Trending Now
[/tdc_zone]
LATEST ARTICLES
UAE Rescues 22 Crew Members From Burning Oil Tanker In Gulf
The United Arab Emirates rescued 22 crew members from an oil tanker that caught fire in the Gulf, Arab News reported, citing the UAE National Guard.
The National Guard said its coast guard responded to a distress call reporting a fire aboard the tanker and dispatched emergency teams to the vessel.
All 22 crew members, described as Asian nationals, were safely evacuated and given first aid before being handed over to the relevant authorities, the statement said.
All were reported to be in stable condition.
The statement did not identify the tanker or disclose the cause of the fire.
The rescue came a day after the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker GEM NO.2 was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile off the UAE coast on Friday, triggering a fire.
It was unclear whether the two reports concerned the same vessel.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said the vessel was hit about 13 nautical miles west of Al Jazeera in the UAE.
The fire was subsequently extinguished, it said.
The reported strike occurred outside the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about risks to commercial shipping elsewhere in the Gulf.
No group has claimed responsibility for the strike.
Tankers have faced heightened security risks in recent weeks amid Iranian threats to block vessels from passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its authorisation.
The strait is a key route for global energy supplies.
Earlier in the week, another tanker was reportedly struck by projectiles off Qatar.
Maritime security authorities have urged shipping operators to exercise greater vigilance amid the escalating tensions.
Ghana: Energy Ministry Names Tema Oil Refinery MD Energy Sector Recovery Programme Champion Of The Year
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has named Edmond Kombat Esq., managing director of state-owned Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), its Energy Sector Recovery Programme Champion of the Year for 2026.
The recognition was conferred at the ministry’s annual retreat at Volta Serene in the Volta Region. The retreat brings together energy sector leaders to review achievements and challenges and set priorities for the coming year.
Under Kombat’s leadership, TOR returned to profitability, recording a profit before tax of GH¢1.24 billion in 2025.
Before he took office in 2025, the refinery had been largely idle for more than six years and faced significant debt.
Kombat and his team undertook a major rehabilitation programme, enabling the refinery to resume crude processing in late December 2025.
TOR currently processes about 28,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Work is underway to restore its second processing unit, which would return the refinery to its original capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day. Management plans to increase capacity further to 85,000 barrels per day in the short to medium term, with a long-term target of 200,000 barrels per day.
The ministry recognised Kombat for his role in the refinery’s recovery.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Kombat thanked President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to revitalising Ghana’s energy sector.
He also thanked Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor and the ministry’s leadership and staff for their guidance and support, and commended TOR’s board, management and employees.
“This recognition is a testament to our collective commitment, sacrifice, resilience, and determination to restore TOR to its rightful place as a strategic national asset,” Kombat said.
He said the completion of critical maintenance work and the resumption of crude refining reflected the dedication of the refinery’s team.
“As we reflect on 2026 and prepare for 2027, this honour serves not only as a moment of celebration but also as a renewed call to duty,” he said.
Kombat said the award would encourage the team to improve operational performance, strengthen Ghana’s energy security and contribute to economic growth.
“At TOR, we recognise that the work is not finished. The journey towards a stronger, more efficient, commercially sustainable, and globally competitive refinery continues,” he said.
“I dedicate this recognition to every member of the TOR family and all stakeholders who believe in the vision of a revitalised Tema Oil Refinery.”
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Kombat thanked President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to revitalising Ghana’s energy sector.
He also thanked Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor and the ministry’s leadership and staff for their guidance and support, and commended TOR’s board, management and employees.
“This recognition is a testament to our collective commitment, sacrifice, resilience, and determination to restore TOR to its rightful place as a strategic national asset,” Kombat said.
He said the completion of critical maintenance work and the resumption of crude refining reflected the dedication of the refinery’s team.
“As we reflect on 2026 and prepare for 2027, this honour serves not only as a moment of celebration but also as a renewed call to duty,” he said.
Kombat said the award would encourage the team to improve operational performance, strengthen Ghana’s energy security and contribute to economic growth.
“At TOR, we recognise that the work is not finished. The journey towards a stronger, more efficient, commercially sustainable, and globally competitive refinery continues,” he said.
“I dedicate this recognition to every member of the TOR family and all stakeholders who believe in the vision of a revitalised Tema Oil Refinery.” Trump Says Russia Agrees To Supply More Than 4.8 Million Tons Of Diesel
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Russia had agreed to supply more than 4.8 million tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tons, followed by 500,000 tons in November and another 1 million tons immediately afterwards, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
A further 3 million tons would be delivered within a short period, depending on the condition of Russia’s diesel refineries, he said.
The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday issued a general licence authorising transactions involving the sale, delivery and importation of Russian diesel, including into the United States, until April 7, 2027.
Trump said U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz, combined with the Russian supply agreement, would bring down diesel prices in the United States and globally at a record pace.
He said lowering fuel costs for Americans, particularly farmers, ranchers and truck drivers, was his top priority.
He also reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.
The announcement comes as Trump seeks to secure fuel supplies and lower prices amid disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
On Oct. 2, his administration urged European Union countries to release some of their diesel reserves to ease global fuel prices.
The Group of Seven nations agreed later that day to coordinate the release of 100 million barrels of diesel and other reserves through the International Energy Agency to stabilise global energy markets.
Togo Approves Draft Law To Open Electricity Market To Private Investors
Togo’s Council of Ministers has approved a draft law to open the electricity market to greater private investment and improve the sector’s financial viability, Togo First reported.
The bill, approved on October 6, seeks to modernise existing legislation and facilitate investment in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
It would establish a legal framework for electricity storage, introduce a new category of eligible customers and allow third-party access to electricity grids.
The proposed law would also strengthen the role of independent power producers and clarify rules for self-generation, self-consumption and feeding surplus renewable electricity into the grid.
Businesses operating in special economic zones would be able to diversify their electricity supplies through self-generation and direct contracts with domestic or regional power producers.
The reforms aim to improve electricity availability, contain costs for businesses and make industrial zones more attractive to investors.
The proposed changes come amid rising electricity demand. Projections by the national utility, Compagnie Énergie Électrique du Togo (CEET), show consumption increasing to 2,753 gigawatt-hours by 2030 from 2,085 GWh in 2024, a rise of nearly 32%, according to Togo First.
Peak electricity demand reached 360 megawatts in the first quarter of 2026, with annual demand growth estimated at about 10%.
Options being explored to meet rising demand include a 120 MW dual-fuel thermal power plant, with support from the World Bank.
Renewables accounted for 41.24% of the country’s total installed electricity generation capacity of 327 MW in 2024.
If enacted, the legislation could help attract private investment, strengthen energy security and support Togo’s goal of universal electricity access by 2030.
Malawi Seeks Bids For Supply Of 440,000 Tonnes Of Fuel
Malawi’s National Oil Company (NOCMA) is seeking bids to supply 440,000 metric tonnes of gasoline and gasoil, according to a public notice issued on Friday.
The refined petroleum products are to be delivered over a 12-month period through the ports of Beira and Nacala in Mozambique and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
NOCMA said deliveries through Beira and Nacala would be made on Free Carrier (FCA, ex-tank) terms. Deliveries through Dar es Salaam would be on Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) terms or Delivered at Place (DAP) terms at Malawi Cargo Logistics.
Interested bidders can purchase the bidding documents in English for a non-refundable fee of $3,000 after submitting a written application.
NOCMA said it would email the documents once payment had been confirmed. It would not be responsible for courier costs or the non-receipt of documents sent by post or other means.
All bids must be accompanied by a $3.5 million bid bond and submitted in sealed envelopes bearing the procurement reference number by 2:30 p.m. Central Africa Time on Nov. 2, 2026.
Bids will be opened at the same time at NOCMA’s address, in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids will be rejected.
Bidders may submit offers for any combination of ports or products.
The tender requires a 180-day credit period, as specified in the bidding documents, regardless of fluctuations in global fuel prices during the supply contract.
NOCMA said it reserved the right to accept or reject any bid, cancel the tender process or reject all bids without giving reasons or incurring liability.
Zambia Surpasses 1,000 MW Solar Capacity Target
Zambia has surpassed its target of 1,000 megawatts of installed solar capacity for 2026, President Hakainde Hichilema said, calling for stronger regional cooperation to support Africa’s energy development.
The country’s installed electricity generation capacity has increased to 4,722 MW from 3,777 MW in 2024, while solar capacity has risen to 1,027 MW from 178 MW, Hichilema said in a speech read by Vice President Mutale Nalumango at the opening of the 2026 Energy Forum.
The forum was held under the theme “Driving a Borderless Energy Future for Africa”.
Hichilema said the expansion of solar capacity marked progress in diversifying Zambia’s energy mix as climate change challenges its reliance on hydropower.
The success of Zambia’s energy strategy should be measured by its contribution to economic growth and transformation, as well as by installed capacity, he said.
As the country works towards a generation capacity target of 10,000 MW by 2031, investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure must keep pace, Hichilema said, urging energy sector participants to prioritise transmission.
He said the government was committed to providing a policy environment that supports sustainable investment and called for greater regional energy integration.
Acting Energy Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said Zambia had several energy projects at different stages of development and expressed confidence that partnerships would help the country meet its 2031 target.
Musokotwane urged investors who had signed power purchase agreements to proceed with implementation, saying the forum should help turn commitments into projects.
Zambia was positioning itself as a regional electricity hub, with its Grow Zambia Agenda focusing on generation, transmission and distribution, he said in a speech read by Arnold Simwaba, permanent secretary responsible for electricity.
Zimbabwe’s Energy Minister July Moyo said an integrated regional energy system was necessary to support expanding industries, particularly mining and agriculture.
Zambia and Zimbabwe were working on an electricity interconnector to strengthen regional energy security, Moyo said, urging countries to invest in cross-border infrastructure before energy crises arise.
Russian Firms To Showcase Energy Technologies At African Energy Week In Cape Town
A delegation of 13 Russian companies will showcase energy and industrial technologies at African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town, seeking partnerships with businesses in South Africa and other African countries, the Russian Export Center (REC) said.
The business mission, organised by the REC under the national “Made in Russia” brand, will begin on October 13.
Participating companies will present technologies for oil and gas production, drilling and pipeline infrastructure, alongside industrial equipment, instrumentation, control systems and digital infrastructure solutions.
The programme will include business-to-business meetings with importers, distributors and industry representatives from across Africa to discuss local market requirements, supply terms and opportunities for technological cooperation.
The REC said the mission aimed to establish direct business contacts and develop long-term partnerships between Russian and African companies.
The REC, (part of the VEB.RF Group), is a government institution that supports Russia’s non-resource, non-energy exports.
It provides financial and non-financial assistance to companies entering international markets.
The REC Group includes the Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment Insurance (EXIAR), ROSEXIMBANK and the REC Export School.
Malawi: Trade Unions Call For Urgent Action Over Fuel Shortages, Soaring Black-Market Prices
The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) has urged the government to tackle worsening fuel shortages, saying the crisis is placing an unsustainable burden on workers and households already struggling with rising living costs.
Black-market traders are selling fuel for as much as 20,000 Malawian kwacha per litre, compared with a regulated pump price of approximately 5,619 kwacha, the union said.
In a statement signed by Secretary General Charles Kumchenga, MCTU said the shortages were hurting workers, households, businesses and the wider economy.
It urged the government, through relevant ministries and agencies, including the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), to restore reliable fuel supplies nationwide.
The crisis comes as wages remain well below living costs, the union said, citing 2026 estimates from the Centre for Social Concern that a household needs about 959,522 kwacha a month to meet its basic needs. Many workers earn between 83,720 and 600,000 kwacha a month, depending on their sector and occupation, it added.
MCTU warned that fuel shortages could drive up the prices of essential goods and services, adding to inflationary pressures.
The consequences for Malawi’s economy could be severe if the situation persisted, it said, adding that workers could not continue absorbing fuel shortages and rising prices while their incomes remained largely unchanged.
The union outlined five demands, calling first for immediate government action to ensure adequate and consistent fuel supplies across the country.
It also urged decisive action against fuel hoarding, illegal trading and black-market pricing, saying these practices exploited vulnerable consumers.
MCTU called for stronger management and distribution of fuel supplies to ensure available stocks reached consumers fairly and transparently.
It also demanded regular public updates on fuel availability and the measures being taken to address the shortages.
Finally, the union urged the government to address the foreign exchange shortage, which it said was directly contributing to the fuel crisis.
Nigeria: Government Plans 30-Day Petrol Discount At NNPC Stations, Prioritises Public Transport Operators
Nigeria plans to offer discounted petrol at filling stations operated by state-controlled NNPC Limited for an initial 30 days, giving priority to public transport operators, Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said on Thursday.
Speaking in Abuja, Oyedele said the measure would allow the government to sell petrol at cost.
“We are offering a discount on petrol dispensed by NNPC Limited for the next 30 days in the first instance with priority for public transporters nationwide,” he said.
He said the arrangement was not a subsidy.
The government also plans to sell crude oil forward to domestic refiners, with the duration and price yet to be determined, Oyedele said.
“That preserves your budget, provides certainty to the refiners and price stability to the consumers,” he said.
Oyedele said the government was negotiating a ceiling of 1,350 naira per litre for petrol at the ex-gantry level or on its landing cost to help stabilise fuel prices. The price would be reviewed monthly.
“Pump prices do not have to follow every swing in global crude prices or the exchange rate,” he said.
The federal government is also working with state governments to accelerate the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG), he added.
Oyedele urged transport operators to pass the savings on to passengers through lower fares.
The government would also consider an “excess profit tax” on operators who take undue advantage of consumers anywhere along the energy value chain, he said.
“The proceeds will be used exclusively to cushion the impact of fuel prices, through transport support or vouchers for urban minimum wage earners who are the most vulnerable,” he said.
Oyedele added that the government would work with the National Assembly to consider additional tax relief for low-income earners under the 2027 Finance Bill.
IEA Members Release 325 Million Barrels Of Oil, Seek Faster Stock Drawdowns
Members of the International Energy Agency (IEA) have released about 325 million barrels of oil under a collective action launched in March 2026, with some countries releasing more than they initially pledged, the agency said.
In a statement following a meeting on Wednesday, the Paris-based agency said member governments supported accelerating the remaining stock releases to complete the action as soon as possible.
They also backed prioritising diesel stock releases where possible, citing tightness in diesel markets.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to completing the March action and expressed support for the IEA’s response to the energy impacts of the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
They stressed the importance of the agency’s continued monitoring of the releases and provision of up-to-date market analysis.
Participants also welcomed a recent statement by G7 leaders on global energy security and market stability, including its emphasis on the free flow of energy trade.
The IEA said its members stood ready to release additional stocks if needed.
The agency’s secretariat will continue working with member governments to monitor implementation of the March action.
Member governments agreed to review the situation at the next scheduled meeting of the IEA Governing Board next week.
Ghana: Glencore Supplies 1 Million Barrels Of Ghanaian Crude To Sentuo Refinery
Global commodity trader Glencore delivered 1 million barrels of crude oil sourced from Tullow Oil to Ghana’s Sentuo Oil Refinery earlier this year for processing, a refinery official told Energy News Africa.
The official said the refinery had agreed with Glencore to secure regular supplies of locally produced crude to sustain its operations.
“It is not a one-off thing. It is going to continue,” the official said.
Tullow, which operates Ghana’s Jubilee and TEN oil fields, recently confirmed the arrangement during a virtual meeting with investors following the release of its half-year results.
Chief Financial Officer Richard Miller said the deal was agreed on commercial terms and described it as an important step for Ghana’s oil industry.
Financing arrangements had also been put in place to support the initiative and ensure the transactions were commercially viable, he said.
Miller said Sentuo had become an important buyer of Ghanaian crude, purchasing oil from Tullow and other partners in the country’s oil fields.
The development comes as Tullow expects to increase its crude oil liftings this year.
The company plans to lift 14 cargoes in 2026, comprising 11 from Jubilee and three from TEN. The Jubilee total is two cargoes higher than its November 2025 forecast.
Tullow lifted six cargoes in the first half of the year and expects to lift another eight in the second half.
The company said increased domestic crude sales could strengthen links between Ghana’s oil production and refining sectors as efforts continue to improve refinery operations.
South Africa Plans 9.6 GW Of Battery Storage And Gas-To-Power Capacity
South Africa plans to procure 9.6 gigawatts (GW) of battery storage and gas-to-power capacity under its Integrated Resource Plan 2025, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said on Wednesday.
The allocation comprises 4,600 megawatts (MW) of battery energy storage systems and 5,000 MW of gas-to-power capacity to meet immediate needs for storage, flexibility and dispatchable electricity supply.
The first determination will make no provision for new wind or solar capacity, with allocations for those technologies to follow later, Ramokgopa told a briefing.
“A subsequent determination will address these technologies, including hybrid projects coupled with energy storage and longer-term pumped storage development,” he said.
Africa’s largest economy plans to add more than 105 GW of new generation capacity by 2039, according to the plan released last year. Renewable energy would account for more than half of the additions as the country gradually reduces its dependence on coal.
South Africa currently has five battery storage projects totalling 513 MW. Wider deployment of the technology would help the country make better use of wind and solar resources constrained by insufficient grid capacity, Ramokgopa said.
The country is also evaluating proposals from four shortlisted consortia bidding to develop 2 GW of gas-to-power capacity.
The Integrated Resource Plan provides for 16 GW of gas-fired capacity in the electricity mix by 2039.
Ghana’s Refined Petroleum Imports Fall 12.67% As Domestic Output Rises
Ghana’s refined petroleum product imports fell 12.67% in the first half of 2026 as domestic production increased, according to a report by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
Total imports declined to 2.79 million metric tonnes from 3.20 million tonnes a year earlier, a reduction of 405,148 tonnes, COMAC’s half-year industry report said, citing data from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
Ghana sources refined petroleum products from countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and Togo.
Total import volumes were lower in every month of the period, with February recording the largest decline.
Gasoil, or diesel, remained the largest imported product at about 48.6% of total imports. Gasoline, or petrol, imports totalled 1.11 million tonnes, accounting for 39.9%.
Together, the two products represented approximately 88.5% of refined petroleum imports.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports reached 167,127 tonnes, while aviation turbine kerosene and fuel oil imports totalled 122,695 tonnes and 31,447 tonnes, respectively.
The report attributed the decline in imports to increased domestic refinery output.
Domestic production rose 350.7% to 719,414 tonnes in the first half of 2026 from 159,627 tonnes a year earlier. Output also increased 5.5% in the second quarter compared with the first.
Sentuo Oil Refinery drove the increase, producing 656,471 tonnes, or 91.3% of total domestic output, according to the report.
Ghana Gas Company Limited produced 37,455 tonnes, while Platon and Akwaaba contributed smaller volumes.
Gasoil and gasoline production reached 326,684 tonnes and 236,654 tonnes, respectively, together accounting for 78.3% of total output.
Production of aviation turbine fuel, residual fuel oil and condensate also increased. LPG output, however, fell 54% to 23,516 tonnes from 51,143 tonnes, with no production recorded in the second quarter.
The report said increased local refining was helping reduce dependence on imported gasoline and gasoil, although production remained heavily concentrated at Sentuo.
Ghana’s petroleum product exports more than doubled to 561,924 tonnes in the first half of 2026 from 276,413 tonnes a year earlier, an increase of 103.3%.
The country exports petroleum products to regional markets, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The second quarter accounted for 54.7% of half-year exports, compared with 45.3% in the first quarter.
Gasoil was the leading export product at 267,869 tonnes, followed by gasoline at 183,529 tonnes. Together, they accounted for 80.3% of total exports.
Ghana: COMAC, CBOD Agree To Strengthen Dialogue On Downstream Petroleum Issues
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) and the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) have agreed to strengthen consultation and collaboration on issues affecting Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The agreement followed a meeting between the two industry associations, COMAC said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
The discussions reaffirmed the importance of transparency and regular dialogue, with both associations agreeing to keep each other informed of their positions on significant industry matters.
“The Chambers agreed that, given their shared interest in the development of the downstream petroleum sector, it is important for each institution to be adequately informed of the other’s position on significant industry matters,” COMAC said.
Both associations also agreed to consult each other before taking positions on major issues, particularly those with wider implications for the sector.
They agreed to meet quarterly or every six months to discuss emerging developments, exchange views and identify opportunities for joint action.
Research, policy engagement and regulatory compliance were identified as key areas for collaboration.
The meeting also addressed challenges facing the sector, with both associations discussing possible solutions and agreeing on next steps.