Many Americans lack knowledge on key energy issues, which could be problematic when they vote later this year for congressional representatives who will shape the country’s energy policies. “What is the solution to this ongoing problem of voters not having sufficient energy knowledge? It is information. Women and men need to understand both sides of the energy debate before forming an opinion. Economists and energy producers need to explain their operations. Elected officials need to stop using energy as a political football to score points against the opposition. And environmental groups that use fear mongering and hyperbole against traditional energy sources need to stop. Period.” [The Hill]

French oil company Total appears likely to either reduce its stake in Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz gas field expansion, or sell its entire 10% interest in the project. “According to the latest issue of Nefte Compass, Turkish state pipeline company Botas has got the green light to join the BP-led consortium and the existing partners would not pre-empt if it was to buy the 10% interest held by Total, which has other commitments in Azerbaijan. Statoil recently reduced its stake to 15.5% by selling 10% shared between BP and Azeri state Socar.” [Energy Intelligence]

Extreme US gas market volatility continues, as the commodity price fell 26% this week on an inventory report that showed a smaller storage withdrawal than analysts expected. “The plunge in natural gas prices over the past few days presents a buying opportunity for traders, Jan Stuart, an analyst at Credit Suisse Group AG in New York, said in a note to clients today. The bank recommends buying the April 2014 gas contract and selling May, according to the report.” [Bloomberg]