Petroleum

South Sudan's Political Turmoil: Arrests and Accusations Imagine waking up one morning to find that the pillars of your nation’s oil production are suddenly hauled away, detained by the very forces supposed to protect them. Sound surreal? This is the stark reality currently unfolding in South Sudan, a nation perpetually teetering on the edge, now shaken by the arrest of its Petroleum Minister. This unsettling development fittingly follows the detainment of several military…

In a moment that could redefine Namibia's energy landscape, Gustos Energy has unveiled a substantial oil discovery off the country's coast. This find is not merely a drop in the ocean; rather, it solidifies the Orange Basin as a burgeoning hotspot for hydrocarbon exploration. As reports trickle in from the scene, there's an air of cautious optimism surrounding the implications of this mineral wealth. It's fascinating to witness how exploration efforts, which have unfolded over decades, have finally culminated in such a…

Amid growing discontent, activists have stepped forward, prominently featuring King Okabi from the Ogale community, urging an end to Shell's reckless pollution practices in the Niger Delta. As the legal battle commences between the Ogale and Bille communities and the oil giant, the call for accountability has never been louder. For over six decades, the Niger Delta has suffered under the weight of Shell's negligence. The company’s aging and poorly maintained pipelines have unleashed a torrent of environmental degradation,…

In a tragic turn of events, at least 86 lives have been claimed and countless others injured following the catastrophic explosion of a fuel tanker in Niger State, nestled in northern Nigeria. The heartbreaking reality is that most of the victims were local residents, drawn to the scene like moths to a flame, desperate to collect the spilled petrol. It’s a stark and grim reminder of the struggles faced by impoverished communities where the lure of potential profit outweighs the looming dangers, as authorities have reported.…

Nigeria is making strides toward revitalizing its Warri oil refinery, which has been dormant for nearly a decade due to a series of technical problems. The Warri Refinery, boasting an impressive capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, had faced prolonged closures as a result of aging infrastructure and a lack of crude oil supply. However, recent reports indicate that operations have recommenced, and the facility is currently functioning at about 60% of its capacity, as shared by Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for the presidency.…

Mogadishu (AX) — Abdirisaaq Omar Mohamed, Somalia's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, accused Northeastern State of Somalia President Said Abdullahi Deni of putting roadblocks in the path of oil exploration within Northeastern State. During a media briefing in Mogadishu on Saturday, Minister Mohamed mentioned that President Deni tried to introduce a company of his own choosing for oil exploration, a move spurned by the federal government."President Deni seems keen to politicize the government's oil ambitions,"…

Kawu Sumaila has stepped into the role of Chairman for the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and is already raising crucial questions about Nigeria's level of transparency in the oil sector. Taking over this position after the untimely passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Sumaila shared his vision for combating the pervasive secrecy that seems to cloak the industry like a heavy fog. Historically, Nigeria’s oil industry has faced harsh scrutiny due to its lack of transparency. This sector is not just vital;…

Tragedy struck in the northwestern region of Nigeria’s Jigawa state, where a catastrophic fuel tanker explosion has claimed the lives of over 90 individuals. Eyewitness accounts reveal that crowds had gathered around the tanker in the aftermath of the accident, driven by desperation to siphon off fuel when disaster struck. “It's concerning that, despite repeated warnings from law enforcement urging the public to maintain a safe distance from fuel tanker mishaps, people continue to jeopardize their safety,” expressed a…

In recent days, a passionate group of environmental advocates filled the streets of Sandton and Cape Town, South Africa, making a resounding call for a boycott of an event known as Africa Energy Week, or Africa Oil Week, happening in Cape Town this week. Following a protest in Cape Town that drew inspiration from horror themes, activist Lisa Makaula had a conversation with Bush Radio’s Renato van Schalkwyk. Makaula emphasized the urgent need for the government to pivot its investments towards renewable energy sources,…