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Kenya Power Hosts Ghana’s PURC Delegation
Kenya Power on Wednesday hosted a six-member delegation from Ghana’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the economic regulator for electricity and water utilities, for a high-level exchange focused on the future of energy and electric mobility in Africa.
The PURC delegation’s visit provided a valuable platform to benchmark regulatory and tariff frameworks, while also enabling the sharing of practical insights drawn from Kenya’s evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape.
Discussions covered EV grid integration, infrastructure planning, data-driven energy management, and the policy considerations necessary to scale adoption sustainably.
This engagement underscores the growing importance of cross-border collaboration in shaping Africa’s clean energy future.
By exchanging knowledge and aligning approaches, both Kenya and Ghana are taking meaningful steps toward building resilient, efficient, and low-carbon transport systems that will define the continent’s next phase of growth.
As Kenya accelerates its transition toward sustainable transport, Kenya Power is playing a central role in enabling the growth of the EV ecosystem.
This includes advancing EV-friendly tariff structures, strengthening grid readiness to support increased electricity demand, investing in distribution network planning, and deploying smart metering and billing solutions tailored to EV users.
The utility is also actively supporting the development and management of EV fleets, while collaborating with public- and private-sector partners to expand charging infrastructure across the country.
Ghana: CBOD Warns OSP Against Premature Statements In Petroleum Tax Probe As Facebook Post Is Deleted
The Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has cautioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) against the hasty release of inaccurate information to the media regarding its ongoing investigation into alleged tax evasion by some players in the downstream petroleum sector.
The caution follows a statement issued by the OSP on April 7, in which it claimed to have conducted a high-profile, court-approved raid on five fuel depots and their associated Bulk Distribution Company (BDC) facilities.
The move was described as a decisive step against suspected petroleum import irregularities in Ghana.
According to the OSP, the coordinated searches form part of an ongoing probe into the alleged under-declaration of petroleum imports, deliberate misrepresentation of fuel types during depot transfers, and systemic tax evasion.
Early indications from the operation suggested that some BDCs may have colluded with officials from the National Petroleum Authority, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the National Security Secretariat to facilitate illicit financial transactions.
The OSP further indicated that Platon Oil & Gas, Sentuo Oil, Chase Petroleum Gh. Ltd, Akwaaba Oil, and Sahara Oil & Gas Ltd are under investigation.
In a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Ofori, Chief Executive Officer of CBOD, the Chamber clarified that issues relating to petroleum taxes, as currently discussed in the public domain, are generally incidental to the operations of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), not refineries, petroleum terminals, or BDCs.
The Chamber underscored the importance of measured and restrained public commentary to safeguard the reputation and operations of the companies involved.
“It is pertinent to note that these companies maintain extensive trading and financial relationships, both locally and internationally. Accordingly, any reputational damage at this stage may have far-reaching consequences, which may not be easily reversed—particularly if subsequent investigations clarify the position of the entities concerned,” the statement said.
The Chamber called on all members and Petroleum Service Providers (PSPs) who are subjects of the investigation to fully cooperate with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
“We urge all stakeholders and the public to allow due process to take its course and to avoid premature conclusions that could have unintended consequences for businesses and the broader industry,” it added.
CBOD reaffirmed its commitment to upholding integrity and transparency in the downstream petroleum sector.
“We stand ready to assist the Office of the Special Prosecutor and other law enforcement agencies in their investigations and in enhancing understanding of industry operations,” the statement concluded.
Checks by this portal indicate that the OSP has since removed the statement from its Facebook page.
Zambia: ERB Sanctions 29 Oil Companies For Fuel Contamination And Other Breaches Of Licence Conditions
Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has taken enforcement action against twenty-nine (29) companies for breaching licence conditions and failing to meet their statutory obligations.
The actions follow comprehensive compliance audits and regulatory oversight aimed at ensuring adherence to the operational standards prescribed under the Energy Regulation Act.
In a statement signed by Namukolo Kasumpa (Mrs.), Manager for Public Relations at ERB, it was stated that Uno Energies Zambia Limited was fined K180,000 for fuel contamination and failure to conduct mandatory quality checks. ZESCO Limited was fined K100,000 for failure to establish and maintain appropriate safety systems and standards.
Harvest Group of Companies Limited was fined K60,000 each for construction-related violations at its Tokyo Way and Bulwe Road sites. Additionally, Sany International (Zambia) Industrial Limited was fined K60,000 for constructing an electricity generation facility without the required construction permit.
Eight (8) companies were each issued formal warnings for failure to comply with an ERB directive dated 27th February 2025, which required the submission of a self-audit report within the prescribed timeframe. These companies are: Chingases Company Limited, Exclusive Brands Africa, Oryx Energies (Z) Limited, Falcon Gas (Z) Limited, Lake Gas (Z) Limited, Gastec Trading & Supply Limited, Rubis Energy (Z) Limited, and Minegases Company (Z) Limited.
Furthermore, fifteen (15) companies settled outstanding statutory fees, including Licence Fees, Strategic Reserve Fund Fees, and Fuel Marking Fees, amounting to K366,507.25, following debt collection enforcement measures. The companies involved are:
- JMKY Trading and Transport Limited (K89,229.81)
- Douse Petroleum Limited (K77,378.97)
- Hesouth Technology Services Limited (K51,279.12)
- G.U.D Filters Zambia Limited (K30,288.35)
- Luapula Oils Limited (K26,526.88)
- RGPM Chemicals (Zambia) Limited (K21,534.02)
- Bridge Energy Limited (K18,257.27)
- Mpishi Energy Limited (K14,640.00)
- Finecop Enterprises Limited (K13,279.65)
- Oil Save Investment Limited (K8,183.60)
- Sanrup Investment Limited (K6,833.40)
- Martch Enterprise Limited (K3,424.57)
- Nat-Group Energy Solutions Limited (K2,553.38)
- Widenenergy Africa Limited (K1,849.50)
- Yougo Limited (K1,227.73)
Hormuz Still Closed Despite Truce, 230 Loaded Oil Vessels Waiting To Sail, Says ADNOC CEO
Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Al Jaber, said on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed despite a ceasefire, with Iranian restrictions still blocking normal energy exports.
According to a report by Anadolu, citing his post on LinkedIn, around 230 loaded oil vessels are waiting to sail.
Al Jaber stated that access to the waterway was being restricted and conditioned, adding that “conditional passage is not passage.” He emphasized that the strait must be reopened “fully, unconditionally, and without restriction.”
According to him, approximately 230 vessels loaded with oil are ready to sail, and ADNOC has already loaded cargoes. He also noted that the company would expand production within the limits imposed by war-related damage to its infrastructure and the need to ensure staff safety.
“Markets remain at a critical crossroads. The final cargoes that transited the Strait of Hormuz before the conflict are now arriving at their destinations. This is where the paper-traded markets are meeting physical reality, and the 40-day gap in global energy flows is truly exposed,” he added.
His remarks came as Iran announced alternative entry and exit routes for ships transiting the strait, saying the measures were aimed at reducing the risk of collisions with potential sea mines in the main shipping zone. Iranian media and officials said vessels should use designated corridors for maritime safety.
Shipping firms, however, have remained cautious despite the US-Iran ceasefire announced earlier this week.
Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz handled about one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, making any prolonged disruption a major risk for energy markets, particularly in Asia, which Al Jaber noted receives most cargoes moving through the corridor.
Ghana: Mahama Orders Temporary Suspension Of Fuel Levies Amid Rising Fuel Prices
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has directed the country’s Ministers of Finance and Energy and Green Transition to temporarily remove certain levies and margins on petroleum products to cushion Ghanaians from the impact of rising fuel prices, which have been triggered by global oil supply disruptions due to the US-Israel war on Iran.
The suspension of the taxes is expected to last for at least four weeks.
It is not yet clear which specific taxes will be suspended, but Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that the details of the suspension would be announced before the next pricing window on April 16.
The President gave the directive at an emergency Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, April 9, after returning from an official trip to France.
Fuel prices have escalated, with petrol currently selling for more than GHS13 per litre, while diesel is selling for more than GHS17 per litre, as a result of the Middle East tensions.
This has led to calls from various sections of the public, including industry watchers, for government intervention.
According to the directive, the suspension will be implemented for an initial period of four weeks, after which it will be reviewed and further decisions will be made based on prevailing conditions.
As part of broader efforts to ease the burden on commuters, the Minister for Transport has also been instructed to expedite the deployment of approximately 100 Metro Mass Transit buses. The President further directed that fares on these buses be reduced to provide affordable transport options for the public.
Additionally, President Mahama reminded ministers and senior government appointees to strictly adhere to the existing ban on fuel allowances, as part of efforts to reduce public expenditure during this period.
The measures form part of a coordinated government response aimed at mitigating the impact of rising fuel costs on households and businesses across the country.
Madagascar Declares Two-Week Nationwide State Of Energy Emergency Amid Severe Fuel Shortages
Madagascar has declared a two-week nationwide state of energy emergency amid severe fuel shortages caused by the US and Israel’s war in Iran, BBC has reported.
The presidency stated that the decision was made following Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, amid concerns that the situation could lead to public disorder.
The Indian Ocean island, which relies heavily on oil to produce much of its electricity, is dependent on fuel imports from the Middle East. Supplies are likely to be disrupted for some time despite the two-week ceasefire announced overnight.
Last year, persistent power and water shortages in Madagascar led to youth-led protests, which escalated into broader political unrest and resulted in a military takeover.
It is unclear exactly what measures the government intends to implement, but it has stated that it now has the authority to stabilize the country’s power sector, mitigate further disruptions, manage consumption, and ensure the continuity of public services.
So far, fuel prices have not increased since the crisis began, though shortages have been reported, with drivers queuing for hours.
News of the state of emergency led to panic buying at some petrol stations on Wednesday, with some stations reportedly rationing how much each customer can buy, according to local media.
Most of Madagascar’s oil comes from Oman, south of the Strait of Hormuz — the key global energy shipping route that has been disrupted by the war that began on February 28.
Nonetheless, the price of oil remains considerably higher than before the conflict, and analysts say it could take months or even years to repair the damage done to supply capacity in the region.
Madagascar is among several African countries taking urgent action to stem the effects of these disruptions. Some have resorted to raising or subsidizing fuel prices and rationing electricity.
The Gambia has just ordered the immediate suspension of all non-essential official travel by government officials, days after Senegal implemented a similar move.
Zambia recently suspended taxes on petrol and diesel imports, while Botswana scrapped fuel levies for six months to cushion consumers from price rises.
Kenya: EPRA Deploys Monitoring Teams To Inspect Fuel Stocks Nationwide
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has deployed Surveillance and Enforcement teams to inspect fuel stocks at various stations nationwide.
The teams have so far conducted inspections at petrol stations in Nairobi and Machakos counties to check for compliance and confirm fuel availability.
“While most stations had fuel, a few were out of stock but indicated they were awaiting resupply,” EPRA said.
According to EPRA, some depots are currently experiencing delays due to long queues, as stations rush to replenish their stocks following panic buying at some locations.
“No station reported a lack of fuel supply at the depots.”
The authority urged Kenyans to remain calm, assuring that there is sufficient fuel supply in the country and to avoid panic buying.
EPRA also warned petroleum dealers that hoarding is an offence punishable by law upon conviction.
“We remind petroleum dealers that hoarding is an offence under Section 99(1)(k) of the Petroleum Act Cap 308, and, upon conviction, they shall be liable to a fine of not less than one million Kenya Shillings, or imprisonment for a term of not less than one year, or both.
Further, dispensing stations charging wholesale and retail prices higher than the recommended price is also an offence under Section 99(1)(n) of the Petroleum Act, and, upon conviction, they shall be liable to a fine of not less than ten million Kenya Shillings, or imprisonment for a term of not less than five years, or both.”
Libya’s National Oil Company Reports Three New Oil And Gas Discoveries
Libya’s National Oil Corporation has announced a trio of new hydrocarbon discoveries with Eni, Repsol, and Sonatrach, in a sign that exploration activity is gaining traction again across some of the country’s most important producing regions.
The highest-profile result came offshore western Libya, where NOC and Eni North Africa drilled the J1-4/16 exploration well in Block D and confirmed a new gas discovery around 95 kilometers from shore.
The well reached a total depth of 10,458 feet, with tests on the Metlawi reservoir delivering 14 million cubic feet per day in one test and 24 MMcf/d in a second test under a wider choke.
The discovery also marks the completion of the ninth and final contractual exploration obligation under Contract 4/16, originally signed in June 2008.
Onshore, NOC and Repsol Libya Branch reported a new oil discovery in Contract Area 131/130 in the Murzuq Basin, around 800 kilometers south of Tripoli.
The J1-4/130 exploratory well was drilled to 4,325 feet and is producing an average of 763 barrels per day from the Mummiyat Formation.
The well is the fifth completed under the eight-well commitment set out in the partners’ 2008 Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement.
A third announcement came from the Ghadames Basin, where NOC and Sonatrach’s Libyan unit SIPEX disclosed a combined oil and gas discovery near the Wafa field.
The A1-69/02 exploration well, drilled to 8,440 feet, is flowing 13 million cubic feet of gas per day alongside 327 barrels per day of condensate from the Awynat Wanin and Awyn Kaza formations. That well is the sixth drilled out of eight planned under the EPSA signed in May 2008.
The immediate takeaway is that Libya is seeing exploration wins across multiple basins and operators, with both greenfield potential and follow-up drilling still delivering commercial volumes.
Offshore gas is particularly significant because Libya is looking to strengthen supply to its domestic market while maintaining its position as a Mediterranean energy supplier.
New gas volumes also fit a broader regional trend in North Africa, where producers are prioritizing faster-cycle gas developments amid persistent demand from Europe and tighter regional energy balances.
The Murzuq and Ghadames finds matter for a different reason. They reinforce the continued prospectivity of Libya’s established onshore basins, where even relatively modest wells can support near-term production growth if infrastructure and security conditions allow.
The Sonatrach discovery’s proximity to Wafa could prove especially relevant if existing regional infrastructure offers a path to commercialization.
Together, the three announcements suggest that long-dormant contractual acreage awarded in the late 2000s is still yielding results, even after years of political fragmentation and stop-start investment. For Libya, that is an encouraging signal as it tries to attract more upstream capital and arrest output volatility.
Ghana’s Crude Oil Output Declines To 37.3 Million Barrels In 2025
Ghana’s crude oil output has declined drastically for the sixth consecutive year, from 2019 to 2025, sparking concern among industry watchers about the sustainability of the country’s petroleum sector and its contribution to national revenue.
The West African nation’s total crude oil output fell to 37.3 million barrels in 2025, down from about 48.24 million barrels in 2024. In 2019, the country’s total crude oil output stood at 71.44 million barrels.
However, output has since dropped consistently over the past six years to 37.3 million barrels in 2025, representing an average annual decline of about nine percent.
Ghana has three oil-producing fields, and per the 2025 report by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC)—an independent statutory body established under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815)—the Jubilee Field produced 22,211,948 barrels, the SGN Field produced 9,256,418 barrels, and the TEN Field produced 5,834,432 barrels, bringing the total to 37,302,798 barrels.
The Jubilee Field experienced the most significant decline, dropping 30.3% from 31,849,046 barrels in 2024 to 22,211,948 barrels in 2025. TEN Field output fell by 14%, from 6,784,440 barrels to 5,834,432 barrels, while SGN Field production declined by 3.6%, from 9,606,544 barrels to 9,256,418 barrels over the same period. Daily average production figures stood at 63,462 barrels for Jubilee, 16,206 barrels for TEN, and 25,360 barrels for SGN.
The report attributed the decline to natural field depletion, maintenance work on facilities, and operational disruptions, including activities at the West African Pipeline Company (WAPCo), highlighting the operational and structural challenges facing Ghana’s oil sector.
Gas production also recorded a reduction, with total output falling to 273,780 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) in 2025 from 280,511 MMSCF in 2024—a 2.4% decrease—further illustrating the downward pressure on the country’s energy resources.
Speaking at the launch of the report in Accra on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, PIAC Chairperson Richard Ellimah emphasised the severity of the decline, stating: “Production has dropped from a high of 71.44 million barrels in 2019 to 37.3 million barrels in 2025, representing a compounded annual average decline of 9%. This confirms the widely held view that Ghana’s oil fields have peaked and are on a downward spiral.”
In response to the declining trend, PIAC has urged the government to develop a comprehensive framework to attract investment into existing oil fields, improve regulatory and fiscal policies, and enhance data acquisition in new basins to stabilise production and reverse the decline.
“Strategic investment, operational efficiency, and regulatory oversight must be prioritised to ensure the sector remains a key driver of Ghana’s economy,” Mr. Ellimah said.
He warned that sustained reductions in crude output could negatively impact government revenue, foreign exchange inflows, and the country’s broader energy security.
Ghana: COMAC Launches Safety Week 2026 To Strengthen Downstream Sector Standards
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) on Tuesday opened a four-day Safety Week 2026 at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra.
The initiative aims to enhance collaboration and reinforce health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) standards across Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The event brought together regulators, industry leaders, and key stakeholders under the theme, “Manage the Risk Before It Becomes an Incident.”
In a welcome address, COMAC Board Chairman, Mr Gabriel Kumi, underscored the importance of a unified vision and collective accountability in advancing safety, while acknowledging the NPA’s leadership in coordinating sector-wide initiatives.
He urged participants to bring the full weight of their experience, expertise, and institutional responsibility to bear on the discussions ahead.
“Let us not leave this conference merely as observers. Let us leave as agents of change, unequivocal in our commitment to building an industry in which every worker returns home safely and every community in which we operate is better protected,” he charged.
Dr Riverson Oppong, Chief Executive Officer of COMAC, commended the NPA for strengthening regulatory compliance, improving petroleum supply resilience, and driving operational efficiency.
He urged participants to collaborate closely under the Authority’s guidance to elevate industry performance and safety standards.
Delivering his remarks, the Chief Executive of the NPA, Mr Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, highlighted key safety concerns within the sector, particularly the increasing incidence of fuel tanker accidents and the dangerous practice of fuel siphoning at accident scenes.
He noted that the Authority has intensified its public safety campaigns and is working closely with the DVLA and other stakeholders, including tanker driver unions, tanker owners, and the Ghana National Fire Service, to address the challenge of inexperienced tanker drivers and enhance road safety.
He reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to proactive safety interventions to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and operational continuity, especially amid global supply uncertainties.
In a keynote address, the Minister of Energy commended the NPA’s leadership and called for the integration of robust safety practices into daily operations, as well as increased public awareness to promote a resilient and accountable downstream petroleum sector.
Additional presentations from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), and the Department of Factory Inspectorate (DFI) emphasised regulatory compliance, preventive systems, and sustained collaboration.
The opening day also featured a practical fire safety demonstration and a panel discussion on building a proactive safety culture.
The NPA’s Director of Risk, Mr Joseph Awen Awan, stressed the need to address technical capacity gaps, noting that effective safety management depends on equipping personnel with the requisite expertise to anticipate and mitigate risks.
Safety Week 2026 continues with a series of engagements focused on strengthening industry-wide commitment to safety excellence.
Tanzania: Samia Cuts Convoy, Orders Officials To Follow By Bus Due To Rising Fuel Costs
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday ordered government officials to travel in a single bus during official trips to reduce fuel consumption, amid shortages caused by the Middle East war.
Fuel prices in the East African nation have surged by about one-third since March, the country’s energy regulator said last week.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for officials on Wednesday, Hassan said that during her official trips, only her core convoy—including her escort, police, and a backup vehicle—would remain in the motorcade.
Hassan’s presidential entourage normally comprises more than 30 vehicles, including luxury SUVs and police outriders, often bringing traffic to a standstill.
“From now on, wherever I go, all officials will travel together in one bus to cut fuel consumption,” Hassan said.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas normally passes, has disrupted fuel supply and triggered a significant rise in global prices, forcing many nations to ration fuel use.
Oil Prices Plummet Below $100 Per Barrel On Middle East Ceasefire Deal
Oil prices declined sharply below $100 per barrel on April 8 after US President Donald Trump announced a provisional two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran, contingent on the immediate and secure reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
As of 6 p.m. West Africa Time, Brent crude had fallen to $95.98 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped to $95.66 per barrel, reflecting easing supply concerns.
The announcement came just ahead of a US deadline for Tehran to restore navigation through the Strait—through which roughly 20% of global oil supply flows—or risk potential strikes on its civilian infrastructure.
Trump described the development as a “double-sided ceasefire” in a social media post, marking a sharp shift in tone after earlier warnings of severe escalation.
Iran signalled conditional acceptance of the proposal, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stating that Tehran would suspend its operations if attacks against it ceased. He added that safe passage through the Strait could be ensured for two weeks in coordination with Iranian armed forces.
The development has temporarily eased market concerns over a major supply disruption, although uncertainty remains over the durability of the agreement.
In recent weeks, oil prices had climbed sharply—posting one of the steepest monthly gains on record amid fears of supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions—before reversing on renewed diplomatic signals.
Ghana: COMAC To Set Up $470,000 Fund To Buy UGMC Medical Van
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has announced plans to establish a fund to mobilise resources for the purchase of a medical van for the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), aimed at promoting healthcare delivery in rural areas as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Chief Executive Officer of COMAC and Industry Coordinator, Dr Riverson Oppong, made the announcement at the opening of COMAC Safety Week in Accra.
He told this portal that COMAC will soon launch the fund, with an initial target of about $470,000.
He expressed optimism that the fund would go a long way in supporting UGMC to enhance healthcare delivery in rural communities.
Touching on the Safety Week event, Dr Oppong stressed that safety must not be seen as a periodic obligation or merely a regulatory requirement. Rather, he said it must be embedded in the way organisations lead, operate, and plan for the future.
“When safety is upheld, we protect lives, preserve assets, safeguard the environment, and strengthen public confidence in our industry,” he stated.
He said the Safety Week provides members with a valuable opportunity to deepen collaboration among industry players, regulators, emergency responders, and policymakers, all united by a shared responsibility to promote a safer and more resilient downstream petroleum sector.
ExxonMobil Signals $2.9B Q1 Earnings Bump On Higher Oil Prices
U.S. Oil & Gas giant ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) has signaled that surging oil and gas prices triggered by the conflict with Iran could increase its first-quarter upstream earnings by up to $2.9 billion, with the oil price boost expected to outweigh production disruptions in the Middle East.
Exxon estimates that disruptions to its assets in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar will lower its global oil-equivalent production by 6% in the first quarter compared to Q4 2025, but higher commodity prices are projected to provide a profit lift between $2.1 billion and $2.9 billion compared to the previous quarter.
Attacks in Qatar impacted two LNG trains, which represented roughly 3% of Exxon’s 2025 upstream production.
Exxon is scheduled to report its full Q1 2026 results on May 1, 2026.
Exxon has announced that downstream earnings could face a temporary reduction of $3.3 billion to $5.3 billion, primarily due to “unusually large, negative timing effects” related to derivatives and shipping.
The company also expects to record a one-time impairment of $600 million to $800 million due to war-related shipping disruptions.
However, Exxon CFO Neil Hansen has stated that these effects are temporary, and profits will “unwind” and transform into material gains in later quarters once physical shipments reach customers.
Meanwhile, Exxon could also benefit from non-fossil fuel tailwinds. UBS has reiterated its Buy rating and $171 price target for ExxonMobil (XOM), driven by anticipated profit gains from a global helium shortage.
According to the Wall Street analyst, the disruption of Middle Eastern supply positions enables Exxon to gain from higher prices and increased demand for its secure, non-Qatari helium supply after military strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan complex in March 2026 sidelined approximately 31% of global helium production.
The closure of the Strait to Western commercial shipping has effectively cut off Middle Eastern helium exports, which must be transported in specialized cryogenic ISO containers by sea.
Exxon’s LaBarge, Wyoming, facility is seen as being critical to meeting global demand for high-tech industries, including semiconductors and medical imaging.
On Wednesday, a tentative and highly fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal saw Brent crude plunge to $92/barrel and reports emerge of two vessels braving the Strait of Hormuz in a test-case for a sustainable cessation of hostilities that traders will likely be eyeing with a fair amount of skepticism.