Western economic sanctions against Russian oil and energy interests are steadily playing out, this time affecting French oil major Total S.A.’s ability to finance part of the $27 billion Yamal liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in the Russian Arctic. Reports broke toward the end of last week that Total will seek as much as $15… Keep reading →
Russia’s currency crisis has caused Apple to boost iPhone prices, Ikea to suspend sales and regulators in Moscow to slash vodka prices. But this may be the most unusual fallout yet of the plunging ruble: China’s National Meteorological Center warned its weather forecasting abilities may be hampered by Russia’s currency problems. “Our weather forecasts might… Keep reading →
The Russian economy is heavily dependent on oil – prices of which have been falling precipitously – and sanctions imposed by western governments in retaliation for Russia’s aggressive action in Ukraine are putting extreme pressure on the country’s currency. There is concern the Russian government and/or Russian companies lack sufficient currency reserves to pay debt… Keep reading →
The need to reduce methane emissions from leaky valves, pipelines and compressor stations is giving rise to a new commercial industry made up of companies that specialize in methane emissions detection technology. “The industry has already seen an uptick in interest for its products and services, driven in part by the installation of oil and… Keep reading →
In an overt admission that western-led sanctions agasint Russia’s energy sector are impacting offshore resource development, the country’s top state-controlled oil & gas enterprises are pushing for legislative changes meant to entice western companies – and their technology – into the sector. The proposed subsoil legislation modifications would apparently allow foreign companies to take expanded… Keep reading →
Calls for stricter economic sanctions against strategic Russian energy players are not universal among European Union countries, particularly those where Russian oil and gas dependence is most deeply entrenched. The degree to which various EU members support or oppose the South Stream Pipeline project illuminates those countries reluctant to distance themselves too far from vital… Keep reading →
Biofuels proponents have been meeting with White House officials this week in attempts to ensure Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements will not be reduced this year, as first indicated by EPA. The various groups also want new classifications of biofuels to be included as accepted fuels under the legislation. “More than 35 applications for new… Keep reading →
Morgan Stanley analysts floated the idea that Russia’s President Putin could order state-controlled natural gas export monopoly Gazprom to cut supplies to European firms in retaliation for western-imposed economic sanctions. It appears the incremental damage such a move would cause to Russia’s economy makes using the “gas weapon” unlikely, but the Putin regime is not… Keep reading →
Western sanctions against strategic portions of Russia’s economy are ratcheting up in the aftermath of a passenger jet crash in a section of Eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-supported rebels. The Malaysian jet was brought down by a surface-to-air missile that appears to have been supplied by Russia to rebels operating in the region who are… Keep reading →
It appears confirmed that a Russian surface-to-air missile fired by Ukrainian separatists loyal to the Kremlin took down a Malaysian passenger jet over Eastern Ukraine yesterday. If it is in fact confirmed the Putin regime supplied the weapon, “there will be serious diplomatic consequences,” Kenneth Yalowitz, a retired senior US diplomat who served several tours… Keep reading →
