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Nigeria: NERC, Imo State Collaborate To Advance Electricity Access
The Governor of Imo State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria paid a courtesy visit on 11 March 2026 to the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to congratulate the Chairman on his appointment and to explore opportunities for strategic collaboration aimed at advancing the electricity market within the state.
The visit underscored a shared commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial partnership that will drive sustainable power sector development in Imo State.
In his remarks, the Governor sought the support of the Commission in ensuring the effective functioning of the state’s electricity market. He also appealed for the Chairman’s intervention in strengthening efforts to achieve a more stable and reliable power supply, a critical enabler of economic growth and development in the state.
In response, the Chairman commended the Governor for his proactive interest and demonstrated commitment to improving electricity supply in Imo State. He acknowledged that the provision of subnational electricity services is a fundamental responsibility of government and praised the Governor for taking decisive steps in that regard.
While reiterating the Commission’s support for government-led initiatives, the Chairman emphasized its role as an independent regulator, noting that its responsibility is to ensure fairness, transparency, and regulatory compliance across the sector.
He further urged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to established regulatory processes, particularly with respect to obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals for any grid-connected power projects.
The Chairman also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting Imo State within the bounds of its regulatory mandate.
Iranian Attack On Qatar LNG Hub Sends European Gas Soaring 35%
Europe’s benchmark natural gas prices jumped by 35% at market open on Thursday, as fears of persistent gas supply disruptions intensified following the Iranian attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC), which hosts the world’s biggest LNG liquefaction complex.
The April 2026 contract of the Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures opened 35% higher on Thursday, before easing the gain to 24% as of 7:48 a.m. Amsterdam time.
All the futures prices through the March 2027 futures contracts are now trading above $69 (60 euros) per megawatt-hour (MWh), nearly double compared to just above $37 (32 euros) per MWh before the war in the Middle East started on February 28.
Qatar had already halted the Ras Laffan LNG complex in the early hours of the war, mostly as a precaution following a drone attack near the site and because of the de facto closed Strait of Hormuz.
European prices have soared since then as the supply shock of 20% of global LNG flows halted reverberated through markets and prompted Asia to outbid Europe for spot LNG supply.
With EU gas inventories at their lowest level in years at the end of this winter, Europe will need more supply than in the past few years to fill up reserves ahead of the 2026/2027 winter.
QatarEnergy confirmed damage from Thursday’s attack, saying that “several of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities were the subject of missile attacks, causing sizeable fires and extensive further damage.”
Commenting on the attack and its consequences on the gas market, ING commodities strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey said in a Thursday note that “Damage to the LNG facilities means that the troubles for global gas markets aren’t just about when flows through the Strait of Hormuz resume, but how long repair work at the sites might take.”
“Even if it turns out that the LNG facilities are largely untouched, the market will have to price in a higher risk premium, given the growing threat to energy infrastructure in the region,” they added.
Ghana: Minority In Parliament Demands Immediate Abolition of GH₵1Fuel Levy Amid Rising Prices
Ghana’s Parliamentary Minority is demanding the immediate scrapping of the GH₵1 levy imposed on a litre of petroleum products in 2025, in order to reduce fuel costs amid the US–Israel conflict with Iran, which has disrupted supply and driven up prices across global markets.
The Government of Ghana introduced the levy with the primary objective of securing dedicated funding for the procurement of liquid fuels for power generation.
At the time, fuel prices had been declining due to the strengthening of the local currency, the cedi, against major international currencies, particularly the US dollar.
However, the Minority says the levy has outlived its purpose and is worsening the financial burden on citizens amid rising fuel costs.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, said the ongoing tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran have driven up global crude oil prices, directly impacting fuel costs in Ghana.
On Monday, Oil Marketing Companies in the West African nation adjusted pump prices, with petrol selling between GH₵12.29 and GH₵13.29 per litre, and diesel between GH₵13.50 and GH₵16.29 per litre.
Given the current rise in fuel costs, Collins Adomako-Mensah said the Minority believes it is appropriate for the government to scrap the levy to cushion Ghanaians.
He further argued that if the government claims it has fully restored the World Bank’s US$597 million Partial Risk Guarantee, addressed the energy sector debt, and stabilized the cedi, then the justification for the GH₵1 “Dumsor Levy” has completely evaporated.
“Keeping the one Ghana cedi levy is punishment,” he said, urging the government to repeal it immediately under a certificate of urgency and to conduct a comprehensive review of all taxes and levies embedded in petroleum prices.
The Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 added approximately GH₵1 to the price build-up, bringing the total levy for debt repayment and sector shortfalls to GH₵1.95 for petrol and GH₵1.93 for diesel.
The Minority also called on the government to undertake a comprehensive review of all taxes and levies embedded in the petroleum price build-up and to identify those that can be suspended or restructured to cushion consumers from the full impact of the current global oil price shock.
Iran Threatens Gulf Oil And Gas Infrastructure After South Pars Strike
Iran has warned that oil and gas infrastructure across the Persian Gulf could become “legitimate targets” following a strike on its giant South Pars gas field, escalating concerns over regional supply disruptions and global energy market volatility.
Facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are now at heightened risk, according to Iranian state-linked media, as the conflict widens beyond Iran’s borders and increasingly threatens key hydrocarbon-producing regions.
The warning follows an Israeli strike on the South Pars field, one of the world’s largest natural gas developments and a cornerstone of global LNG supply. The field is shared between Iran and Qatar, making it a critical asset for both domestic consumption and export markets.
Energy infrastructure across the Gulf had largely been spared from direct damage during the early stages of the conflict. However, the latest escalation signals a potential shift, raising the risk of direct attacks on upstream facilities, processing hubs, and export terminals.
Regional energy flows are already under strain. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supply moves—has been severely disrupted, forcing production shut-ins across several Gulf producers and tightening global supply.
Crude prices have surged in response, with Brent rising above $108/bbl, reflecting market concerns that further escalation could lead to prolonged outages or damage to critical infrastructure.
Iran has intensified its use of drones and missiles across the region, targeting both military and energy-linked assets. Recent attacks have included strikes on facilities in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the expanding geographic scope of the conflict.
Despite the escalation, some Iranian export operations appear to be continuing. Crude loadings at Kharg Island—Iran’s primary export hub—have remained relatively steady, and Iranian-linked vessels have continued to move through the Strait of Hormuz under constrained conditions.
Analysts note that the greatest risk to markets lies in the potential for broader infrastructure disruption.
Key assets such as Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq processing facility, the UAE’s Fujairah export hub, and Qatar’s LNG infrastructure are considered critical nodes in global energy supply.
Any sustained damage to these facilities could trigger significant production losses and further tighten already constrained markets.
As the conflict enters its third week, the focus for energy markets is shifting from short-term price volatility to the longer-term risk of supply disruption, particularly if attacks expand to include major upstream or export infrastructure across the Gulf.
Kia And TotalEnergies Celebrate 15 Years Of Global Collaboration With Fourth Contract Renewal
Kia Corporation and TotalEnergies Lubrifiants have renewed their global partnership for an additional five-year term, effective April 1, 2026.
The agreement builds on a 15-year collaboration dedicated to delivering high-quality lubricants across Kia’s global network.
Under the renewed partnership, Kia dealerships worldwide will continue to offer Quartz high-performance engine oils. The cooperation also leverages TotalEnergies’ expertise in lubricant technology, marketing support, and electric mobility solutions.
“We are truly honored to extend our longstanding partnership with Kia as we embark on a fourth consecutive global term, continuing to build a trusted collaboration dedicated to excellence and creating meaningful value for customers worldwide,” said Elodie Luce, Vice President of the Automotive Business Unit at TotalEnergies Lubrifiants.
“This renewed commitment strengthens our ability to accelerate the development of cutting-edge lubricant solutions tailored to the rapidly evolving demands of modern powertrains, including the latest hybrid and electric technologies.”
Dong-Hwan Hwang, Head of Ownership Management Subdivision at Kia Corporation, added, “TotalEnergies has been a valued partner for the past 15 years. This renewed agreement will enable us to explore new opportunities together, further enhancing the ownership experience for Kia drivers and improving service competitiveness in a changing market.”
Beyond lubricants, this new chapter also opens avenues for deeper collaboration in electrification, mobility services, and sustainability—areas that reflect both companies’ shared dedication to cleaner technologies, enhanced performance, and innovation that truly serves customers.
Libya: Eni Discovers Over 1 Tcf Of Gas Offshore Near Bahr Essalam Field
Italian oil and gas firm Eni has discovered more than 1 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas in two exploration wells drilled offshore Libya near the producing Bahr Essalam field, the company announced on Monday.
The discoveries were made at the Bahr Essalam South 2 (BESS-2) and Bahr Essalam South 3 (BESS-3) structures, located about 85 km offshore in approximately 650 ft of water and around 16 km south of the Bahr Essalam gas field.
The wells—B2-16/4 and C1-16/4—encountered gas-bearing intervals within the Metlaoui Formation, the main producing reservoir in the area.
According to Eni, data acquired during drilling and testing confirms the presence of high-quality reservoirs with strong production potential.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the two structures together contain more than 1 Tcf of gas in place.
Eni said the fields could be rapidly developed through tie-backs to existing facilities, as they are located close to the current Bahr Essalam offshore infrastructure.
The gas would be supplied to Libya’s domestic market and potentially exported to Italy.
Bahr Essalam is Libya’s largest offshore gas field and has been in production since 2005.
Eni has operated in Libya since 1959 and remains the country’s leading international operator.
The company reported equity production of about 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) in 2025 and currently has three development projects underway in the country, two of which are expected to start up in 2026.
Zambia: Metalex, Anzana Sign MoU To Develop Electricity Grid Network For Communities And Copper-Cobalt Mine
Two American companies, Metalex Commodities Inc. (“Metalex”) and Anzana Electric Group (“Anzana”), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the development of energy and critical minerals infrastructure in Zambia’s portion of the Lobito Corridor.
The MoU establishes a framework for Metalex and Anzana—through Anzana’s envisioned joint venture with the national electricity utility, ZESCO—to expedite the development, financing, and construction of a medium-voltage electricity network. This network will connect Metalex’s Kazozu copper-cobalt mine to the national grid.
In the long term, the joint venture will collaborate with Metalex to explore captive and local power generation opportunities to meet Kazozu’s growing electricity requirements, which could reach 30 MW by 2027.
Metalex expects to create up to 350 jobs through its mining operations, while the Anzana joint venture with ZESCO is projected to create up to 800 jobs.
Metalex’s flagship Kazozu copper-cobalt mine, located in Mwinilunga District in Zambia’s North-Western Province, is a joint venture with Terra Metals Inc. The project has received support from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and is currently ramping up operations while also exploring significant expansion opportunities in the surrounding area.
Connecting Kazozu to the national grid is expected to ensure a cost-effective and reliable power supply for both the mine and nearby communities, supporting broader electrification efforts.
Comments on the development Metalex CEO, Ayo Sopitan, said: “We are excited to sign this important memorandum of understanding with the Anzana team. This is a promising partnership that will ensure our copper-cobalt project, as well as the host communities surrounding us in Zambia’s North-Western Province, have access to reliable grid power. We look forward to working together to turn this vision into a win for all stakeholders.”
Anzana CEO, Brian Kelly, added: “This collaboration demonstrates the potential of American companies across sectors working together to accelerate infrastructure investment in Africa. As Zambia’s electricity partner for the Lobito Corridor, we look forward to seeing this project take shape under our new joint venture and powering new possibilities.”
In mid-2025, Anzana signed a binding term sheet with ZESCO to form a joint venture to develop, expand, and operate the national electricity distribution network in Zambia’s North-Western Province over a 25-year period.
The joint venture is expected to deploy approximately $300 million in capital and connect around 2 million Zambians to grid-based electricity for the first time.
Metalex is a Delaware-headquartered mining and processing company with operations across the African continent, while Anzana Electric Group is a leading developer, investor, and operator of hydropower and grid distribution projects across Africa.
Ghana: Gomoa Potsin Fuel Tanker Explosion Injures 12 Firefighters
Twelve (12) firefighters sustained injuries while attempting to contain a fuel tanker explosion early Tuesday morning at Gomoa Potsin along the Accra–Winneba Highway in the Central Region.
The tanker, with registration number GT 5671-22, was carrying 54,000 litres of petrol when it reportedly overturned on the stretch, leaking fuel that ignited a fire.
The blaze spread rapidly to nearby properties, posing a significant risk to lives and infrastructure. However, the driver and his mate escaped unhurt.
Through coordinated and tactical firefighting efforts, personnel were able to contain the fire, which had affected nearby structures, and brought it under control at 07:58 hours.
The fire was completely extinguished at 08:42 hours.
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In a statement signed by Divisional Officer Grade Two (DO II) Abdul Wasiu Hudu, Central Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, it was confirmed that twelve firefighters sustained varying degrees of injuries during the operation.
According to the statement, four of the injured personnel suffered severe injuries. Three were rushed to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital, while one was treated at the Potsin Polyclinic.
The remaining eight sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site by an ambulance service team. All severely injured firefighters have since been treated and discharged.
The Central Regional Commander, Merinder Mary Attigah Mensah, accompanied by the Director of Operations, Roberta Aggrey Ghanson, visited both the injured personnel and the incident scene, assuring them of management’s commitment to their welfare and full recovery.
The cause of the crash and the resulting fire remains under investigation.
Nigeria: NUPRC Pre-Qualifies Applicants for 2025 Licensing Round
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has completed the pre-qualification stage of the 2025 Licensing Round and has accordingly notified successful applicants.
A statement issued by the NUPRC, and signed by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media and Strategic Communication, said the pre-qualification exercise was conducted on March 16 in line with the 2025 Licensing Round Guidelines.
With the pre-qualification stage now successfully completed, the Commission will, from March 17, 2026, permit successful applicants to lease data in preparation for technical and commercial bid submissions.
The statement urged pre-qualified applicants to lease data only from the two approved data sources (as applicable) and to upload evidence of payment as a prerequisite for bid submission.
Zambia: President Hichilema Holds Talks With Oil Marketing Companies Over Middle East Fuel Price Shock
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday convened an urgent meeting with oil marketing companies aimed at protecting the country from the potential impact of rising fuel prices triggered by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The meeting was also attended by officials from the Energy Regulatory Board and the Ministry of Energy.
Discussions focused on safeguarding the country’s recent economic gains from external shocks affecting global petroleum markets.
During the engagement, President Hichilema warned against fuel hoarding and any form of market manipulation, stressing that the government will not hesitate to take decisive action against entities attempting to destabilise the market.
A statement issued by Chief Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said President Hichilema noted that Zambia’s economic progress—anchored on debt restructuring, effective drought response, and sustained growth—remains vulnerable to global developments and must be protected.
He emphasised that preserving these gains is critical to maintaining economic stability and shielding citizens from rising living costs.
President Hichilema further directed the Ministry of Energy to work closely with stakeholders to develop short-, medium-, and long-term measures to ensure a stable and affordable petroleum supply across the country.
The ministry is already collaborating with industry players to implement strategies aimed at maintaining consistent fuel availability nationwide.
The government also indicated that emergency interventions previously activated during the drought period remain in place and can be deployed to respond to the current situation if necessary.
Meanwhile, the National Oil Marketing Association has confirmed continued engagement with the government, stating that the industry is working collaboratively with authorities to manage the potential impact of the Middle East conflict on Zambia’s fuel supply and pricing.
The move underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s economic stability amid evolving global challenges.
The ministry is already collaborating with industry players to implement strategies aimed at maintaining consistent fuel availability nationwide.
The government also indicated that emergency interventions previously activated during the drought period remain in place and can be deployed to respond to the current situation if necessary.
Meanwhile, the National Oil Marketing Association has confirmed continued engagement with the government, stating that the industry is working collaboratively with authorities to manage the potential impact of the Middle East conflict on Zambia’s fuel supply and pricing.
The move underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s economic stability amid evolving global challenges.
Ghana: Fuel Prices Could Have Been Much Higher Without Cedi Stability-NPA Boss.
Fuel pump prices in the second pricing window, which began on March 16, would have been much higher than what is currently being observed if not for prudent management that has stabilized the cedi, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has asserted.
He recalled that prior to Monday, when oil marketing companies began adjusting their pump prices upward, projections indicated that fuel prices would rise significantly due to ongoing Middle East tensions, which have escalated crude oil prices.
Speaking on TV3 during a discussion on the impact of the US–Israel war on Iran, Mr. Tameklo emphasized that crude oil prices jumped from $66 to over $100 per barrel due to the tensions.
“A $30 hike that could have devastated consumers. Yet, over 13 months of cedi stability has cushioned the blow.
“If the cedi traded at GH¢15 or GH¢17 to the dollar—as it once neared 17—petrol would hit GH¢23 per litre,” he explained.
“This management has anchored pressures, averting shocks seen in the past.”
The NPA introduced a price floor to protect the downstream sector—a tool Mr. Tameklo says delivers “a lot of stability.”
Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have set relatively stable prices, easing fears of skyrocketing costs and hardship.
Mr. Tameklo pledged close monitoring of OMC pricing.
“Current economic managers have controlled what could have been catastrophic,” he added, crediting their efforts for shielding households amid global volatility.
Currently, a litre of petrol is selling between GH¢12.28 and GH¢13.29, while diesel ranges between GH¢13.50 and GH¢16.29 per litre.
Pump prices are revised every two weeks, based on the exchange rate and the cost of refined petroleum products on the international market.
Ghana: Fuel Price War Heats Up As Star Oil, GOIL Undercut Each Other
Two of Ghana’s leading Oil Marketing Companies are intensifying competition as they strive to retain customers by offering quality yet affordable fuel.
Star Oil, currently the market leader, and GOIL PLC are engaged in an ongoing price war.
On Monday morning, Star Oil announced a price adjustment, with regular petrol (RON 91) selling at GH₵12.49 per litre, petrol (RON 95) at GH₵13.59 per litre, and diesel at GH₵15.99 per litre.
At the time, GOIL PLC was selling regular petrol at GH₵11.57 per litre and diesel at GH₵14.35 per litre.
By Tuesday morning, GOIL PLC had adjusted its pump prices upward, with regular petrol (RON 91) selling at GH₵12.40 per litre, petrol (RON 95) at GH₵14.35 per litre, and diesel at GH₵15.69 per litre.
This indicated that GOIL PLC was offering relatively lower prices than its main competitor.
Failure by Star Oil to respond could have risked losing customers to GOIL, which appears determined to reclaim its position as market leader.
In an attempt to maintain its customer base, Star Oil responded around 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday by lowering its pump prices below GOIL’s, thereby weakening GOIL’s pricing strategy.
Star Oil reduced its prices, with regular petrol (RON 91) selling at GH₵12.29 per litre, petrol (RON 95) at GH₵13.59 per litre, and diesel at GH₵14.99 per litre.
Unperturbed by Star Oil’s response, GOIL PLC further adjusted its pump prices around 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, lowering them below those of its competitor.
As of Tuesday afternoon, GOIL PLC was selling regular petrol (RON 91) at GH₵12.28 per litre, petrol (RON 95) at GH₵14.35 per litre, and diesel at GH₵14.98 per litre.
It remains unclear what Star Oil’s next move will be.
Ghana: Energy Minister Inaugurates Local Content And Local Participation Committee
Ghana’s Minister for Energy, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated a Local Content and Local Participation Committee for the country’s electricity supply industry, with members drawn from key institutions.
The committee will oversee the development and measurement of local content and participation in the electricity supply industry, as well as monitor and coordinate the performance of all stakeholders involved, in accordance with LI 2354.
The committee is chaired by the Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Ms. Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie.
Other members include Michael Nii Amui Amui, Esq. (Coordinator, Local Content and Local Participation, Energy Commission); Mr. Michael Tawiah (Ministry of Energy); Ing. Ingsford D. Laryea (Ghana Institution of Engineering); and Mr. Joseph Zumasigee (Electricity Transmission Utility).
Also on the committee are Mr. Jethro Baidoo (Ghana Employers Association); Mr. Kojo Eshun (Ghana Standards Authority); and Mr. Alexander Quarcopoome (Association of Ghana Industries).
Additional members include Mr. Michael Akurang Opoku (Ministry of Trade and Industry); Mr. Nhyira Sarfo Adu-Amankwah (Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment); and Mr. Kwaku Boateng (Director for Economics and Local Content at the Petroleum Commission).
Speaking at the inauguration, the Energy Minister, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, stressed the importance of an effective and efficient local content and local participation regime. He noted that fully implementing the country’s local content laws would generate opportunities for value retention, value addition, and job creation.
In her remarks, the Chair of the committee, Ms. Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie, Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, highlighted the importance of regulations on local content and participation in driving economic growth.
Kenya: EPRA Maintains Fuel Prices In March Pricing Review Despite Spike In Crude Oil Prices
Kenya has maintained the prices of gasoline (petrol), diesel (gas oil), and kerosene despite the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has triggered increases in fuel pump prices across many economies.
In Kenya, fuel pump prices are reviewed on the 15th of every month and remain in effect until the 14th of the following month.
In February, Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reduced the prices of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene by KSh 4.20, KSh 3.90, and KSh 1.00 per litre, respectively. Many Kenyans were of the view that prices would rise due to the ongoing Israel-Iran war.
However, in a statement issued over the weekend, EPRA said prices will remain unchanged from March 15, 2026, to April 14, 2026.
This means that in Nairobi, a litre of super petrol will continue retailing at KSh 178.28, while diesel will sell at KSh 166.54 and kerosene at KSh 152.78, effective at midnight for the next 30 days.
In Mombasa, prices will remain at KSh 175.00, KSh 163.26, and KSh 149.49 for super petrol, diesel, and kerosene, respectively.
In Nakuru, super petrol will retail at KSh 177.34, diesel at KSh 165.95, and kerosene at KSh 152.21.
Meanwhile, in Kisumu, a litre of super petrol will cost KSh 178.16, diesel KSh 166.76, and kerosene KSh 153.03.
“The prices are inclusive of the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT), in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, and the revised excise duty rates adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020,” EPRA stated.
In its review, EPRA clarified that prices have not yet been affected by the war, as the country is still using oil reserves imported before the conflict began last month.
“The Authority has considered vessels received and discharged between February 10, 2026, and March 9, 2026. Most of these vessels are February-priced cargoes, and the situation in the Middle East has not yet impacted the prices,” EPRA noted