Ghana: Engen Ghana Ltd. Rebrands As Misa Energy Ghana Ltd.
Engen Ghana Ltd., a leading player in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, has rebranded as Misa Energy Ghana Ltd., signifying a new corporate brand identity.
This evolution signals the company’s renewed commitment to innovation, customer focus, and long-term growth. The rebranding follows the 2019 acquisition of Engen Ghana by Mocoh Ghana Ltd. It reflects a bold strategic vision to build a distinctly African energy brand, rooted in Ghanaian leadership and global standards.
With over 27 years of trusted service in the Ghanaian market, Engen Ghana’s transition to MISA Energy represents both a continuation of that legacy and a dynamic shift toward the future.
In a statement issued after the official unveiling of the new corporate brand, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Brent Nartey stated: “Our new brand represents who we are becoming – more innovative, more customer-focused, and more aligned with the future we’re building together. It is a promise to our customers to fuel their dreams and put them first. MISA Energy is a symbol of the trust we’ve earned over the years and the ambition that drives us forward.”
The rebrand includes a new logo, refreshed retail visual identity, and updated corporate Vision, Mission, and Values. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering reliable energy solutions that empower communities and fuel economic growth in Ghana and beyond.
According to him, the company will roll out the new identity across its national retail network over the next 12 months. He assured all stakeholders that the company’s core principles and commitment to service excellence, which have defined its operations and success, remain unchanged.
“The new identity positions the company to pursue greater ambitions and respond more effectively to emerging opportunities in Ghana’s dynamic energy sector,” he said.
In a solidarity message, Dr. Riverson Oppong, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), praised the transformation, noting: “A renewed identity is a chance to re-center your purpose, re-energize your company, and reconnect with the communities you serve. It is how you stay relevant. It is how you stay trusted. And most importantly, it is how you leave a legacy.”
Dr. Oppong also commended the visionary leadership of Mr. Brent Nartey, CEO of MISA Energy Ghana Ltd., acknowledging his instrumental role in the company’s evolution and his contributions to the Chamber through years of impactful industry leadership.
“As the energy sector continues to evolve, it’s truly inspiring to see companies positioning themselves to meet the needs of today and the opportunities of tomorrow,” he concluded.
Nigeria: Garba Ramat Named NERC Boss, Two Others As Commissioners
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), according to a statement from the presidency.
Ramat, 39, is an electrical engineer with a PhD in Strategic Management. He will assume office in an acting capacity pending confirmation by the Senate, as stated by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
“To avoid a leadership vacuum in the critical regulatory agency, the President directed that Engr. Ramat assume office in an acting capacity pending his screening by the Senate, as stipulated by law.”
President Tinubu also nominated two other officials to serve as commissioners of the regulatory body: Mr. Abubakar Yusuf, Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, and Dr. Fouad Olayinka Animashun, Commissioner of Finance and Management Services. All nominations are subject to Senate confirmation.
President Tinubu charged the appointees to utilize their expertise “to discharge their functions and work assiduously to advance the administration’s power sector vision.”
Ramat, a licensed electrical engineer, holds a PhD in Strategic Management from Lincoln University, a Master’s in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Jodhpur National University, India, and a B.Eng in Electrical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano.
His notable achievements include deploying smart grid and IoT solutions that reduced infrastructure costs by 40% and pioneering blockchain-based e-governance in Kano, tripling local government revenue.
He previously served as the Kano State Representative on the NERC Consumer Forum (2019-2020) and has led institutional reforms across public and private sectors.
As the founder and CEO of AG Ramat Global Link and AG Ramat Global Apex, he has driven ventures in engineering consulting and technology services.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NEDCo Staff Resume Field Services In Tamale; Restore Power Supply To Areas Experiencing Outages
Staff of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have resumed field services in the Tamale metropolis and its environs, restoring power supply in areas that were experiencing power outages.
This follows a visit by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, to Tamale on Tuesday, where he held constructive discussions with key figures, including NEDCo Management, the Mayor of Tamale, the Senior Staff Association and Union of NEDCo and VRA, the Head of National Security for the Northern Region, and the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari Gariba II.
The Minister’s visit follows an unprovoked attack on NEDCo staff by youth in Tamale, which forced NEDCo to suspend field services in the Tamale metropolis and other areas.
A statement issued by Richmond Rockson Esq., Spokesperson for the Energy Ministry, commended all parties involved for their cooperation in resolving the concerns of both workers and the chiefs.
The Ministry has called on residents of Tamale and its environs to refrain from any acts of aggression towards NEDCo and VRA staff as they carry out their lawful duties in the township.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuous engagement with all stakeholders to prevent future disruptions and ensure a reliable power supply for all Ghanaians.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Fire Guts Egbin Power Station
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a fire incident at Egbin Power Plc. The incident, which occurred at about 6:30 am on August 5, 2025, affected TCN’s 150MVA power transformer at the Egbin Transmission Substation.
A statement issued by TCN revealed that the fire originated from one of the power station’s service transformers owned by Egbin Power Plc, which is directly connected to the 33kV side of one of TCN’s power transformers – a 150MVA 330/132/33kV Inter-Bus Transformer II.
TCN’s investigation traced the cause of the fire to a faulty 33kV instrument transformer (CT/VT) installed by Egbin Power Plc, which was engulfed by fire. This ultimately led to damage to a 150MVA power transformer belonging to TCN, causing oil leakage due to a tear in its main tank.
As a result, TCN has temporarily reduced bulk power supply to Ikorodu and Odogunyan 132/33kV transmission substations, which supply IKEDC and IBEDC for some parts of their franchise areas, as well as Sagamu Line 1, Sagamu Line 2, and Maryland Line 2 on the 132kV network within Lagos State.
The transmission company has notified IKEDC and EKEDC to assist in load management within their franchise areas. TCN is making urgent arrangements to source a replacement transformer.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this is causing the two distribution companies and electricity customers in the affected areas and pledge to work hard to ensure full restoration of bulk supply to the substations in the shortest possible time.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Transport Operators Suspend Planned 20% Fares Increment
Transport Operators in the Republic of Ghana have suspended a planned 20% increase in fares which was expected to take effect on Friday, August 8, 2025.
The decision to suspend it follows an emergency meeting on Wednesday between transport operators and the Ministry of Transport, citing lack of broader consultation before the announcement of the proposed increase.
A statement issued by Mr Emmanuel Nii Ankrah, National Vice Chairman, and Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, General Secretary of Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council, stated that they had agreed to maintain current transport fares.
Many Ghanaians questioned the planned quantum jump in transport fares when fuel prices have been a bit lower in recent times compared to same period last year.
The operators said they had not experienced a corresponding reduction in the cost of spare parts and other goods and services following an earlier 15% fare reduction implemented on May 21, 2025.
They further argued that a newly introduced GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy has pushed fuel prices up by approximately 8%, directly impacting operational costs for drivers and transport companies.
Lastly, they mentioned worsening road conditions across the country, resulting in increased maintenance costs, further compounding the financial strain on operators.
The 20% increase will apply to all categories of public transport, including shared taxis, intra-city “trotro” services, long-distance intercity transport, and haulage.
“All commercial transport operators and companies are to comply with the new fares and visibly post them at their loading terminals,” the Council said.
The Council appealed to commuters, transport operators, and the general public to cooperate for the smooth implementation of the revised fares.
Reacting to the issue, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC) questioned the matrices that informed any such drastic upward reviews of public transport fares.
The Executive Director of COPEC, Mr Duncan Amoah, rejected the argument by the transporters that the recent introduction of GH¢1 levy on a litre of petroleum products had pushed fuel prices upwards.
“The overall effect of the new One Ghana levy is still not sufficient to wipe out the sustained reductions recorded at the pumps over the past couple of months.
“For the avoidance of doubt, fuel prices which used to sell for around GH¢15/litre as of January 2025, when it declined to around GH¢11 and GH¢12/litre saw a section of drivers who were magnanimous in reducing transport fares by some 15%, though a cross section of other driver unions did not reduce their fares and had to be literally chased by the local assemblies.
“On the balance of odds or numbers, the pricing levels as of today are still not anywhere near the January prices…”
Touching on government attempts to reintroduce the road toll systems, Mr Amoah noted that although the tolls system would have some monetary impact on them, it is justification for any increment in transport fares as the effects would not only be felt by the already suffering masses but would further diffuse genuine outcry by the people for the cost of goods and services to be reduced across all sectors to bring some relief.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Suncor Beats Expectations With Q2 Results
Canadian oil heavyweight Suncor Energy reported higher-than-expected earnings for the second quarter, booking a net result of $820 million and returning over $1 billion to shareholders in the period.
The company benefited from an increase in crude oil production during the second quarter that helped it compensate for lower overall energy commodity prices, accumulating some C$2.7 billion ($1.96 billion) in funds from operations, and C$1 billion ($730 million) in free cash flow. Operating profits, however, halved from the first to the second quarter of the year and were substantially lower than the figure for the second quarter of 2024, at C$873 million versus C$1.626 billion for Q2 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, Suncor posted operating profits of C$1.629 billion. Cash flow from operating activities, however, went up to C$2.9 billion, from C$2.16 billion for the first quarter of the year. This came from a record production of 808,000 barrels daily, which drove the first-half average to a record as well, at 831,000 barrels daily. Refinery throughput during the second quarter was also at a record level. The daily average stood at 442,000 barrels, while the first-half daily average reached 462,000 barrels, also a record high. “What stands out the most about our strong second quarter is the outstanding execution of major upstream and downstream turnaround activities, completed safely and ahead of schedule,” chief executive Rich Kruger said, commenting on the second-quarter results. “This performance was a key driver behind Suncor’s record-setting second quarter and first half volumes results and positions us extremely well for a strong second half of the year.” Suncor lowered its capital expenditure plans for the full year, now planning to spend some C$5.7-5.9 billion ($4.1-$4.3 billion), which is down from earlier spending plans for over C$6 billion, or $4.36 billion. Source:Oilprice.comMadagascar Commits To SADC Centre For Renewable Energy And Energy Efficiency Program
Madagascar has signed the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) Intergovernmental Memorandum of Agreement (IGMoA), becoming the 12th SADC Member State to sign the SACREEE IGMoA.
The Minister for Energy and Hydrocarbons, Hon. Olivier Jean-Baptiste, signed the document on behalf of Madagascar during the 8th SADC Industrialisation Week, witnessed by the SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba.
This commitment underscores Madagascar’s dedication to the uptake of clean and green energy, energy efficiency, and increasing energy access for its people.
Since its establishment, the SACREEE Intergovernmental Memorandum of Agreement has now been signed by twelve (12) SADC Member States, namely Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Out of the twelve (12) Member States, seven (7) – Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – have submitted SACREEE instruments of ratification.
The SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) was established in 2015 by SADC Energy Ministers, with a mandate to promote increased access to modern energy services and improved energy security across the SADC Region.
SACREEE operates from Windhoek, Namibia, as approved by the SADC Council of Ministers, following a recommendation by SADC Ministers responsible for Energy to host the centre in Namibia.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GNPC Inaugurates New Audit Committee To Enhance Governance And Accountability
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has inaugurated a new Audit Committee to strengthen its governance, accountability, and financial oversight.
The new Audit Committee, chaired by Mr. Benjamin Sowah Adjetey, comprises Mrs. Stella Hannah A. B. Segbawu, Mr. Paul Kwasi Agyemang, Yoo Naa Andani Yakubu Abdulai, and Hon. Seidu Alhassan Alajor as members.
The inauguration ceremony, held on July 29, 2025, was presided over by Mr. Thomas Ashaley Thompson-Aryee, the Acting Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA). Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, GNPC’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the committee’s importance in maintaining trust and transparency.
He pledged management’s full support for the new committee’s work.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Thompson-Aryee highlighted the evolving role of audit committees in the public sector, noting recent parliamentary discussions and public financial management reforms, including the Commitment Control Compliance Checklist (CCCC).
This checklist requires entities to obtain approval for procurement transactions above a certain threshold and mandates internal auditors to submit quarterly CCCC reports to the IAA.
Mr. Thompson-Aryee reminded attendees that the second-quarter reports were due by July 31, 2025, and stressed the importance of compliance to avoid sanctions.
He also extended an invitation for GNPC leadership to attend the 2025 Annual Internal Audit Conference in November.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Amoah expressed confidence that the new committee would resolve existing audit issues and help establish GNPC as a model of accountability within the public sector.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Thompson-Aryee highlighted the evolving role of audit committees in the public sector, noting recent parliamentary discussions and public financial management reforms, including the Commitment Control Compliance Checklist (CCCC).
This checklist requires entities to obtain approval for procurement transactions above a certain threshold and mandates internal auditors to submit quarterly CCCC reports to the IAA.
Mr. Thompson-Aryee reminded attendees that the second-quarter reports were due by July 31, 2025, and stressed the importance of compliance to avoid sanctions.
He also extended an invitation for GNPC leadership to attend the 2025 Annual Internal Audit Conference in November.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Amoah expressed confidence that the new committee would resolve existing audit issues and help establish GNPC as a model of accountability within the public sector.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Tanzania: RSK Delivers HSSE Oversight For Puma Energy Tanzania’s CNG Project
RSK Tanzania, a consulting and contracting company, has been contracted by Puma Energy to provide health, safety, sustainability, and environmental (HSSE) oversight for its inaugural compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure project in Tanzania.
Puma Energy is looking to create four new CNG facilities across Dar es Salaam and Morogoro as part of its strategic commitment to enhance fuel accessibility and drive sustainable growth across transport, commercial, and industrial sectors.
The facilities will include a high-installed-capacity mother station, one of the largest of its kind in Africa, a daughter station, and two retail stations, marking a transformative step in the nation’s energy landscape.
RSK Tanzania is working with Puma Energy Tanzania to ensure health, safety, sustainability, and environmental (HSSE) compliance during the pre-construction, construction, and commissioning phases of the project, drawing on its international structure to provide a comprehensive suite of HSSE services.
The RSK team carried out all aspects of the health, safety, security, and environmental due diligence checks on the project.
Experts comprehensively assessed system readiness, refined risk management plans, developed new and evaluated plans, and updated critical HSSE policies, procedures, and standards in alignment with both national regulations and international best practices.
RSK Project Manager Emmanuel Patrick emphasized the project’s alignment with the Tanzanian Government’s efforts to promote alternative energy sources: “CNG offers a cost-effective, lower carbon alternative for transport, commercial, and industrial applications, directly supporting the government’s vision for cleaner energy.”
Patrick said, “This is a big and innovative project, and RSK Tanzania has brought in experts from across the international RSK Group, including environment, health, and safety experts from Australia, India, and the Middle East, to support our national team.”
Patrick said RSK is providing ongoing monitoring with periodic audits and site visits to oversee compliance throughout the project, from construction to commissioning.
Puma Energy CNG Project and Operations Manager Engineer Chagaka Kalimbia highlighted the project’s significance: “As Puma Energy’s first CNG project in Africa, this investment represents a significant milestone in Tanzania’s approach to lower-carbon and sustainable energy solutions.”
The increased availability of CNG will enable broader fuel switching across sectors, including transportation and industrial thermal applications, by allowing more users to convert not only vehicles but also equipment such as generators and boilers.
The two retail online stations will have a combined dispensing capacity of up to two million standard cubic feet per day, serving a wide range of vehicles, including light-duty vehicles, three-wheelers, heavy-duty trucks, and CNG-powered buses.
The mother station, which can supply up to 6.7 million cubic feet per day, is engineered to supply bulk volumes to CNG tube trailers, heavy trucks, and CNG buses, while supporting reliable distribution to CNG daughter stations across Tanzania.
Engineer Chagaka further noted that CNG dispensing at retail online stations should begin in the near future.
Expansion plans include additional facilities in the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Visits NEDCo Over Unprovoked Attacks On Staff
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has paid a working visit to Tamale in the Northern Region to engage the management of Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and chiefs following recent unprovoked attacks on some NEDCo staff by youth in Tamale.
The incident compelled NEDCo staff to withdraw field services in Tamale.
According to sources, Minister Jinapor has already met with some chiefs and is yet to meet NEDCo management.
On July 30, 2025, some NEDCo staff were stopped, dragged out, and beaten with clubs and sticks by Tamale youth while driving official vehicles. The vehicles were seized and parked at the Gukpe Naa’s Palace.
More soon…..
Ghana: Reassigned Director Martin Sulemana Fingered In Unprovoked Assault On NEDCo Staff, Seized NEDCo Vehicles
It has emerged that the recent unprovoked and unwarranted attack on the staff of Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) by some youth of Tamale was instigated by a director of the company who is unhappy about his reassignment to another department.
A document available to this portal indicates that Mr Martin Sulemana, who was the Director for Human Resources Department, was on July 11, 2025 reassigned as Director for Corporate Strategy and Business Development alongside Ing. Noble Dormenu as Director for Engineering Services Department.
Following his reassignment, which per the fact available to this portal is not the first time Mr Sulemana, according to impeccable sources, went to complain to His Royal Majesty, the Overload of Dagbon, and other chiefs about his reassignment and asked them to intervene.
Consequently, the acting Managing Director, Ing John Okine Yamoa, was invited to the Palace of the Overlord and some of the chiefs to address the concerns and clarify the reassignments of both Mr Sulemana and Ing. Noble Dormenu.
According to information available to this portal, when the Overlord couldn’t attend some of the scheduled engagement by the management of NEDCo in person due to health issues, he sent a delegation.
Despite explanations offered by the management of NEDCo, it appears Mr Sulemana was not satisfied.
A statement issued by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Volta River Authority claimed that Mr Sulemana had mentioned that he had appointed 37 Dagombas since he became Director of HR Department, a move which he claims the acting MD has not been happy about.
The NEC accused Mr Sulemana of leaking his reassigned letter on social media and to some media houses in Tamale, including Zaa TV, ostensibly to seek public support for his diabolical action.
According to NEC, reassignment is not alien as far as the operations of the company are concerned and highlighted similar reassignments in the past.
NEC mentioned the reassignment of the former Director, Corporate Strategy, Ing Bukari Danladi, to VRA’s
Corporate office in Accra, Mr. David Adomako-Mensah, Director, Services (NEDCo), to main VRA as Director, Real Estate and Security Services Department,
Mr. Hashim Iddrisu and Director, Finance (NEDCo) to Director, Commercial,
NEDCo.
NEC said the staff of NEDCo are reassigned from time to time, including managers, in line
with the strategic objectives of the company.
The group, which condemned the assault on the staff, demanded the arrest of the perpetrators, retrieval of three-seized NEDCo vehicles parked at the Gulkpenaa palace and urged Martin Sulemana to respect management’s decision.
Besides, the group called on the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, to intervene to bring peace and harmony to the company.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Energy Sector Challenges: 5 Key Issues That Require Immediate Action
I. A Reform with Promise—and Peril
Yes, the Electricity Act 2023 fulfills a constitutional mandate and provides a legal basis for state‑level electricity regulation. But granting power to the States is only half the story—successful decentralization demands institutional capacity, coordination mechanisms, and legal harmonization. Without these, the Act risks becoming a vehicle for market fragmentation rather than inclusive empowerment.
II. Multiple Regulators = Market Fragmentation
IT must be stated that State Regulatory Autonomy comes with high regulatory transaction costs:
- PwC warned that 37 distinct state electricity laws could result in market distortions and unhealthy rivalry, disrupting the national market.
- Mondaq predicts multiple licensing across states would significantly increase operational delays and compliance costs for multi‑state GENCOs, DisCos, and IPPs.
- NERC’s own Legal Commissioner cautioned that lack of regulatory alignment could destabilize grid operations and drive away investors, especially when tariff orders conflict.
- Several analysts note that only a handful of states ever started serious regulatory work after NERC ceded authority. Others have yet to draft meter‑based tariffs, rules for theft reduction, or wholesale pricing mechanisms.
- During implementation forums, PwC advised caution—many states are yet to develop feasibility studies or invest required capital to set up regulatory agencies.
- Without engineers, economists, legal analysts and tariff n + 3 experts, State regulators risk becoming rubber stamps—or worse, vehicles for political rent‑seeking.
- With each state setting tariffs independently—some subsidizing, others cost‑reflecting—consumers in one border town could pay 60% more than their neighbor.
- There are no clear national guardrails: no standard subsidy policy, no mechanism to ensure lowest bands receive minimum access—even though Section 34 calls for inter‑state coordination.
- If high‑capacity industrial customers migrate to low‑tariff states, the fiscal load will fall on small //Band E// households, undermining equity.
- Dr. Idowu Oyebanjo argued that amendment attempts already created uncertainty—investors freeze when regulatory frameworks look unstable mid‑implementation.
- PwC and BusinessDay reports stressed that ambiguous rules across 36 regulators, unknown fees, and conflicting state laws make developers wary of committing capital.
- Nigeria’s grid collapsed ten times in 2024 due to underinvestment, vandalism, and aging lines—impacting multiple regions simultaneously.
- Without national coordination, asset transfer disputes (e.g. spanning multiple states) could paralyze planning and delay upgrades.
- The Transmission Service Provider (TSP) and NISO now exist—but federal authorities are still the gatekeeper of interstate wheeling and generation dispatch. In effect, States are regulators, not grid operators.
- Create a national template for SERCs, with mandatory minimum standards and mirror Sections of NERC’s Metering, Theft, and Tariff Code.
- Phase in decentralization slowly—only states that demonstrate readiness (financial plan, staffing, assets, analytics team) should assume regulation.
- Adopt regional regulators or consortiums (e.g. North‑West pooling)—to preserve economies of scale while allowing local flexibility.
- Harmonize wholesale pricing and cross‑border rules via NERC’s oversight of grid‑connected generators; prevent double licensing where investments cross state lines.
- Activate the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF) before removing subsidies, to cushion vulnerable consumers—already named in the electricity law but still dormant.
- Keep any amendment bill on hold until all State electricity laws are operational, with deep stakeholder consultation—not speeded legislation.
Russia’s Gasoline Prices Surge To Record High On Refinery Attacks
Russia’s domestic gasoline market is under mounting pressure, with prices hitting a new record high despite an emergency export ban aimed at stabilizing supply.
The price of Ai-95 gasoline surged past 77,000 rubles ($946.6) per ton on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) on August 4.
The latest spike follows Ukrainian drone strikes on August 2 that damaged multiple oil refineries across Russia, cutting processing capacity by around 40,000 tons of crude per day. Facilities in Ryazan, Penza, Samara, and Voronezh Oblasts were targeted, with the Ryazan refinery sustaining notable damage. Repairs could take anywhere from one to six months, industry sources say.
Moscow imposed a sweeping ban on gasoline exports on July 28, set to last until the end of August, in an effort to prevent fuel shortages and curb price increases. The Kremlin has used similar temporary restrictions multiple times in the past two years to safeguard domestic supply.
Despite the export ban, traders were warning just days before the record-breaking spike that the ban may not prevent shortages. Export volumes are far smaller than domestic consumption, meaning that redirecting them to the local market will have a limited impact.
Market participants expect state regulators to pressure oil companies to sell more domestically and delay planned maintenance. But even so, low domestic stocks, peak seasonal demand, and ongoing refinery repairs are straining the market.
The shortage concerns go beyond disrupted supply chains. According to industry sources, private retail networks have not built up sufficient fuel reserves this summer. A spike in interest rates to 20% made borrowing to stockpile gasoline prohibitively expensive, leaving traders without the buffer needed to weather sudden supply shocks.
In addition, frequent flight delays in Russia this summer have reportedly driven more travelers to take to the roads, pushing gasoline consumption higher than usual. The combination of low reserves and elevated demand has intensified fears that shortages will persist through September.
Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil infrastructure are designed to limit Moscow’s fuel export revenues and disrupt supplies to its military. The damage from the latest attacks has added to the already fragile balance in the domestic fuel market.
Given that refinery repairs could extend into early 2026, the current supply squeeze is unlikely to be resolved quickly. Even with the export ban in place, the record price level strongly suggests the market is already grappling with real physical shortages rather than just speculative pressure.
Industry experts expect prices to remain elevated at least until October, when seasonal demand eases and local refineries complete major repairs. Until then, the Kremlin may be forced to consider additional interventions to avert a politically damaging fuel crisis.
Source: Oilprice.com
Tanzania: Over 5,000 Three-Wheelers Converted To Use CNG
More than 5,000 three-wheeled motorized vehicles in Tanzania have been converted to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative to petrol or diesel, according to the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC). Senior Community Development Officer at TPDC, Mr. Ally Mluge, disclosed this at the ongoing Nane Nane 2025 exhibition for the Southern Zone in Lindi Region.
“To date, over 5,000 three-wheeled vehicles are running on CNG instead of petrol or diesel,” Mr. Mluge said, noting the growing shift towards cleaner and more cost-effective fuel solutions. He added that TPDC has developed eight CNG filling stations across the country, including the largest ‘mother station’ in Dar es Salaam, which was launched in May 2025.
The facility has the capacity to refuel up to 1,200 vehicles per day and is expected to significantly reduce fuel costs and ease congestion at other filling stations.
In a related development, Mr. Mluge noted that approximately 1,512 households in Dar es Salaam, Lindi, and Mtwara have been connected to natural gas for clean cooking purposes. In addition, 57 industries are now using natural gas as a clean energy source.
TPDC is also implementing a project in the Mnazi Mmoja area of Lindi to distribute clean cooking gas to 470 households in Lindi and 570 households in Mkuranga District, Coast Region.
Furthermore, Mr. Mluge said that TPDC, in collaboration with the Rural Energy Agency (REA), is supporting the National Clean Cooking Strategy, which aims to connect 80% of Tanzanian households to clean cooking solutions by 2034.
“TPDC is fully committed to the National Clean Cooking Strategy and is working closely with REA to promote the adoption of clean cooking technologies across households, institutions, and commercial users,” he said.
Lindi District Commissioner, Ms. Victoria Mwanziva, praised TPDC’s efforts in expanding access to clean cooking energy, noting that the initiative has reduced reliance on polluting fuels and helped mitigate the negative impacts of traditional cooking methods.
“We truly appreciate TPDC’s efforts, especially their public awareness campaigns, which are playing a crucial role in encouraging communities to adopt clean energy solutions,” she said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com