Oil soars past USD 100 after Russia orders troops into Ukraine
Oil prices have surged past $100 (£74) a barrel after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a “special military operation” in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine. These are the highest levels seen by the international benchmark Brent crude futures in more than seven years. Prices jumped earlier this week before cooling amid economic sanctions and […]
U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Former Iranian Officials, Energy Firms
In the midst of deadlocked nuclear talks, the Biden administration removed sanctions on three former Iranian leaders and many energy businesses, suggesting Washington’s willingness to relieve economic pressure on Iran if the nation reverses direction. Sanctions on former top officials of the National Iranian Oil Company and other firms involved in shipping and trading petrochemical […]
Rising oil prices and a weak Ruble is just what Putin needs, $33 billion extra cash
Bloomberg — Rising oil prices and a weak ruble could provide the Kremlin with as much as $33 billion in extra cash for social spending this year, giving Vladimir Putin the financial wherewithal to help head off growing public discontent. Thanks to a 25% price surge this year, Russia now receives more rubles per barrel […]
Joe Biden’s attack on fossil fuel, earlier than expected
Bloomberg News — Oil and gas companies knew they would face a fight with President Joe Biden, who had campaigned on tackling climate change. Nobody expected fossil fuel to come under such an immediate attack. Biden didn’t quietly sidetrack the Keystone XL pipeline with legal maneuvers. The new president yanked the permit on his very […]