Iran President Signs Law Suspending Cooperation With IAEA

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed a law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), amid growing tensions between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog following Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities last month. “Masoud Pezeshkian promulgated the law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” Iranian state TV reported on Wednesday. The announcement comes a week after Iran’s parliament passed legislation to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, citing Israel’s June 13 surprise attack on Iran and later strikes by the US on Iranian nuclear facilities. According to the parliament resolution, IAEA inspectors will not be allowed to visit nuclear sites without approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. In response to Pezeshkian formally enacting the suspension, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal to trigger the “snapback” mechanism and reinstate all UN sanctions on Iran. The snapback, set to expire in October, was part of the nuclear accord that collapsed after the United States withdrew in 2018. Iran began scaling back commitments a year later. Germany said Iran’s decision sends a “disastrous signal”. “For a diplomatic solution it is essential for Iran to work with the IAEA,” foreign ministry spokesman Martin Giese told reporters. The IAEA in a statement said it was “awaiting further official information from Iran”. Since Israel launched its assault on Iran last month,Tehran has sharply criticised the IAEA. Iran’s foreign minister earlier this week said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi was no longer welcome in the country. Officials have also criticised Grossi over a June 12 resolution passed by the IAEA board accusing Tehran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations. Iranian officials said the resolution was among the “excuses” for the Israeli attacks that began on June 13 and lasted for 12 days. Iran has also rejected a request from IAEA chief Grossi to visit nuclear facilities bombed during the war.       Source: aljazeera.com

Nigeria: AKK Gas Pipeline Crosses River Niger As Crude Oil Pipelines Hit 100% Availability

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful crossing of the River Niger by the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline. This development brings the project closer to completion, expected by the fourth quarter of 2025. According to Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., the feat was made possible through effective contract reengineering and industry collaboration. Notably, the company also recorded 100% availability on major crude oil pipelines throughout June 2025, a first in a long while, thanks to industry-wide security interventions led by NNPC Ltd. This has boosted crude oil production. However, Ojulari emphasized the need for more investments to further boost production. He highlighted that NNPC Ltd. has been consistently meeting its cash-call obligations to Joint Venture operations, turning the narrative around. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) has positioned NNPC Ltd. to lead the industry in financing projects.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: GOIL Slashes Petrol Prices, Adjusts Diesel Price Upwards

Ghana’s largest indigenous petroleum downstream oil marketing company, GOIL, has reviewed its pump prices for petrol and diesel effective, July 2, 2025. The price of Petrol (RON 91) has been reduced to Gh¢12.07 per litre from Gh¢12.38 per litre, while Diesel price was adjusted upward to Gh¢13.20 per litre from Gh¢12.88 per litre. The price of Petrol (RON 95) remained unchanged at Gh¢14.34 per litre. In Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed every two weeks by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) based on key factors such as exchange rates, cost of refined petroleum products, and inflation. In contrast, fuel prices are reviewed monthly in other parts of Africa. As of Tuesday, the average interbank exchange rate for a dollar was Gh¢10.33 On the international market, gasoline is sold at US$740.93 per metric ton, while gasoil was sold at US$722.48 per metric ton, and LPG is sold at US$492.14 per metric ton. Crude oil prices soared before the Iran-Israel ceasefire deal, with Brent rising to $81 per barrel, while WTI rose to $76 per barrel.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Kenya: Kenya Pipeline Company To Be Listed On Nairobi Stock Exchange This Year, Says President Ruto

The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) is set for transformation as President William Ruto has confirmed it will be listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) through an initial public offering (IPO) this year. Ruto, who is currently in the UK, said on Wednesday during the London Stock Exchange market opening ceremony that KPC’s listing is among his government’s plans to widen the local stock market while opening several state corporations to foreign investment. “We are committed to a structured, time-sensitive programme that identifies and prepares a robust pipeline of key government assets to be privatised through the stock exchange or improved through private sector participation,” the President said. “As part of this initiative, we plan to list the Kenya Pipeline Company through an IPO in 2025, offering investors a unique opportunity to deploy capital in one of Kenya’s most strategic infrastructure enterprises.” If listed, KPC would join KenGen, Kenya Power, and Kenya Reinsurance Corporation (Kenya Re) among the NSE-listed state corporations. As part of KPC’s expansion strategy, the company is exploring the establishment of a petroleum trading hub in Mombasa to facilitate the receipt, trading, and distribution of fuel products across the region. The corporation also seeks to wind down the Kenya Petroleum Refineries and integrate it into KPC’s operations. In February this year, John Mbadi, Treasury Cabinet Secretary, said KPC has numerous benefits to realize from a listing at the stock exchange, citing Safaricom and the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)’s performance since being publicly traded. “Listing will be a good idea, especially as KPC expands into the region, because it will provide much-needed liquidity and capital for expansion and diversification into LPG. Kenyans will have a chance to own a piece of KPC,” Mbadi said.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: GRA Sets July 16 For Charging Of Gh¢1 On Every Litre Of Fuel

The Government of Ghana has finally set July 16 for the charging of the controversial Gh¢1 levy on every litre of petroleum products, after it was suspended twice in June. The levy will be charged on petrol, LPG, Marine Gas Oil (foreign), Marine Gas Oil (local), and Heavy Fuel Oil. The new levy, passed by Parliament under a certificate of urgency, is intended to raise funds to clear debt in the energy sector. However, it faced resistance from a section of Ghanaians and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, citing a lack of consultation, which forced the government to suspend it. In a statement on July 1, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced the new implementation date as July 16. The GRA stated, “Reference is made to our previous communication dated 13th June 2025, which announced the postponement of the implementation of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141). This decision was taken in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy to allow for comprehensive monitoring of global market conditions and to safeguard recent gains in domestic pump prices.” The authority further stated, “We are pleased to inform you that, following a thorough review of prevailing market indicators and in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring stable economic conditions, the implementation of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), will now commence, effective 16th July 2025.”           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: GNPC Gets New Governing Board

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a new governing board of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Ghana’s national oil company. The new board is chaired by Prof. Joseph Oteng-Adjei. The other members are Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah (Acting CEO), Hon. Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahim (MP), Hon. Seidu Alhassan Alajor (MP), Mr. Mawutor Agbavitor, Mr. Kwame Jantuah, Esq., and Mr. Andani Yakubu Abdulai (Yoo-Naa). Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor underscored the pivotal role of GNPC in Ghana’s petroleum sector, describing it as a national asset critical to the country’s economic growth and energy security. “GNPC is not just another state-owned institution. It is the flagship entity in Ghana’s upstream oil and gas industry. Through prudent investments and partnerships, it contributes directly to national development and ensures the country’s energy security,” the Minister stated. He emphasized the need for visionary leadership and a proactive board capable of navigating the complex dynamics of the petroleum landscape. He challenged the board to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and strategic oversight in guiding GNPC through both its current challenges and emerging opportunities. “I urge you to provide strong, strategic leadership, support the government’s efforts to expand GNPC’s operational capacity, particularly through its subsidiary, Explorco,” he added. The Minister also announced the government’s intention to review the GNPC Act, which was passed in 1983, to reflect current industry realities and global best practices. “As a government, we want to comprehensively review and enhance the GNPC Act to meet modern standards. Oil production has declined in recent years, and our current reserves are a concern to us. However, we’ve received encouraging signals from supermajors, and this is a critical moment to reposition GNPC for the future.” Hon. Jinapor expressed confidence in the board’s ability to deliver transformative leadership and secure a brighter energy future for Ghana. Chairman of the new board, Prof. Joseph Oteng-Adjei, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the appointment and pledged to lead a results-driven board. “We thank His Excellency the President for the trust reposed in us to reset GNPC. This is a team of diverse professionals, and we are committed to addressing the challenges within the sector. We will seek guidance from the Ministry whenever necessary and work together to move GNPC forward,” he said.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Zambia: ERB Slashes Fuel Prices For Petrol, Diesel, And Kerosene In July

Zambian Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) has announced a reduction in fuel prices for July effective today, July 1, 2025, citing favourable factors including appreciation of the local currency Kwacha and decline in cost of imported fuel. According to ERB, in the month of June 2025, the Kwacha appreciated against the United States Dollar by 11.20%, from K27.06/US$ to K24.03/US$ while the Tanzanian Bulk Procurement System (BPS) premium for Petrol declined by 20.33% from US$157.50/MT to US$125.48/MT, with the price for Kerosene/Jet A-1 also declining by 5.64% from US$179.00/MT to US$168.90/MT. The ERB further said TAZAMA Open Access, which commenced in April 2025, has yielded positive results, recording downward movements in the premiums for Diesel. The TAZAMA Open Access premiums for Diesel declined by 0.42% from US$43.19/MT to US$43.01/MT. Based on the foregoing, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has revised the pump prices. A litre of petrol now retails at K28.00, K23.13/litre for Diesel, K21.98/litre for Kerosene, and K23.94/litre for Jet A-1, respectively.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

UK Regulator Approves $33-Billion Investment In Gas And Power Grids

Britain’s energy regulator, Ofgem, has given the provisional green light to an investment program of $33 billion (£24 billion) to maintain essential gas distribution networks and expand the power grid in a move to boost energy security and allow more renewables to enter the electricity system. A total of $20.7 billion (£15 billion) will ensure the continued safe operation of Great Britain’s gas transmission and distribution networks, making sure they deliver safe and secure supplies of gas to households and businesses across the UK, Ofgem said on Tuesday. Another $12.2 billion (£8.9 billion) is earmarked for Britain’s high-voltage electricity network, with a further $1.8 billion (£1.3 billion) ready to go – to power the biggest expansion of the electricity grid since the 1960s. This investment plan is the first step in an estimated $110 billion (£80 billion) investment program boosting electricity network capacity, protecting UK households from the volatile international gas markets that caused the massive fluctuations in energy bills in recent years. The investment in the grid, which will rise to around four times the current spending levels, will allow for 80 transmission projects and all associated works to be completed within five years, Ofgem said. “This record investment will deliver a homegrown energy system that is better for Britain and better for customers. It will ensure the system has greater resilience against shocks from volatile gas prices we don’t control,” Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley commented. “Doing nothing is not an option and will cost consumers more – this is critical national infrastructure. The sooner we build the network we need, and invest to strengthen our resilience, the lower the cost for bill payers will be in the future.” Earlier this year, Ofgem said a new set of rules are granting early access to nearly $5.5 billion (£4 billion) of investment for crucial transmission equipment and services, which is expected to connect renewable energy projects to the grid quicker.           Source: oilprice.com

South Africa: AfDB Approves $474.6 Million Loan To Infrastructure Governance And Green Growth

The African Development Bank Group has approved a $474.6 million loan for South Africa’s Infrastructure Governance and Green Growth Programme (IGGGP). This financing marks a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy. This is the second phase of the Bank’s strategic support for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. It builds on the success of the $300 million Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme, approved in 2023, which delivered key reforms that bolstered financial stability and increased renewable energy capacity. The African Development Bank’s support forms part of a historic $2.78 billion international financing package that includes $1.5 billion from the World Bank, €500 million from Germany’s KfW, up to $200 million from Japan’s JICA, and an expected $150 million from the OPEC Fund. This coordinated financing underscores the global significance of South Africa’s energy transition, particularly under its G20 presidency. The programme aligns with South Africa’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, which targets reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 398–510 million tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2025 and 350–420 million tons by 2030. South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, commented, “Our country faces the significant challenge of energy shortages, leading to loadshedding, as well as significant transport bottlenecks, which have been detrimental to growing our economy and achieving our developmental aspirations. “With your partnership, our government has committed itself to stay the course and implement these critical reforms in the energy and transport sectors, while endeavoring to achieve our international commitments on climate change and our JET objectives.” The IGGGP also places strong emphasis on green industrialization, skills development, and job creation, including support for electric vehicle manufacturing and green hydrogen production. Recent estimates from the IMF show that South Africa’s Just Energy Transition could boost the country’s GDP growth by 0.2 to 0.4 percentage points annually between 2025 and 2030. “This approval represents more than financing — it’s a blueprint for Africa’s energy future,” said Kennedy Mbekeani, African Development Bank Group’s Director General for Southern Africa. “South Africa’s success in building a just, green, and inclusive energy system demonstrates that sustainable development and economic growth can go hand in hand.” This financing includes targeted grant components to promote energy efficiency initiatives and advance rail sector reforms. Key priorities include accelerating vertical separation and establishing an investment framework to revitalize South Africa’s freight and logistics systems. These efforts are expected to strengthen competitiveness of the transport sector and contribute to regional integration and economic growth across the Southern African Development Community. As an advanced economy in Africa and a regional power hub, South Africa’s success in its energy transition could catalyze similar transformations across the continent. Its experience integrating renewable energy, modernizing its grid, and implementing just transition policies will provide valuable lessons for other African nations pursuing sustainable development goals. The initiative incorporates comprehensive environmental and social safeguards, with a particular focus on gender and youth empowerment. Women will constitute 70% of the beneficiaries of the expanded Social Employment Fund, and dedicated youth skills programmes will equip the next generation for emerging opportunities in the green economy. The success of the IGGGP will contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13).         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Scrap Subsidy On Marine Gas Oil – COMAC Demands

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in Ghana is urging the government to scrap the subsidy on Marine Gas Oil (MGO), arguing that this move could save the nation millions of cedis. COMAC claims that some unscrupulous individuals in the industry are diverting the product to retail outlets to sell for private gains. The subsidy was introduced to reduce the cost of the product for the local maritime industry, including trawlers and maritime security operations. The aim was to support a critical sector that underpins Ghana’s food security and coastal border protection framework. However, addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, the Chief Executive Officer of COMAC, Dr Riverson Oppong, and the Chairman of the Chamber, Gabriel Kumi, said the chamber received credible reports and formal complaints from industry stakeholders indicating widespread abuse of the low-tax Marine Gas Oil subsidy. According to them, these reports have been substantiated by a formal investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). They alleged that there are significant revenue losses linked to illegal bunkering activities in Ghanaian territorial waters, where subsidised fuel is being diverted for unauthorised commercial use. “The implications of these illegal operations result in higher operating costs for genuine beneficiaries in the fishing industry and unfair competition against tax-compliant PSPs,” they said. These illegal activities have resulted in an unsustainable 553 per cent increase in MGO local volumes over the 2022-2024 period, which, according to the chamber, is worrying. “This situation raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement and the integrity of existing control systems,” they said. COMAC believes that removing the subsidy would help restore market fairness and generate critical revenue to reduce the energy sector’s debt burden. They also want regulatory institutions to strengthen their oversight and ensure strict enforcement of regulatory measures to prevent diversion and curb ongoing tax evasion.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Oil Tanker Explosion Off Libya’s Coast Sparks Concerns

A Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, the Vilamoura, suffered an explosion on June 27 while en route from Libya’s Zuetina port to Gibraltar, the vessel operator TMS revealed in a statement on Monday. The vessel, carrying approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil, experienced a blast in its engine room the statement said. Fortunately, no personnel were injured, and there have been no reports of oil spills or pollution. The tanker is currently being towed to Greece, with an estimated arrival date of July 2. The cause of the explosion remains unclear. However, speculation suggests it might be linked to a pattern of mysterious explosions on tankers that have previously visited Russian ports. The Vilamoura had picked up crude from Kazakhstan at Russian oil ports in April and May. This incident follows similar unexplained explosions on other tankers that had recently called at Russian oil ports. As a precaution, tanker owners and operators have begun inspecting vessel hulls for potential mines. Damage assessment will be conducted upon the Vilamoura’s arrival in Greece.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: GNGC CEO Engages Gas Off-takers In Tema For Operational Efficiency

The Ghana National Gas Company Limited (Ghana Gas) CEO, Ms. Judith Adjobah Blay, embarked on a one-day working visit to Tema in the Greater Accra Region to engage gas off-takers in the area and explore ways to enhance collaboration and operational efficiency. During her visit, Ms. Blay held a series of high-level meetings with executives of these companies. She made a first stop at Fujian Sentuo Ceramic Tile Company Limited, where she met with the Managing Director, Mr Orson Xu. She then visited Continental Blue Investment Ghana Limited, where she had productive discussions with the Managing Director, Mr Frederic Albrecht, and the General Manager of Operations, Mr Remi Touvet, on improving business relations. Her third stop was at the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), where Ms. Blay met with a team led by the General Manager of Operations, Mr Abubakar Bello Gwadabe. Accompanied by Ing Benoni Owusu Ayeh, Mr Samuel Buckman, and Mr Kwamina Abaka, their discussions focused on strengthening gas transportation networks and operational efficiency across the region. She continued her visit to Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited, where she was welcomed by the Sentuo Group Chairman, Mr Ningquan Xu, Consultant and Group Corporate Affairs Representative, Dr George Dawson, Plant Manager, Mr Albert Duncan, and Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr Benjamin Cobblah. Their discussion centered on Ghana Gas’ vital role in supporting downstream refining operations. Ms. Blay also engaged with officials from the Volta River Authority (VRA) to reaffirm the strong partnership between the two institutions in advancing reliable power generation and ensuring energy sustainability for the country. The visit concluded with a tour of the Tema Regulating and Metering Station (TRMS). Ms. Blay commended the staff for their hard work and dedication, recognising the station’s key contribution to maintaining the stability and security of Ghana’s energy supply.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Zambia: New Hope For Zambians As President Set To Commission 100MW Chisamba Solar Plant Today

Zambian President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema is expected to officially commission the 100-megawatt Chisamba Solar Power Plant, located in the Central Province, today, Monday, June 30, 2025. The project aligns with the President’s solar initiative to diversify the country’s energy sources, following the severe drought in 2024, which resulted in limited inflow into the Kariba Hydroelectric power dam. Today’s commissioning marks a significant step forward in Zambia’s national energy agenda as the country continues to diversify its energy mix and strengthen its shift towards clean, reliable, and sustainable power generation. “The commissioning of the Chisamba Solar Plant demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting renewable energy and enhancing energy security for all Zambians. “The plant will support economic growth through improved power availability,” said Makozo Chikote, Minister for Energy, in a statement. He concluded that he looks forward to this historic occasion and the positive impact it will have on the country’s energy landscape.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire Sign MoU For World Bank-Funded 330kV Interconnection Reinforcement Project

Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have jointly signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) to commit to the implementation of a World Bank-funded 330 kV interconnection reinforcement project. The MoU covers the establishment of Joint Interstate Committee and Joint Technical Steering Committee to facilitate the successful implementation of the project. For Ghana’s side, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan Mensah, initialed the document, while Jean Baptiste Aka K. Kadjo, a Deputy Minister for Mines, Petroleum and Energy, signed on behalf of Côte d’Ivoire in Accra on Friday, June 27, 2025. The project will be executed by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and CI-Energies of Côte d’Ivoire. The project will be funded with a $150million (equivalent of €154million) concessionary loan from the World Bank, and it is expected to start in 2026 and come to completion by 2028. The project aims to increase electricity trade between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and improve the WAPP network and market operation. Both countries are going to undertake critical electrical infrastructure under the project. Ghana’s component includes the construction of 121 km 330 kV double circuit transmission line from Dunkwa to Ghana/Cote d’Ivoire border (Elubo), construction of 75 km of 330 kV single circuit transmission line from Dunkwa to Awodua, construction of 330/161kV Substation at Dunkwa and implementation of relevant environmental mitigation measures and resettlement action plan for the project. Cote d’Ivoire’s component includes the construction of 125 km 330 kV double circuit transmission line from Ghana/Cote d’Ivoire  border (Elubo) to Bingerville and implementation of relevant environmental mitigation measures and resettlement action  plan for the project. Commenting on the project, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition said the project reflected the shared vision of both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, stating that the Government of Ghana fully supports it, and it is prepared to offer expertise, resources and institutional backing to guarantee the successful implementation of the project. “This strategic initiative do not only see to reinforce interconnection between our two countries but also improve grid stability, enhance operational reliability and provide a robust platform for power exchange within West Africa electricity market,” he said. Côte d’Ivoire’s Deputy Minister for Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Baptiste Aka  Kadjo, highlighted the long-term benefits. “This stands as a defining moment for our shared energy future — fostering stability, resilience, and socioeconomic growth across borders.” Maame Tabuah Ankoh, the Work Bank’s Senior Energy Specialist, who reaffirmed the commitment of the bank, said the bank is very happy about the progress made towards the realisation of the project. “This project is a pivotal step towards developing regional electricity, trading and integration,” she said.               Source: https://energynewsafrica.com