Turkey, Iraq leaders tout cooperation in Ankara, but major disputes persist The Turkish and Iraqi leaders signed 11 cooperation deals in Ankara, but talks yield no apparent breakthrough on suspended oil exports or electricity flow. Turkey
Goldman Sachs lowers oil forecast after OPEC+ boosts production: What to know Saudi Arabia, Russia and other members of OPEC+ announced another major production increase, sending oil prices below $60 a barrel. Saudi Arabia
OPEC+ moves up meeting as oil prices continue to drop: What to know Saudi Arabia has signaled it is willing to live with lower oil prices as US President Donald Trump calls for more production. Saudi Arabia
Kuwait renews Shell deal as it seeks to hit 4-million-bpd capacity target Kuwait, which has one of the lowest costs of production in the world, has lagged behind its regional peers in expanding oil production capacity. Kuwait
Exclusive Turkey stops electricity sales to Iraq after Baghdad fails to settle $70M+ bill By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
International oil firms stop operations as Iraqi-Kurdish oil dispute continues A Kurdish official told Al-Monitor that the Kurdistan Regional Government disagrees with an Iraqi government proposal to resolve the issue, as the stoppage of oil exports to Turkey threatens the autonomous region's economy. Iraq
Saudis joining Shanghai Cooperation Organization as China bromance blossoms Russia, China and a number of former Soviet states in Central Asia created the SCO in 2001 to counter US hegemony in the region. Gulf
Analysis North Africa diesel exports to Europe surge as Russia digs deeper into Ukraine Europe has been looking for alternative sources of oil and gas in light of Western sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine war. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
UAE-Israel ties strengthen further with offer for NewMed Energy Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and British Petroleum are seeking a 50% stake in the firm. The news follows the activation of the Israel-UAE free trade agreement and another Emirati firm buying a stake in Israel's gas fields. Gulf
Saudi Arabia, UAE court China in search for stability with Iran The Arab Gulf states remain cordial and diplomatic as the United States, Russia, China and Iran feud over spying and matters of international law. Gulf
Oil spill hits Kuwait but production unaffected Oil production was unaffected but some people were injured, according to the state-owned oil firm. Kuwait
Analysis Jordan economic rating shows upswing, but problems remain Jordanians in the private sector are praising their government's ambitious economic strategies, but still see systemic inefficiencies as a barrier to making them a reality. By Salim A. Essaid
Kuwait asks Asian refiners to take less oil as Al Zour refinery ramps up output Kuwait Petroleum Corporation informed some buyers that Kuwait Export Blend crude supply could be reduced under new annual contracts as soon as April, according to Reuters. Gulf
Oil sinks below $75 a barrel, lowest price in more than a year The news follows the Saudi National Bank declining to inject more money into the struggling Credit Suisse, as well as Silicon Valley Bank’s failure. Gulf
Saudi Arabia’s 2022 GDP breaks record, exceeds $1 trillion Saudi Arabia’s government report states that it achieved its highest gross domestic product growth rate in over a decade in 2022 at 8.7% and broke its total amount record of more than $1 trillion last year. Gulf
UAE's Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 head, calls for 7% emissions cut, swifter energy transition The Emirates’ Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber talked about the importance of carbon capture and hydrogen at the CERAWeek conference. Gulf
Saudi Arabia invests $51 billion in first wave of Shareek diversification The Shareek investment and diversification strategy is set to create more than 64,000 jobs by 2040. Saudi Arabia