Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Top 10 Oil Marketing Companies’ Sales Volumes Hit 1.67 Billion Litres In First Half Of 2025
Ghana’s petroleum downstream industry has witnessed a significant shift, with competition among oil marketing companies (OMCs) in Ghana becoming increasingly keen.
OMCs that previously recorded low sales volumes have gained ground, challenging some of the larger players.
For many years, Ghana Oil Company Limited, GOIL PLC, was the market leader followed by Shell and TotalEnergies.
However, few years down the line, this has changed, with Star Oil, an indigenous player, becoming the leader in terms of volumes of sales of petrol and diesel.
Star Oil is followed by GOIL PLC, Shell (Vivo Energy) and TotalEnergies.
Data sources from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), regulator for the petroleum downstream, shows that the top ten OMCs in Ghana now, based on sale volumes, are Star Oil, GOIL PLC, Shell, TotalEnergies, Zen Petroleum, and Yass Petroleum.
The rest are Benab, Dukes, Desert and Petrosol Platinum Energy Limited.
Checks by this portal revealed that there are about 197 OMCs in the West African nation.
For the first half of the year 2025, the combined volumes of petrol and diesel sales of the top ten companies hit over 1.67 billion litres.
Star Oil’s volumes for diesel and petrol for the first half of the year stood at 399,491,400 litres,
GOIL PLC – 327,264,000 litres, Shell – 249,148,700 litres, TotalEnergies – 181,570,500 litres, Zen Petroleum – 104,951,000 litres, Yass Petroleum – 103, 313,000 litres, Benab – 92,637,000 litres, Dukes – 86,920,000 litres, Desert – 69,819,900 litres and Petrosol Platinum Energy – 56,551,000 litres.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: TCN Hosts Power Sector Communications Team
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) recently hosted the Power Sector Communications Team (PSCT), comprising heads of corporate communications from government-owned organizations across the Nigerian power sector value chain, at its headquarters in Abuja.
Addressing the participants, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, commended the PSCT for sustaining their commitment to collaboration across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
He emphasized that coordinated and streamlined communication is vital not only for aligning sector-wide messaging but also for fostering public trust and confidence in the industry.
Engr. Abdulaziz noted that as heads of corporate communications of government-owned companies across the power sector value chain, PSCT members bear a unique responsibility to diligently pursue a more holistic understanding of the federal government’s efforts to improve Nigeria’s power sector.
Although numerous positive developments are ongoing, such as project completions, strengthened infrastructure, and implemented reforms, these achievements may go unnoticed without effective communication.
He emphasized that the most effective way for the team to achieve its communication objectives is for every member to have a clear understanding of both their company’s activities and progress, as well as those of other team members.
Engr. Abdulaziz noted that such mutual understanding is essential for the PSCT to speak with one voice, deliver consistent messages, and present the sector’s narrative in a manner that builds public confidence.
Speaking on behalf of the PSCT, the team’s Chairman and Special Adviser to the Honorable Minister of Power on Media, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, expressed appreciation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: TotalEnergies Prepares Drilling Campaign For 7 Wells Offshore
TotalEnergies is proposing to drill up to 7 exploration wells offshore South Africa, in the Orange Basin straddling South African and Namibian waters in southwest Africa.
With the planned campaign offshore South Africa, which still needs environmental authorization, the French supermajor looks to tap potentially more resources in the Orange Basin after making a substantial discovery, Venus, in the same basin offshore Namibia.
“We have some attractive licenses just across the border, and we have actually two or three prospects. We are working in South Africa, and the process to get all the authorizations is quite lengthy, but we hope to begin drilling South African targets in 2026,” TotalEnergies Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanné told analysts on the Q2 earnings call last month.
The supermajor is in talks with Namibian authorities for terms to develop the Venus prospect, Pouyanné added, noting that negotiations are taking time due to Namibia’s limited experience in the oil industry.
Last month, Shell received environmental authorization to drill up to five deepwater wells to explore for oil and gas off South Africa’s west coast.
Both Shell and TotalEnergies have made significant discoveries offshore Namibia in the Orange Basin, which spans South African and Namibian waters.
The basin extends into South African waters, and the majors are now looking to tap into these areas, hoping to find substantial resources similar to those in the Namibian portion.
However, bureaucratic delays and court challenges have hindered offshore exploration in South Africa. While South Africa struggles to establish a domestic exploration and production sector, Namibia is considering additional incentives and financing options to attract international oil majors.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Liberia: Work On LEC’s 20MW Solar Project Reaches 60% Complete
Construction work on the 20 MW solar project being executed by the Liberia Electricity Company (LEC) near the 88 MW Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant in the northeast of the country has progressed, with work reaching 60 per cent completion.
The completion of the project will significantly support Liberia’s energy capacity, particularly during the dry season, and it will contribute to the overall electricity stability efforts.
At a recent tour of the ongoing project by the management of LEC, led by the Managing Director, Mohammed M. Sherif, and his deputy for Administration, Eric Augustine Fredericks, they were satisfied with the pace of work so far.
Briefing the management of LEC at the construction site, the International Consolidated Contractors Offshore SAL Project Manager, Mr Salim Nasr, and Mr Dominic S. Gono, Deputy Project Manager of the LEC RESPITE/Project Implementation Uint, stated that the project was progressing steadily, with the installation of steel structures underway, which would be followed by the full installation of solar panels.
According to Nasr, the project has employed approximately 430 people, 30 per cent of whom are women.
He further mentioned that additional materials and equipment had recently arrived and were undergoing clearance at the Freeport of Monrovia.
The contractor’s representative, along with the RESPITE/PIU team, engaged in detailed and thought-provoking discussions with the LEC Management Team, emphasising quality assurance, implementation timelines, and alignment with the overall project scope.
The Managing Director, Mohammed Sherif, emphasised that the project commissioning date of November 2025 remained firm and non-negotiable.
He reaffirmed their commitment to delivering on government energy promises and thanked the President, Joseph N. Boakai, for his confidence in the team’s leadership during this critical period of Liberia’s development.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Israel, Egypt Reach $35 Billion Deal For Natural Gas Supply
Egypt will boost its contracted purchases of natural gas from Israel’s Leviathan field under a new agreement starting 2026, deepening the country’s dependence on imports of the fuel for the long haul.
The deal reflects Egypt’s desperate need for gas due to surging domestic demand and declining output from its own fields.
While the multiyear contract offers lower prices than those available on the short-term global market, it calls into question the North African country’s aspiration to return to being an exporter of the fuel.
Leviathan’s operators signed an agreement to send 130 billion cubic meters of gas to Egypt from 2026 to 2040, Israel’s NewMed Energy LP, which is a partner in the project, said in a statement on Thursday.
The export deal is worth about $35 billion, making it the largest in Israel’s history, it said.
The gas field already has a contract to send around 4.5 billion cubic meters a year to Egypt, which will rise in stages starting next year and could reach as much as 12.5 billion cubic meters a year by 2033. Egypt also purchased 2.5 billion cubic meters last year on the short-term market, a volume that can vary from one year to the next.
Egypt became a net gas importer in 2024 and has since been buying up large volumes of liquefied natural gas, doing deals for supplies out to 2028.
The additional Israeli flows may mean Cairo can import less LNG in the future than it would otherwise have had to do.
Importing LNG has also raised Egypt’s overall costs because the super-chilled fuel costs more than twice as much as pipeline gas from Israel.
“This is a win-win for both sides. It means tremendous savings to the Egyptian market vis-a-vis LNG imports — it’s 50% down on the current LNG import market,” NewMed CEO Yossi Abu said in an interview.
“It provides security of energy supply for many, many years to come to feed the growth of the Egyptian economy.”
While Leviathan’s gas is cheaper, the interruption of flows from Israel to Egypt because of the war with Iran in June highlighted possible vulnerabilities in the supply route.
The disruption forced Cairo to halt supplies to some industries including fertilizer producers.
Under the new agreement, gas will be delivered to buyer Blue Ocean Energy over 14 years with payments determined by a formula based on the price of Brent crude oil.
During the first phase of the deal, set to take effect next year, 20 billion cubic meters of gas will be delivered to Egypt.
The second phase, totaling around 110 billion cubic meters, requires completion of the Leviathan expansion project and the construction of a new pipeline from Israel to Egypt via Nitzana. Shares of NewMed rose as much as 6.4% in Tel Aviv, the steepest intraday gain since Feb 4.
NewMed holds a 45.34% stake in Leviathan alongside Chevron Corp. with 39.66% and Ratio Energies LP with 15%.
Source: Bloomberg
India Braces For Power Price Hikes As Nuclear Plant Undergoes Maintenance
India could see spikes in power prices in the coming weeks as supply will be constrained and procurement costs will rise with the shutdown of a unit at the country’s largest nuclear power plant for maintenance.
India has now shut the 1-GW Unit 1 at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Reuters quoted a notice by the Central Electricity Authority. The maintenance is expected to last just over two months, potentially tightening the supply of electricity in southern India and leading to higher supply costs. The Tamil Nadu Distribution and Generation Company may need to use additional supply on the power market if demand outstrips supply, a senior official at the state company told Reuters. The neighboring state of Kerala, west of Tamil Nadu, has said that its own peak-hour deficit of around 600 MW in August 2025 may worsen due to the scheduled refuelling outage of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. “The refuelling of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant may also results in increase of electricity demand from neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, who may enter the market, leading to further price spikes and constrained availability,” the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL) said in a petition in July with the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC). KSEBL was seeking approval to enter into short-term power procurement deals for the peak hours of August 2025 “for meeting energy shortage.” The Kerala company was seeking permission to enter short-term procurement deals with TATA Power Trading Company Limited and Greenko Energies Private Limited for the peak power procurement this month. The Kerala Electricity Regulatory Commission allowed the short-term emergency power deals, but warned that tariffs could spike. Currently, India relies on coal to meet more than half of its power demand, but it plans to boost its nuclear power-generating capacity from 9 GW now to as much as 100 GW by 2047. Source: Oilprice.comGhana: Ghana Gas To Shut Down Atuabo Gas Processing Plant For Maintenance On August 16
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has approved a request by Ghana Gas for the shutdown of its Atuabo Gas Process Plant in the Western Region of Ghana for mandatory maintenance work.
The shutdown will occur on Saturday, 16th August 2025, and the maintenance is expected to be completed on Saturday, 30th August 2025.
The plant will undergo critical maintenance activities designed to enhance its operational efficiency and overall performance.
These activities include inspections, repairs, and upgrades to key equipment and systems.
The shutdown of Atuabo Gas Processing Plant will mean that there will be a shortfall of 120 mmscf of gas for power generation.
However, the Ministry, in a statement issued by Richmond Rockson Esq, Head of Communications, said the Ministry, in collaboration with key power sector players, had put in place comprehensive measures to mitigate any potential impact on power supply during the maintenance period.
“These measures include the strategic deployment of alternative fuel sources to ensure a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply across the country,” the statement pointed out.
The Ministry reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to maintaining reliable power supply at all times.
“We will keep the public informed by providing regular updates on the progress of the ongoing maintenance,” the statement concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Germany Investigates Alleged Gas Market Manipulation
Germany’s federal network agency is investigating a potential manipulation on the domestic natural gas market with costs incurred for conversion of one type of natural gas to another, the regulator told Bloomberg on Monday.
Germany converts some of its gas supply as the types of gas from its biggest providers, Norway and the Netherlands, differ and need to be converted in some German regions so that the pipelines and appliances running on gas can function safely.
The costs for the conversion are being managed by market operator Trading Hub Europe GmbH (THE), which has seen “unusual nomination behavior by some balancing group managers,” it has said.
This unusual behavior of gas nominations could have been used to manipulate the market and conversion costs, according to the authorities, who are looking in particular at up to $70 million (60 million euros) in conversion costs incurred between the middle of May and the middle of June this year.
The regulator is investigating balancing managers, which are usually energy suppliers.
If the conversion costs rise, the regulator may raise the so-called conversion levy – currently at zero – in the German gas bills and this would increase energy costs for consumers.
Last week, the German government moved to abolish another levy that’s been weighing on consumer bills.
The government backed a bill to abolish the so-called gas storage levy, which was intended to cover the higher cost of gas supply after Russian deliveries via pipeline to Germany ended.
All consumers of gas, including households, have had to pay an additional levy, which goes to support Germany’s gas importing companies that were struggling with a lack of Russian gas and sky-high prices of non-Russian alternatives in 2022 and early 2023.
The German government is now ready to ditch the gas levy and estimates that the move would mean a total of $3.96 billion (3.4 billion euros) in savings on energy bills, or up to $70 per household per year.
Source: Oilprice.com
Angola’s First Oil Refinery Slated For Commissioning In September 2025
Angola’s first oil refinery after independence, the Cabinda Refinery, is set to be officially commissioned in September 2025, President of the Republic, João Lourenço, has revealed.
The President was speaking in Benguela during the weekend.
The construction of the refinery started around 2020, with an initial capacity to produce 30,000 barrels of oil per day.
There are plans to scale up production from 30,000 to 60,000 barrels of oil per day.
The refinery was financed at a cost of $473 million, with $138 million in equity provided by the project sponsors, while a $335 million facility was led by the Africa Finance Corporation, the African Export-Import Bank, and a consortium of international and local financial institutions.
The project aims to reduce Angola’s dependence on the import of refined petroleum fuels.
The project is part of a strategy of the Angolan Executive to reduce Angola’s dependence on importing oil derivatives, optimizing refinement in the country.
The Cabinda refinery is a joint venture between the UK-based asset management company Gemcorp and Angola’s national oil company, Sonangol.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GOIL PLC Pays Tribute To Fallen Ghanaian Heroes
GOIL PLC, Ghana’s largest indigenous petroleum downstream player, is mourning the loss of eight distinguished Ghanaians who tragically perished in a helicopter crash last Wednesday.
The victims included prominent figures such as Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, along with Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, NDC Vice-Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three dedicated military officers: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
In a heartfelt statement, GOIL PLC expressed its deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, describing the loss as a “profound tragedy” that has touched the hearts of all Ghanaians.
The statement read: “These were dedicated men of purpose and distinction, whose contributions to national development, peace, and security were self-evident in their leadership. Their sudden loss is a profound tragedy that has touched GOIL PLC and every Ghanaian.”
GOIL PLC stands in solidarity with the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the nation during this period of national mourning, praying for comfort and strength for the bereaved families and institutions affected by the tragic loss.
As the nation grieves, GOIL PLC joins in celebrating the legacy of service, sacrifice, and patriotism left behind by these fallen heroes. “May their souls rest in perfect peace,” the company concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Ghana Energy Awards Postpones Media Launch And Opening Of Nominations In Honour Of Fallen Statesmen And Soldiers
The Energy Media Group, organizers of the prestigious Ghana Energy Awards, has postponed the media launch and opening of nominations for the 9th Ghana Energy Awards, originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
This decision follows the helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight gallant Ghanaians, including the Defence and Environment Ministers and army officers.
The entire nation is mourning the untimely demise of these prominent personalities.
President John Dramani Mahama announced a three-day national mourning period starting Thursday.
In a statement issued by Ing. Henry Teinor, Event Director, and Mr. Kwame Jantuah Esq., Chairman of the Awarding Panel, they expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and the nation.
“In the spirit of national unity and out of deep respect for the precious lives lost, we believe it is essential to stand together as a country to honour their memory.”
The Ghana Energy Awards fully supports the Government’s declaration of a three-day National Mourning period and the preparations for the inter-denominational state funeral for the eight heroes at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Therefore, the 9th Ghana Energy Awards Media Launch and Opening of Nominations has been postponed until further notice.
The group called on all partners and stakeholders to join in paying tribute to these remarkable individuals whose service and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on the nation.
“May their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their legacy continue to inspire us all.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya Power’s Self-Service Platforms Record Over 22% Growth As Customers Embrace Convenience
Kenya Power recorded growth in customer requests on its self-service platforms during the last financial year, in tandem with a growing customer base.
Total customer interactions on the MyPower App increased by 22.12% during the financial year ended June 30, 2025, to 2.02 million, compared to 1.65 million interactions recorded during the previous financial year.
Similarly, customer requests on the company’s USSD Code *977# increased by 13.58% from 1.62 million to 1.84 million during the period under review.
Bill query stood out as the most sought service on the self-service platforms, registering 304,198 new requests and bringing the total number of bill query requests to 1.7 million.
The bill simulator attracted 21,967 new requests, with the total number of requests standing at 99,709 by the end of the financial year.
Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Power, Engr. Dr. Joseph Biror, said, “One of our strategic growth pillars is customer satisfaction. We’ve identified ways to enhance service delivery through technology. Our self-service platforms offer customers convenience and are a step toward seamless service delivery.”
“The bill simulator empowers customers to understand their power bill and plan accordingly. Our business focuses on powering livelihoods to prosperity, so it’s essential for customers to understand and plan for their electricity consumption,” Dr. Biror added.
He also highlighted other important services on the self-service platforms, including the self-reading option for accurate billing and the Jua for Sure service to authenticate Kenya Power staff.
New registrations for the self-service platforms increased by 10,440 to 41,265, while requests to confirm the identity of Kenya Power staff rose by 6,887 to 33,422.
Using the self-service platforms, Kenya Power customers can access various services, including reporting power outages, purchasing electricity tokens, tracking application status for new connections, and more.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: PURC’s Efforts Yield Gh¢1.5 Million Recovery For ECG, NEDCo & GWL
Ghana’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has recovered over Gh¢1.5 million from customers found to have engaged in illegal connections or bill payment defaults to three utility companies.
The utilities, namely Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and Ghana Water Limited, recovered Gh¢511,921.88, Gh¢925,508.67, and Gh¢127,939.02, respectively, through PURC’s intervention.
This was contained in a press release issued by the Commission about its performance for the first half of 2025.
The release also showed that two utilities, ECG and GWL, paid combined compensation of Gh¢955,904.45. ECG contributed Gh¢69,794.48, while GWL contributed Gh¢886,109.97.
Between January and June 2025, the commission received 8,162 complaints, resolving 7,857 (96.26%). The remaining 305 complaints (3.74%) are under investigation due to their technical nature.
The highest number of complaints (4,228) were lodged against ECG, with 4,044 (95.65%) resolved. NEDCo received 3,152 complaints, resolving 3,064 (97.21%). GWL received 746 complaints, resolving 720 (96.51%).
The Commission also resolved 29 out of 36 complaints lodged by utilities against consumers, representing an 80.56% resolution rate.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Gambia To Host ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum 2025 In September
The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines of The Gambia, has announced the 10th edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum, scheduled for September 18-19, 2025.
This landmark event, themed “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Solutions for Growth in the ECOWAS Region,” will take place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia.
The event is under the esteemed patronage of Honorable Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines of The Gambia.
As the premier platform for advancing sustainable energy in West Africa, ESEF 2025 will bring together key stakeholders to foster regional cooperation and investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
For a decade, ESEF has served as a strategic platform for policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and investment mobilization, attracting over 500 participants annually.
The Forum convenes ministers, regional and international organization leaders, financial institutions, private sector executives, researchers, students, and civil society actors from across the energy, climate, and development sectors.
ESEF 2025 reaffirms its commitment to strengthening institutional, policy, and regulatory frameworks to unlock the region’s vast sustainable energy potential and accelerate the ECOWAS energy transition.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com