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
Saudi Aramco turns to China for future oil demand as profits fall 25% China is the biggest customer for Saudi crude but is also crucial in Aramco’s ambitions to convert 4 million bpd of its oil production into petrochemicals by 2035. Saudi Arabia
Kuwait's Durra gas dispute puts Iran in new showdown with Gulf rivals The issue has added to a list of already existing tensions between Iran and other Persian Gulf states, with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia upping the rhetoric over the past year, denying any Iranian share in the vast reserve. Iran
Iran, Algeria to build closer energy, tourism ties Europe is increasingly interested in Algeria as an alternative to Russia for gas supplies, while Iran is seeking to boost its own gas output amid continued US sanctions. Iran
South Sudan’s oil at risk due to Sudan civil war South Sudan depends on its northern neighbor to export its oil and is facing difficulties with the exports due to the war there and the conflict in the Red Sea. Sudan
Qatar places major bet on gas as Saudi Aramco scores new find in Jafurah Asian liquefied natural gas prices have fallen to a nearly three-year low as warmer winter temperatures have dampened demand. Qatar
Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline gets a reset, can it overcome sanctions? As Tehran and Islamabad work to make progress on the Iran-Pakistan natural gas pipeline that has been decades in the making, the threat of US sanctions and financing challenges still remain. Iran
Saudi Arabia reports oil export slump after OPEC cuts The dip in exports for the fourth quarter of 2023 was due to Saudi Arabia’s decision to reduce crude output in accordance with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies — the kingdom has also implemented voluntary cuts. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Germany to import Algerian gas, eyes long-term renewables partnership Berlin needs to convince Algiers that green hydrogen production for export is technically feasible and economically viable. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
ADNOC, BP form natural gas joint venture in Egypt The British energy major said Wednesday it would contribute its interests in three development concessions and exploration agreements in Egypt to the joint venture. Egypt
Saudi energy minister reveals why Aramco cut oil target by 1m bpd In January, the world's biggest corporate crude producer said it would halt its oil expansion plan and set a minimum sustained production capacity of 12 million bpd, 1 million bpd below its target announced in 2020 to be reached in 2027. Saudi Arabia
India bets on Qatar again with 20-year LNG deal India is one of Qatar's top LNG customers, and the Gulf country is looking to expand its reach in Asia and Europe amid high export targets and increasing competition from the United States' expanding natural gas market. Qatar
Why has Saudi Arabia ordered Aramco to halt its plan to raise oil production? The move may be simply a cost-cutting strategy, or it could be driven by a new, less optimistic outlook from the world's largest crude producer on future oil demand. Saudi Arabia
