As tension in Ukraine ratchets up, investors and business leaders with regional interests are closely monitoring their risk profiles. What would return to a Cold War era geopolitical landscape mean? Western oil companies like BP, ExxonMobil and Shell with extensive Russian operations are certainly asking this question. Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier recently weighed in… Keep reading →
Following Russian annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, tensions between the West and the Kremlin have been dangerously simmering. Meanwhile, the spotlight has moved to Eastern Ukraine where unmarked soldiers appear to be keen on destabilizing the situation further. Anti-Ukrainian agitators seized government buildings and police stations making a mockery of Kiev’s sovereignty. This sets up an ideal breeding… Keep reading →
Here’s an interesting discussion of ExxonMobil’s involvement in the “stranded asset” debate. Robert Rapier seeks to clarify Exxon’s worldview and the company’s response to recent climate action shareholder resolutions. He asks, how much time per day do you devote to planning how you’ll spend your lottery winnings? “You may fantasize about what you would do… Keep reading →
In a story rife with geopolitical implications, reports indicate the consortium developing Israel’s Leviathan gas field – which includes US-based Noble Energy – could be close to signing supply deals with Turkey and Egypt instead of sending to gas to Greece and/or Cyprus as previously planned. In an ironic reversal of fortune, Israeli gas could… Keep reading →
The Atlantic Council presents a pessimistic view regarding the prospect of smooth natural gas flow through Ukraine to European customers. Russia’s continued aggression and, in the Council’s view, strong possibility that Russia will occupy additional Ukrainian territory makes gas supply disruptions likely. European support for Ukraine could also impact Russian gas supplies that do not… Keep reading →
The apparent strong-arm tactic may actually indicate Russian weakness. In a letter to leadership in European countries receiving Russian gas that first transits Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that unless immediate steps are taken to ensure Ukrainian national gas company Naftogaz pays in advance for supply, Gazprom could close the valves. The letter states:… Keep reading →
The Brent-WTI spread narrowed further yesterday, with the price differential currently around $6/bbl, as Libya continues to shake up the international oil market. “Libya, the holder of Africa’s biggest crude reserves, has become the smallest producer in the 12-member Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries after protests halted production and shipments. Output shrank to 250,000 barrels… Keep reading →
Russia’s Gazprom twice increased natural gas prices charged to its Ukrainian counterpart last week. The initial increase was largely expected, as it represented the removal of a discount offered in conjunction with financial assistance – ie loans – from the Russian government. However, after violent protests led Ukraine’s Russian-leaning president to leave office, Russia rescinded… Keep reading →
Given Moscow’s potential ability to undermine Iran diplomacy, Washington has yet another compelling reason to reestablish faith in — and fear of — America’s willingness to use military strength. Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov generated considerable commentary last week when he threatened potential “retaliatory measures” on the Iranian nuclear file if Washington pressures Moscow… Keep reading →
The Ukraine crisis has reinvigorated European efforts to diversify its natural gas supply sources away from Russia amid reliability concerns, but numerous obstacles stand in that path. “Added to that, Europe is contractually obliged to continue taking delivery of Russian gas. Bernstein makes the point that Gazprom has about 120 bcm of take-or-pay contracts –… Keep reading →
