Analysis As Trump plays Russia oil sanctions gambit, will Middle East profit or pay? A potential US crackdown on Russian oil buyers could disrupt global trade flows — and the Middle East stands to both benefit and lose. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Landmark $18.7B Santos-ADNOC takeover delayed: What to know Santos said in a statement that the due diligence period, initially set for six weeks, has been extended until Aug. 22. United Arab Emirates
$35B gas deal underscores Egypt’s energy reliance on Israel despite Gaza tensions Israel and Egypt have finalized a $35 billion gas deal that will double Israeli gas exports by 2029, highlighting Cairo’s growing energy dependence on its neighbor, even as political tensions rise over Gaza. Egypt
China's oil imports fall 5.4% as Iranian flows recede from June highs US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran’s economy, clamping down on its oil sector, a critical component of the state budget. Iran
OPEC chief defends oil cut phase-out plans despite bearish market The markets reacted bearishly OPEC+'s Sunday output decision, worrying it could lead to oversupply later in 2024 despite slow demand growth. United Arab Emirates
Interview Oman to phase out polluting industries 'too difficult to decarbonize' Omani Minister of Energy and Minerals Salim Al Aufi told Al-Monitor that if his government finds an industry too difficult or costly to decarbonize, there will be discussions taking place about phasing the sector out all together. Salim Al Aufi Oman Minister of Energy and Minerals
Will Saudi Aramco's massive share sale to raise $12B pay off? Saudi Arabia is selling a 0.64% stake in its state energy company in a bid to offset rising debt and fund its economic diversification plans, but foreign investors remain wary. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Le Drian says France keen to help Saudi Arabia transition away from oil France's former top diplomat said that his country was supportive of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy. Saudi Arabia
What's behind Italy's growing Libya engagement as Russia influence expands? Italy is seeking stronger ties with Libya’s rival groups, though this mission may be hindered by several challenges. Libya
UAE's ADNOC invests in Mozambique's natural gas in first African foray The deal will give ADNOC a share of the liquified natural gas output from the concession, which has a combined capacity of over 25 million metric tons per pear, the company said in a statement. United Arab Emirates
Why UAE’s ADNOC is mulling setting up US trading desk The UAE state-backed company recently held talks to recruit senior energy traders to oversee the expansion, Reuters reported. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Gulf consolidates stature as sovereign wealth hub, lags on per capita holdings A frenzy of recent initial public offerings has again highlighted Gulf states' statuses as global wealth hubs. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Saudi Arabia 'conservative' on oil revenue as it pares back Vision 2030 plans Mohammed Al-Jaadan warned that being a resource-rich country was a curse as well as a blessing because being dependent on one commodity such as oil can hold a country "hostage" to the volatility of global demand and prices. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s BOTAS signs $1.1B long-term LNG deal with ExxonMobil Turkey and ExxonMobil have signed a major liquified natural gas deal as Ankara looks to diversify its energy sources. Turkey
What's behind Saudi Arabia's increase in crude oil prices for Asian market? The kingdom wants to restrain oil production to keep demand up, but the increase in prices to Asian customers is more related to refining values, says one expert. Saudi Arabia
Turkey eyes ExxonMobil LNG as country reduces dependence on Russian gas The long-term deal being discussed with the American energy giant would give Turkey up to 2.5 million metric tons of LNG a year, Turkey's energy minister said in an interview. Turkey
