment to ensuring access to modern, affordable, and safe energy services for all, while promoting efficiency to support economic and social development,” said Dr. Mataragio.
He added that the newly launched laboratories and standards will ensure that only products meeting quality and efficiency requirements enter the market, thereby reducing electricity consumption, lowering user costs, and cutting carbon emissions.
The implementation of this initiative targets products that account for over 45% of national electricity consumption. Establishing energy efficiency standards is expected to save more than 370 GWh of electricity annually by 2030, equivalent to supplying electricity to over 500,000 households each year and reducing more than 250,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually.
The refrigerator and air conditioner standards have been approved at the East African Community (EAC) level, benefiting Tanzanian consumers and manufacturers through access to a regional market characterized by quality, safety, and sustainability.
For her part, Dr. Ashura Katunzi, Director General of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), said that following the launch, the next step is to provide education and guidance to relevant stakeholders, including manufacturers of the targeted products, to enable them to start utilizing the laboratories.
She added that public awareness campaigns will also be conducted to encourage citizens to purchase and use products bearing the newly introduced energy efficiency labels.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mark Stalmans, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Tanzania, said the implementation of these projects demonstrates the strong partnership between the Government of Tanzania and the European Union in advancing development initiatives across the country.
He emphasized that the launch should lead to tangible results in market regulation, monitoring, evaluation, and the implementation of labeling systems to protect consumers and ensure product quality.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: Troops Foil Theft Of Crude Oil Worth ₦98.8 Million
Nigeria’s Operation Delta Safe has foiled the theft of crude oil valued at ₦98.8 million (equivalent of $67,462.38) and apprehended 13 suspects over the past two weeks, this portal can confirm.
The Director of Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
Maj.-Gen. Kangye said the troops uncovered and destroyed 11 illegal refining sites, seven dugout pits, nine boats, 14 storage tanks, and seven refining ovens during recent raids across Delta and Rivers States.
According to him, the troops recovered 992,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,505 litres of sodium hydroxide, 660 litres of condensate, and 5,000 litres of PMS—all valued at about ₦98.8 million.
He added that 13 suspects were apprehended, while weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and boats were seized during the operations.
Maj.-Gen. Kangye reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain pressure on oil thieves, economic saboteurs, and secessionist elements. He emphasized that the troops remain vigilant and committed to restoring lasting peace across all regions.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com
EU Parliament Committee Backs Plan To Phase Out Russian Gas
The Energy Committee of the European Parliament on Thursday endorsed proposals aimed at expediting the EU’s phase-out of Russian gas by one year, according to a Reuters report.
The new proposal would ban imports of natural gas from Russia beginning next year, with limited exceptions allowed until January 1, 2027, for contracts concluded before June 17, 2025.
The draft ban will now move to the full Parliament for approval or amendments before being negotiated with European Union member states.
The European Commission originally proposed in June a legally binding ban on EU imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027.
However, lead lawmakers on the issue in Parliament have proposed advancing this deadline to January 1, 2027.
Diplomats from EU countries have indicated it is unlikely that governments will agree to bring forward the ban by a year, but EU lawmakers could use this proposal as leverage to secure other concessions during negotiations.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
China Defends Russian Oil Imports, Slams US ‘Bullying’
China said Thursday that its purchases of Russian oil were “legitimate” and decried recent “unilateral bullying” measures by the United States as the trade row between the two countries continues to intensify.
Trump said Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised him New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil, and that he would get China to follow suit.
Trump has accused both China and India of funding the three-year Ukraine war through the purchases, and has also demanded that European allies immediately stop buying oil from Russia.
India neither confirmed or denied it was shifting its policy.
Asked on Thursday about Trump’s intention to pressure China further, Beijing’s foreign ministry defended its “normal, legitimate economic, trade, and energy cooperation with countries around the world, including Russia”.
“The actions of the United States are a typical example of unilateral bullying and economic coercion,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing.
If China’s interests are harmed, it will “take firm countermeasures and resolutely safeguard its sovereignty”, he warned.
Beijing and Moscow are key trading partners, and China has never denounced Russia’s war, nor called for it to withdraw its troops.
Kyiv and Western governments have long accused Beijing of providing political and economic support for Moscow.
Beijing on Thursday also criticised recent US moves to expand export controls and impose new port fees on Chinese ships, saying the measures had a “profoundly detrimental” impact on trade talks between the two superpowers.
While tensions between Washington and Beijing have de-escalated from their peak, the truce remains shaky.
After Beijing imposed fresh controls on the export of rare earth technologies and items, Trump said he would roll out an additional 100 per cent tariff on the country’s goods from November 1.
The United States announced in April it would begin applying fees to all arriving Chinese-built and operated ships after a “Section 301” investigation found Beijing’s dominance in the industry was unreasonable.
Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 enables Washington to impose trade penalties on countries whose practices are deemed unfair or harmful to American commerce.
Beijing responded last week by announcing “special port fees” on American ships arriving at Chinese ports. Both sets of fees took effect Tuesday.
Commerce ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian said Thursday the US moved ahead with the measures while “disregarding China’s sincerity in consultations”, causing “severe damage to China’s interests… (and) a profoundly detrimental impact”.
“The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction with and resolutely opposes the series of actions taken by the US side,” He Yongqian said.
She urged Washington to “immediately rectify its erroneous practices” and respect the outcomes of recent trade talks.
Source: AFP Ghana: Energy Minister Lauds NPA Boss For Being Innovative And Dynamic
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has lauded the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo (Esq.), for being innovative in regulating the country’s downstream petroleum industry and ensuring a reliable fuel supply.
Minister Jinapor further commended the NPA Boss for his effective cooperation in the execution of industry-related tasks.
“Let us continue with the cooperation to serve Ghanaians,” he said.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing management and staff of the NPA in Accra on Wednesday during a working visit to the Authority, which formed part of his familiarization tour of energy sector agencies.
Mr. Jinapor noted that the NPA represents a critical part of the petroleum value chain, emphasizing that “what you (the NPA) do affects the upstream.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering the NPA through law, policy, systems, and human capacity development.
“We are determined to empower the NPA to stay ahead through law, policy, systems, and human capacity,” he said.
The Minister also stressed the need for the Authority to remain adaptive and responsive to serve the interests of consumers.
He observed that the number of DV vehicles in the country is increasing, hence the need for the NPA to align its operations to accommodate that development within the industry.
Mr. Jinapor urged staff of the Authority to be more efficient and proactive in their work for the good of the industry.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Tameklo expressed appreciation for the support he has received over the past ten months from the dedicated Directors, Heads of Departments, and staff of the NPA.
“We are carrying out President Dramani Mahama’s vision for the industry and will make life better for the people,” he said.
Mr. Tameklo also acknowledged the strong cooperation between the NPA and the sector Minister.
“It is a learning curve working with the Minister, given his rich experience, having served as Deputy Minister of Energy and Ranking Member on the Energy Committee of Parliament,” he added.
“We are determined to empower the NPA to stay ahead through law, policy, systems, and human capacity,” he said.
The Minister also stressed the need for the Authority to remain adaptive and responsive to serve the interests of consumers.
He observed that the number of DV vehicles in the country is increasing, hence the need for the NPA to align its operations to accommodate that development within the industry.
Mr. Jinapor urged staff of the Authority to be more efficient and proactive in their work for the good of the industry.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Tameklo expressed appreciation for the support he has received over the past ten months from the dedicated Directors, Heads of Departments, and staff of the NPA.
“We are carrying out President Dramani Mahama’s vision for the industry and will make life better for the people,” he said.
Mr. Tameklo also acknowledged the strong cooperation between the NPA and the sector Minister.
“It is a learning curve working with the Minister, given his rich experience, having served as Deputy Minister of Energy and Ranking Member on the Energy Committee of Parliament,” he added.
Zambia: ZESCO, NamPower Strengthen Partnership Through Knowledge Exchange
Zambia’s power utility company, ZESCO Limited, has hosted a delegation from Namibia’s NamPower Corporation Limited for a benchmarking exercise themed “Investing in Skills Development.”
The visit by Namibia’s power company focused on knowledge sharing in areas such as skills management, mentorship, recognition of prior learning, and bursary administration.
The collaboration enhanced understanding of employee development strategies, the value of prior learning, and bursaries as tools for economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Director – Hydro Power Projects at ZESCO Limited, Ms. Rose Sibisi, Manager of Corporate Affairs, reaffirmed ZESCO’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships.
“This engagement underscores our shared pursuit of knowledge to enhance service delivery and support sustainable energy growth for Zambia and Namibia,” she said.
The visit concluded with technical tours of the 100 MW Chisamba Solar Plant and the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Plant — both key to boosting Zambia’s generation capacity.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Fuel Prices To Drop Between 2.04% And 4.46% Effective October 16 – COMAC
The Chamber of Bulk Oil Companies (COMAC) has forecasted that fuel prices will drop between 2.04% and 4.46% effective October 16, 2025.
According to COMAC, petrol, diesel, and LPG prices at the pump are expected to decrease by 2.04% to 4.15%, 2.08% to 4.10%, and 2.49% to 4.46%, respectively.
The anticipated reduction, COMAC explained, is due to a decline in international product prices and an appreciation of the local currency, the Cedi.
More soon….
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: TCN Reports Collapse Of Tower T35 Along Eket–Ikot Abasi 132kV Transmission Line After Vandal Attack
The attacks on power transmission infrastructure appear not to be ending anytime soon, as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a fresh incident involving the collapse of Tower T35 along the Eket–Ikot Abasi 132kV Transmission Line, following a vandal attack on October 12, 2025 — barely a few days after vandals struck Mando-Jos 330kV double circuit transmission line.
In a statement, TCN noted that following the collapse of the transmission tower, its inspection team from the Lines Department visited the site of the incident in Ete Community, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, and discovered several dismantled tower components scattered on the ground.
Further investigation revealed that additional tower members had been removed from the fallen tower and carted away. The team also observed that Towers T7, T33, and T34 had been tampered with.
As a result, there has been a temporary disruption of bulk power supply through the Eket and Ekim 132/33kV Transmission Substations, as well as the Ibom Power Station. Consequently, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company will be unable to off-take power from these substations for onward distribution to customers in Eket and Ekim towns.
However, TCN has commenced the mobilization of resources to facilitate the reconstruction and restoration of the collapsed tower and transmission line as soon as possible.
The company reiterated that vandalism poses a serious threat to the stability of the nation’s transmission system and urged host communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around transmission installations to security operatives or the nearest TCN office.
“The fight against the vandalism of power infrastructure is a collective responsibility,” the company emphasized.
TCN called on all stakeholders to join hands in protecting these critical national assets from further attacks.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Petrosol Applauds GRA’s Swift Action In Foiling GH¢2.3 Million Diesel Tax Evasion Attempt Involving 10 Trucks
Petrosol Platinum Energy Limited, one of the leading oil marketing companies in Ghana, has commended the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for what it described as a decisive action in intercepting ten trucks carrying 540,000 litres of diesel in an attempt to evade tax obligations.
According to Petrosol, the GRA’s action, which prevented a loss of GH¢2.3 million in taxes and levies to the state, is a strong and welcome demonstration of the government’s commitment to “resetting the system.”
The company added that the move underscores a vital effort to curb revenue leakages and foster transparency in the petroleum sector.
In a statement, Petrosol urged the GRA to sustain this effort to eliminate illegal activities in the downstream petroleum industry.
“We urge the GRA to sustain and intensify these efforts to decisively eliminate illicit practices that undermine fair competition and deprive the nation of essential revenue. A consistent and robust enforcement regime is crucial to ensuring a level playing field for all legitimate Oil Marketing Companies,” the company said.
Petrosol reaffirmed its commitment to full compliance with all tax regulations and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote integrity and sustainability in the industry.
It would be recalled that last week, the Customs Preventive Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in collaboration with National Security, impounded ten trucks loaded with 540,000 litres of diesel in a major fuel diversion scheme aimed at evading about GH¢2.3 million in taxes and levies.
According to the GRA, the syndicate disengaged the tracking devices shortly after loading and diverted the fuel under the cover of darkness, bypassing the designated export process.
The trucks were later intercepted at Kpone near Tema in the Greater Accra Region on October 7, 2025, following an intelligence-led operation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
UK Imposes Sanctions On Russia’s Two Largest Oil Companies
The UK government has imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, as well as 51 tankers linked to the so-called “shadow fleet,” in what it described as a renewed effort to tighten energy sanctions and cut off Kremlin revenues, according to Reuters.
“We are introducing targeted sanctions against the two biggest oil companies in Russia, Lukoil and Rosneft,” Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while on a trip to the United States.
“At the same time, we are ramping up pressure on companies in third countries, including India and China, that continue to facilitate the transport of Russian oil onto global markets,” she added.
Reeves emphasized that there was “no place for Russia on global markets” and that Britain would take all necessary steps to prevent Moscow from funding its war in Ukraine.
The new sanctions target 51 ships within the shadow fleet, as well as individuals and entities across sectors including energy and defense.
The shadow fleet has increasingly become the focus of sanctions from Britain, the United States, and the European Union since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The fleet comprises a network of older tankers that officials say are used to evade restrictions on Russian oil exports.
Russia’s embassy in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: New NEDCo Board Inaugurated To Enhance Operational Efficiency And Service Delivery
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated the newly constituted Board of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo).
The new Board is chaired by Hon. Cletus Seidu Dapilah.
Other members include Ing. Prof. Felix Kofi Abagale, Dr. Emelia Guo, Ing. Edward Obeng Kenzo (Chief Executive Officer of VRA), Ing. John Okine Yamoah (Ag. Managing Director of NEDCo) and Alhaji Seidu Imoro.
NEDCo is the second-largest power distribution company in Ghana, responsible for electricity distribution across the northern sector of the country.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the Sector Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, urged the Board to take decisive action to address long-standing operational challenges facing the utility provider.
He emphasised the importance of NEDCo’s role in the national energy supply chain and tasked the new Board to focus on three key priorities: improving revenue mobilisation, enhancing customer education, and ensuring consistent power supply across its operational zones.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Kenya Power Boosts Power Supply Reliability In Machakos With $170K Inter-Connector Project
Kenya Power has announced the completion of an inter-connector project between Kitui and Machakos counties at a cost of KSh 22 million(equivalent of $170,268.64.)
According to the company, the project will strengthen the stability of electricity supply around SEKU University, as well as in the Kwavonza and Katangini areas of Machakos County.
It will also provide an alternative power source to customers in parts of Machakos.
“This project will enhance service delivery and customer experience by improving the quality of power supply. Previously, SEKU University and adjacent customers were served by the Masii power line that runs from Katoloni in Machakos County, which often experienced outages due to its expansiveness,” said John Wanyoike, Kenya Power’s Kitui County Business Manager.
To further expand electricity access in Kitui County and reduce losses caused by overstretched power lines, Kenya Power plans to construct a substation at Mbitini.
The substation will boost power supply and reduce outages in areas such as Zombe, Ikanga, Voo, and Ikutha.
Over the last two years, the company has also completed a major upgrade of its Kitui Substation, doubling its capacity to 10 MVA. This was complemented by the construction of a dedicated power line to the substation — a move that has significantly improved power supply reliability to Kitui town and surrounding communities.
“The demand for electricity has been soaring recently, mainly from upcoming light industries and other customers connected to the grid. To meet this demand, we increased the capacity at the Kitui Substation and dedicated a 33kV line to it, with no other connections on the line. Prior to these upgrades, we frequently experienced power outages because the substation’s capacity was not adequate to serve all customers,” added Mr. Wanyoike.
Currently, more than 94,000 households within Kitui County are connected to the national grid. Under the ongoing Phase IV of the Last Mile Connectivity Project, the company is targeting an additional 7,500 household connections.
To improve infrastructure resilience in Kitui County, Kenya Power has also replaced approximately 1,200 wooden poles affected by termites with concrete poles — investing nearly KSh 140 million in this undertaking during the last financial year.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com