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BP Signs Three Production Sharing Contracts In Indonesia
BP and its partners have signed three Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) in Indonesia, bringing BP’s total participation in oil and gas blocks in the country to 11.
Two of the PSCs are for the Bintuni and Drawa exploration blocks, which are located near the existing BP-operated Tangguh LNG facility in Papua Barat, creating potential for short-cycle development.
BP also confirmed its participation in the INPEX-operated Barong block in East Java.
The agreements, part of the second Indonesia Petroleum Bidding Round 2025 hosted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, were signed between BP and the Government of Indonesia, represented by SKK Migas, and witnessed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia.
“These agreements demonstrate our ongoing investment in Indonesia’s energy security and economic growth,” said William Lin, executive vice president for gas and low carbon energy at BP.
“We already have world-class assets in the country and, subject to success, the proximity of two of these new blocks to our existing infrastructure could support the potential future development and production of these resources,” he added.
“This year marks BP’s 60th anniversary in Indonesia and, through our dedicated regional team and continuous focus on safety and operational performance, we look forward to working with the government and our partners to continue supporting the country’s energy resilience and development objectives for years to come.”
The PSCs were signed at the Indonesian Petroleum Association Convention & Exhibition 2026.
At the Bintuni and Drawa blocks, BP’s partners include CNOOC Southeast Asia Limited, INPEX CORPORATION and Mitsubishi Corporation through MI Berau B.V., as well as Indonesia Natural Gas Resources Muturi, Inc., a subsidiary of LNG Japan Corporation.
Following the agreement signing, BP holds a 49 percent stake in the Barong block alongside INPEX CORPORATION, which holds 51 percent and serves as operator.
South Africa: Eskom Threatens Power Cuts In Johannesburg Over R5.2 Billion Debt
South African state-owned power utility Eskom has issued a formal notice of its intention to reduce or terminate electricity supply to the City of Johannesburg and its regional entity, City Power over mounting debt.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the utility stated that the City of Johannesburg currently owes arrears amounting to R5.25 billion (equivalent of 315,744,000)
An additional R1.58 billion is scheduled for payment on Friday, June 5, 2026, according to the Eskom Gauteng Cluster.
Eskom alleged that the municipality has repeatedly failed to honour its Electricity Supply Agreement despite more than two years of engagement.
The utility said it is no longer sustainable to allow the city to collect revenue from residents without transferring the required portion to the national supplier.
According to Eskom, the growing debt burden undermines its efforts to improve its balance sheet and maintain affordable electricity pricing.
The company added in a media statement that its financial sustainability depends on effective revenue collection and reduced expenditure.Eskom also announced on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, that nine other municipalities had moved toward signing Distribution Agency Agreements (DAAs).
These long-term contracts allow Eskom to manage technical and financial aspects of local electricity supply, including revenue collection and the installation of smart meters.
The utility did not specify when the planned interruptions or terminations in Johannesburg would begin.
The move follows a broader national trend of escalating municipal debt, which Eskom says threatens its operational viability.
COP31 President Calls For Faster Electrification, More Climate Finance For Developing Countries
The President-designate of COP31, Murat Kurum, has called for accelerated electrification and increased climate finance for developing countries ahead of the global climate summit in Turkey, scheduled for November 2026.
Addressing the opening session of the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial conference in Denmark on Wednesday, Kurum said electrification had emerged as a key theme during recent climate engagements, including meetings held in Berlin, Paris, Santa Marta and Baku.
According to him, electricity currently accounts for about 20 percent of global final energy consumption, adding that efforts should be intensified to increase its share.
Kurum said this would require both the decarbonisation of electricity generation and the expansion of electrification across sectors.
“We must make the technologies of the future accessible at scale — and we must ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
He said the COP31 presidency would prioritise clean energy, clean cooking, resilient cities and industrial decarbonisation under its action agenda.
Kurum added that the presidency is already collaborating with key institutions, including the International Energy Agency, the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Global Renewables Alliance.
The COP31 president-designate also urged stakeholders to support funding for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
“For billions of people living along the world’s coasts, oceans are not an abstract climate issue. They are a source of food, livelihoods, identity and security,” he said.
Kurum said national climate roadmaps should remain central to the UN climate process through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Biennial Transparency Reports and National Adaptation Plans.
He also highlighted oceans and coastal communities as major priority areas.
On climate finance, Kurum said the COP31 presidency would work to increase funding for developing countries through the Global Implementation Accelerator and recommendations under the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap.
He said COP31 would seek stronger participation from the private sector to mobilise climate finance.
“Concessional and grant-based public finance will be indispensable — especially for developing economies that need to adapt, build resilience and respond to loss and damage,” he said.
Kurum noted that donor countries would be held accountable for commitments made under the $300 billion Baku climate finance goal.
He said efforts would continue to improve access to climate finance and increase funding from UN climate funds threefold by 2030.
Kurum added that the replenishment of the Green Climate Fund this year would be critical.
“Developed countries must also submit their first biennial communications this year, showing how they will deliver their fair share of the Baku Finance Goal,” he added.
“It is easy to say we support global climate action. But promises must be kept.”
UK Eases Sanctions On Russian-Origin Diesel And Jet Fuel As Prices Soar
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The UK temporarily allows imports of diesel and jet fuel processed from Russian-origin crude in third countries to address rising fuel prices and jet fuel shortages.
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The Labour government defends the move as necessary for supply security, while Conservatives criticize it as undermining sanctions and UK energy policy.
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The easing follows similar U.S. waivers on Russian oil sales amid global fuel price spikes, with UK gasoline prices reaching record highs since the Iran war.
The UK government has waived sanctions on imports of diesel and jet fuel processed from Russian-origin crude in third countries, citing spiking fuel prices and concerns over jet fuel supply shortages, according to Oilprice.com.
The easing of a small portion of the UK’s strict sanctions and bans on Russian crude and oil product imports is intended to protect supply security, the Labour government argues.
However, the Conservatives criticized the decision as “insane” and claimed it undermines the sanctions due to domestic political considerations.
This “small, specific, and time-limited” waiver in the UK’s sanctions regime was made to “protect the security of supply for essential foundational goods in our economy, such as jet fuel,” Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson told BBC Breakfast on Wednesday.
Earlier this week, the average UK gasoline price jumped to its highest level since the Iran war began, putting additional pressure on consumers already struggling with high gas and energy costs.
Commenting on the government’s decision to allow imports of diesel and jet fuel produced in third countries from Russian crude, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch posted on social media: “After 18 months of ‘standing up to Putin,’ the Labour government quietly issued a licence allowing imports of Russian oil refined in third countries. Yesterday, Labour MPs voted AGAINST UK oil and gas licences. We are now importing from Russia instead of drilling in the North Sea. Insane.”
UK Eases Sanctions On Russian-Origin Diesel And Jet Fuel As Prices Soar
The UK’s move to ease import restrictions on fuels made from Russian-origin crude in third countries comes just days after the U.S. Treasury extended a waiver of Russia-related sanctions, allowing the sale of Russian oil floating at sea for another 30 days until June 17.
The U.S. first issued a waiver in March, permitting Russian crude on tankers to be sold without penalties as oil and fuel prices spiked following the Iran war.
Ghana: Africa Can Solve Its Energy Challenges Using Local Engineers – Dr. Jinapor
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has challenged Africa to look inward to solve the continent’s energy challenges, stating that the continent is endowed with highly skilled and competent engineers.
He made the remarks at the opening of the Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC), held in Accra, Ghana, from Tuesday, May 19, to Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The conference brought together ministers, energy sector professionals, academia, and innovators.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jinapor emphasized that Africans are capable of addressing their own problems instead of relying on expatriates, noting that indigenous solutions are often more cost-effective.
He recounted how Ghanaian engineers successfully restored power supply from the Akosombo Generation Station to the national grid in just a few days after a fire completely destroyed the switchyard that receives and transmits power from the station.
“Recently, we had a major fire incident at our biggest hydro dam. The whole control centre was burnt, and we instantly lost 1,000 MW. If you have a peak demand of 4,500 MW and an installed capacity of 5,000 MW, losing 1,000 MW instantaneously is a huge challenge. For five days, it wasn’t easy for me as Minister for Energy. Despite this, the Ghanaian people demanded a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. Thanks to my engineers, within five days they resolved the issue, and we had reliable power,” the Minister said, illustrating how African engineers can solve their own problems without external support.
Organized by the Africa Energy Technology Centre in partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, AETC 2026 is themed “From Borders to Bridges: Driving Intra-African Trade and Development through Energy & Technology Services.”
Touching on the theme, Dr. Jinapor emphasized the need for African nations to collaborate by sharing ideas and leveraging each other’s resources to solve common challenges.
He highlighted Ghana’s energy trade, noting that the country imports gas from Nigeria for power generation and exports some of it to its West African neighbors.
He also mentioned a recent discussion with a delegation from Benin, which requested that Ghana increase power exports to them, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation.
“We must work together. We take gas from Nigeria—about 100 mmscf/day—to generate power and export some to our neighbors. That is how we build bridges. That is how we move from borders to building bridges,” he stated.
Nigeria: Convicted Former Power Minister Smoked Out Of Hideout To Serve Jail Term
Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, was on Tuesday morning arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from his hideout in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State, following weeks of intensive surveillance and intelligence gathering by the Commission’s operatives.
Mamman was sentenced to 75 years in prison in absentia on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, over a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case brought by the EFCC.
The court convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him, holding that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Following the arrest, EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede issued a press statement confirming that the former minister, who had gone underground after his conviction on corruption charges, had been apprehended.
“On May 7, 2026, Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts bordering on diversion of funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. The court convicted him in absentia after agreeing with the Commission that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” Olukoyede said, according to PremiumNewsNG.com.
“For us, getting the convict to serve his jail terms is extremely important, given the seriousness with which we are tackling corrupt practices. It is this resolve that made us deploy intelligence to track and arrest the convict. We will process his transfer to the Correctional Centre accordingly,” he added.
Justice Omotosho held in his judgment that the EFCC successfully established that Mamman and his associates diverted not less than N22 billion meant for the execution of critical power projects.
The court further ruled that the defence failed to present credible evidence capable of discrediting the prosecution’s case.
The judge condemned the diversion of public funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects, describing the act as a gross abuse of public trust.
Nigeria Appoints Joseph Tegbe As New Minister For Power
He also noted that Mamman used proxy companies and associates to siphon and benefit from funds meant for critical national infrastructure.
Mamman served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, overseeing Nigeria’s power sector and major hydroelectric projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru projects.
Following his conviction, the court ordered that Mamman be arrested and produced before it on May 13, 2026, for sentencing. However, he failed to appear in court on the scheduled date, prompting the court to proceed with sentencing in his absence.
Justice Omotosho subsequently sentenced Mamman to seven years’ imprisonment each on Counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, without an option of fine. He was also sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on Count 4 with an option of a N10 million fine and two years’ imprisonment on Count 5 without an option of fine.
The court further ordered that the sentences run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years.
Mamman is also facing another corruption trial before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, over an alleged N31 billion fraud.
Tanzania: Deputy Energy Minister Urges TANESCO To Strengthen Customer Service Through Digital Systems
- Deputy Minister urges TANESCO to adopt digital systems for better customer service.
- Meeting addresses performance, challenges, and strategic communication.
- Calls for improved benefits to motivate frontline service providers.
Tanzanian Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Salome Makamba, has urged Tanzania Electricity Corporation (TANESCO) customer relations and service officers to effectively use digital systems and intelligence to keep pace with technological growth and enhance the efficiency of customer service and communication.
She delivered the advice on Monday, May 18, 2026, during the opening of the five-day Annual General Meeting (AGM) of TANESCO officers at the Lavender Hotel in Dodoma. The AGM aims to assess work performance, identify challenges, discuss strategies to improve customer service, and strengthen strategic communication within the organization for 2026. “We all recognize that technology is the foundation of modern service delivery. Therefore, it is the responsibility of Customer Service Officers to ensure digital systems, including smart intelligence, are used efficiently so that citizens receive quality services and timely information,” Hon. Salome Makamba said. According to her, the government recognizes the sincere efforts being made by TANESCO to improve customer service and strategic communication through the use of social media, WhatsApp groups, and education on the safe use of electricity and clean cooking energy. She also urged TANESCO management to improve incentives for customer service providers to increase their motivation and efficiency, noting that these frontline staff plays a key role in building the organization’s image with customers. “On behalf of the Ministry leadership, I congratulate the service providers for your dedication. I also request the TANESCO CEO to oversee the improvement of their benefits so that they can provide quality and reliable services to customers,” Hon. Makamba added.Kenya: EPRA Cuts Diesel Price By KSh10.06, Hikes Kerosene By KSh38.60 Per Litre After Nationwide Protests
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has reviewed diesel pump prices downward by KSh10.06 per litre, while the price of kerosene has increased by KSh38.60 per litre.
However, the pump price for Super Petrol remains unchanged.
In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will now retail at KSh214.25, KSh232.86, and KSh191.38 respectively, effective Tuesday, May 19, 2026, for the next 30 days.
The review follows Monday’s nationwide protests by public service vehicle (PSV) operators against rising fuel costs, which resulted in the deaths of four people, injuries to 30 others, and the arrest of 348 individuals.
In a statement, EPRA said it had received a petition from public transport sector operators requesting measures to minimize the risk of motor fuel adulteration that may arise due to the wide price differential between diesel and kerosene.
Commercial Oil Inventories Depleting Rapidly, With Only Weeks Left, Says IEA Chief
The Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, has revealed that commercial oil inventories are depleting rapidly, with only a few weeks’ worth of supply left due to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.
According to reports, Birol told reporters on Monday during the Group of Seven finance leaders’ meeting in Paris that the release of strategic oil reserves had added 2.5 million barrels of oil per day to the market, but noted that these reserves “are not endless.”
Birol added that the onset of the spring planting and summer travel seasons in the Northern Hemisphere would drain inventories more quickly as demand for diesel, fertilizer, jet fuel, and gasoline increases.
He said that before the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February, there was a major surplus in the oil market and commercial inventories were very high. However, the situation has rapidly shifted due to the war.
He stated that commercial inventories would last “several weeks, but we should be aware of the fact that they are declining rapidly.”
Kenya:Four Killed, 30 Injured, And 348 Arrested During Nationwide Protest Over High Fuel Prices
Last week, the IEA said global oil supply will fall short of total demand this year as the Iran conflict disrupts Middle East oil production, with inventories being drained at an unprecedented pace. The agency had previously forecast a surplus for the year.
Global observed oil inventories fell at a record pace in March and April, dropping by 246 million barrels, the IEA said in its latest monthly oil market report.
The 32-member IEA coordinated the largest-ever release of stocks from strategic reserves in March, agreeing to withdraw 400 million barrels in a bid to calm markets. Around 164 million barrels had been released by May 8, it said.
Overall, global oil supply is expected to fall by around 3.9 million barrels per day in 2026 due to the war, the agency said, sharply revising its previous forecast, which had projected a 1.5 million bpd decline.
Kenya:Four Killed, 30 Injured, And 348 Arrested During Nationwide Protest Over High Fuel Prices
Four protesters were killed on Monday during a nationwide demonstration sparked by high fuel costs in Kenya, with 30 others sustaining varying degrees of injuries, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed during a press briefing.
According to the CS, 348 individuals were arrested for various offences, including destruction of property, unlawful assembly, and attacks on law enforcement officers.
He said investigations are ongoing and those found responsible for criminal acts during the protests will be arraigned in court.
“The government respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, but acts of violence, looting, and destruction of property will not be tolerated,” Murkomen said.
The demonstrations were organized in response to public anger over high fuel costs, which have increased transport costs and pushed up the prices of basic commodities across the country.
Protesters in several major towns blocked roads, lit bonfires, and demanded immediate government action to reduce fuel prices and ease the economic burden on ordinary Kenyans.
CS Murkomen appealed to Kenyans to remain peaceful and allow the government to address concerns through lawful and constructive engagement.
He reiterated that security agencies will continue to maintain order while safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights.
Ghana: Energy Commission Urges More Women To Join Electrical Wiring Profession
Ghana’s Energy Commission, the technical regulator for electricity and natural gas, has called for a deliberate push to increase female participation in Ghana’s electrical wiring profession, describing the sector as still heavily male-dominated.
Deputy Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Chris Nanabanyin Yalley, made the call during an official visit to the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC), where he observed the ongoing May/June 2026 Electrical Wiring Professionals Examination being conducted nationwide by the Commission.
The visit was part of the Commission’s commitment to ensuring quality, professionalism, and integrity in the electrical wiring certification process.
During the visit, Mr. Yalley toured both the interview and practical examination sessions, gaining firsthand experience of the examination procedures and interacting with candidates and officials overseeing the exercise.
Addressing those present, he highlighted a female electrician apprentice support programme championed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Ms. Adwoa Serwaa Bonzie, which aims to encourage and support more women to pursue careers in electrical installation and related technical fields.
He noted that the low number of female candidates participating in the current examinations at the Accra centre underscores the urgency for targeted interventions.
Mr. Yalley called on corporate institutions, development partners, and industry stakeholders to collaborate with the Commission by sponsoring female electrician apprentices through training and certification programmes.
He stressed that increasing female representation in the electrical industry would not only promote inclusivity and gender empowerment but also contribute to national skills development and the growth of Ghana’s energy sector.
The Electrical Wiring Professionals Examination is being conducted simultaneously at four centres across the country—Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi, and Tamale—as part of the Energy Commission’s mandate to uphold professional competence, safety standards, and excellence within Ghana’s electrical wiring industry.
Egypt: TotalEnergies And EGAS Sig MoU For Offshore Exploration
TotalEnergies and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on offshore exploration activities.
The MoU covers a large area located in the northwestern offshore region of Egypt.
The agreement establishes a framework for technical cooperation, including preliminary exploration and subsurface evaluation activities.
“We are pleased to launch this cooperation with EGAS, which reflects our shared ambition to further strengthen our partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt. This agreement will support the assessment of Egypt’s deep offshore exploration potential,” said Nicola Mavilla, Senior Vice President of Exploration at TotalEnergies.
Zambia: ZESCO, Stanbic Bank, And GreenCo Sign MoU To Advance Renewable Energy Projects Under ZAMWATT Initiative
Zambia’s power utility company, ZESCO Limited, Stanbic Bank Zambia, and GreenCo Power Services Limited have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and implement a portfolio of renewable energy projects under the brand name “ZAMWATT.”
The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s journey towards a more sustainable, secure, and diversified energy future.
The partnership represents a major step forward in advancing sustainable energy solutions within Zambia’s energy sector, with a strong focus on strengthening energy security, promoting renewable energy investment, and supporting the country’s long-term development and clean energy transition agenda.
Ghana: Petrol Relief Scrapped, Diesel Support Cut To GH¢1.07 Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Speaking during the signing ceremony at Stanbic’s Head Office, ZESCO Limited Acting Managing Director, Eng. Francis Namakanda, said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to transforming Zambia’s energy sector through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development.
He noted that the partnership will unlock new investment opportunities, accelerate renewable energy deployment, and strengthen infrastructure development across the country.
The Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Zambia, Mwindwa Siakalima, highlighted that the partnership demonstrates the bank’s continued commitment to financing impactful and sustainable projects that contribute to Zambia’s economic transformation. He added that the ZAMWATT initiative aligns with Stanbic Bank’s vision of driving inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.
GreenCo Power Services Limited Chief Executive Officer, Wezi Gondwe, said the collaboration marks an important step in advancing market-based renewable energy solutions in Zambia and the wider region. He emphasized GreenCo’s commitment to supporting innovative energy trading systems and facilitating private sector participation in clean energy development.
Representing the Minister of Energy, Director in the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Sivena Kambenja, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a timely intervention aligned with the government’s vision to expand access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy, while strengthening collaboration across the energy sector
Kenya: Bonfires, Roadblocks As Fuel Price Hike Sparks Protests
Hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets on Monday to protest the recent increase in fuel prices across the country.
A section of public transport operators has joined the protest, leaving many workers stranded along roads and at transport stations.
In some areas, protesters have set bonfires and blocked roads to express their anger over the fuel price hikes announced last Friday by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Videos shared by Citizen TV Kenya showed instances where protesters turned empty roads into football parks and pitches.
Key roads in the capital Nairobi remained largely empty, forcing some commuters to walk to work, with other parts of the country also affected by the transport crisis.
Businesses in parts of Nairobi remained shut and schools asked students to stay at home.
Kenya: Energy Cabinet Secretary Explains Fuel Price Hike Amid Public Concern
EPRA recently increased petrol prices by KShs16.65 per litre and diesel prices by KShs46.29 per litre, while the price of kerosene remained unchanged.
The hike has triggered public concern, with many citizens calling for its withdrawal.
Opiyo Wandayi and other government officials have justified the increment, citing ongoing Middle East tensions as the cause of the fuel price hikes.
Fuel prices are reviewed on the 14th of every month.
The hike has triggered public concern, with many citizens calling for its withdrawal.
Opiyo Wandayi and other government officials have justified the increment, citing ongoing Middle East tensions as the cause of the fuel price hikes.
Fuel prices are reviewed on the 14th of every month.