The U.S. shale boom is running out of steam, making Venezuela’s vast reserves look attractive to some U.S. oil companies. - MarketWatch/Rystad ShaleWellCube, iStockphoto The shale-oil revolution that transformed the U.S. into the world’s top oil producer is entering a new phase — one that could see America’s hard-fought lead in energy erode in fewer than five years as oil production growth peters out. The issue is a simple one. Shale well output declines rapidly. On average, a well produces roughly 80% o ...

Core Insights - Equinor and its partners have made a significant oil and gas discovery in the Granat prospect near the Gullfaks field in Norway's North Sea, with preliminary estimates of 1.3 to 3.8 million barrels of oil equivalent [1] - The discovery will be evaluated for potential integration with existing infrastructure in the Gullfaks area, aligning with Equinor's strategy of infrastructure-led exploration to enhance supply at lower costs [2] - Equinor plans to drill 20 to 30 exploration wells annually, focusing 80% of its efforts near existing infrastructure while exploring new concepts in the remaining 20% [3] Industry Context - The Norwegian Offshore Directorate emphasizes the need for new discoveries and investments in oil and gas projects to counteract the expected production decline from the late 2020s [5] - Equinor's senior vice president highlights the importance of integrating new discoveries into existing infrastructure as a key task for future operations [4]

Hungary asks Croatia for help after Russian oil flows via Ukraine halted | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]Item 1 of 2 Fuga Bluemarine crude oil tanker lies at anchor near the terminal Kozmino in Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia, December 4, 2022. REUTERS/Tatiana Meel[1/2]Fuga Bluemarine crude oil tanker lies at anchor near the terminal Kozmino in Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia, ...

Core Insights - The US has relaxed sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector, allowing global energy companies to resume operations and negotiate new contracts following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro [1] Group 1: Sanctions and Licenses - The US Treasury Department's OFAC issued general licenses to companies like Chevron, bp, Eni, Shell, and Repsol, enabling them to operate oil and gas projects in Venezuela [2] - A separate license allows international companies to engage with PDVSA for new investments, requiring additional permits from OFAC and excluding transactions with entities in Russia, Iran, or China [3] Group 2: Company Responses and Developments - Chevron stated that the new General Licenses and changes in Venezuela's Hydrocarbons Law are crucial for developing Venezuela's resources and enhancing regional energy security [4] - India's Reliance Industries has secured a general license from the US to purchase Venezuelan oil directly, facilitating a shift from Russian crude to discounted Venezuelan oil [5] Group 3: Economic Strategy and Future Prospects - The relaxation of sanctions is part of a broader strategy to support Venezuela's economic recovery and responsible investment, with a $100 billion reconstruction plan aimed at revitalizing the oil industry [6] - ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips are evaluating potential re-entry into Venezuela after their assets were expropriated in 2007 [7]

Core Viewpoint - Maurel & Prom is optimistic about resuming Venezuelan oil exports following the recent easing of U.S. sanctions on the country's energy sector, marking a significant shift in the regulatory environment [1] Group 1: Sanctions and Regulatory Changes - The U.S. government issued two general licenses allowing major energy companies to operate in Venezuela, representing the most substantial easing of sanctions since the removal of President Nicolas Maduro [1] - Maurel & Prom described the easing of sanctions as a "constructive step," although it was not included in the list of companies covered by the new licenses [1] Group 2: Company Operations and Performance - The company has been unable to export Venezuelan oil since Q2 of the previous year due to the suspension of its license by the Trump administration [1] - Maurel & Prom submitted a new license application to the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in early January, seeking full resumption of operations in Venezuela [1] - The company reported a significant increase in identified reserves in Venezuela, with studies confirming the potential of previously unproven zones [1] Group 3: Production Details - In the Urdaneta Oeste field, where Maurel & Prom holds a 40% working interest, gross production averaged about 21,000 barrels of oil per day in January, resulting in a net output of 8,400 barrels per day for M&P Iberoamerica [1]

Core Viewpoint - Occidental Petroleum is expected to report its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings on February 18, which could act as a catalyst for its stock price [1] Group 1: Recent Performance - In the third quarter, Occidental Petroleum reported strong financial results, with oil and gas output reaching nearly 1.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, exceeding guidance [4] - The company achieved an adjusted net income of $0.64 per share, surpassing analysts' consensus estimate by $0.12 [4] - Higher oil and gas prices contributed to the strong performance, with oil sold at an average of $64.78 per barrel, a 2% increase from the previous quarter, and natural gas prices up 11% [5] Group 2: Market Reactions and Expectations - Despite strong quarterly results, Occidental's stock price showed minimal movement post-earnings, dipping initially before rising over 10% in January due to oil price increases and strategic progress [7] - Analysts predict a challenging fourth quarter for Occidental, with oil prices declining by about 10%, leading to a consensus earnings estimate of only $0.19 per share [9] - Historically, Occidental has beaten analysts' estimates for three consecutive quarters, suggesting the potential for a positive surprise in the upcoming report [10] Group 3: External Factors Influencing Stock Price - Changes in oil prices are currently more significant for Occidental's stock than earnings reports, with potential supply disruptions related to Iran possibly driving crude prices higher [11] - Military action against Iran could lead to a surge in crude prices, positively impacting Occidental's stock [11] - Investors may consider purchasing Occidental shares before the earnings report if they anticipate a spike in oil prices [12]

Core Viewpoint - Equinor has made a significant oil and gas discovery in the Granat prospect located in the North Sea, approximately 190 kilometers northwest of Bergen, Norway [1][2]. Group 1: Discovery Details - Preliminary estimates suggest the discovery contains between 0.2 million and 0.6 million standard cubic meters of recoverable oil equivalent, translating to approximately 1.3 to 3.8 million barrels of oil equivalent [2]. - Equinor is the operator of the Granat prospect, holding a 51% stake, while Petoro, a state-owned company, owns 30%, and OMV Norge holds the remaining 19% [2]. Group 2: Future Plans - The licensees are considering connecting the new discovery to existing infrastructure in the nearby Gullfaks area, which could enhance the economic viability of the find [3].

Core Viewpoint - Pantheon Resources plc is progressing with the development of the Kodiak and Ahpun oil fields located on Alaska's North Slope, which are strategically positioned near pipeline and transportation infrastructure [1] AGM Arrangements - The Company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled to be held virtually on Thursday, 12 March 2026 at 3:00 pm GMT [1]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. military has boarded the sanctioned oil tanker Veronica III in the Indian Ocean as part of efforts to target illicit oil operations linked to Venezuela, which has been under U.S. sanctions for several years [1][5]. Group 1: U.S. Military Operations - The operation involved a "right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding" as stated by the Department of War [1][12]. - The U.S. tracked the vessel from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, emphasizing its capability to enforce maritime law [2][5]. - The Department of War declared that international waters are not a sanctuary for illicit activities, asserting their commitment to denying freedom of movement to such actors [5]. Group 2: Background on Venezuela and Sanctions - Venezuela has relied on a shadow fleet of falsely flagged tankers to transport crude oil due to U.S. sanctions [1]. - In December 2024, Donald Trump ordered a quarantine of sanctioned tankers to increase economic pressure on then-president Nicolás Maduro [4][7]. - The Veronica III, a Panamanian-flagged vessel, was under U.S. sanctions related to Iran and was reported to have left Venezuela with nearly 2 million barrels of crude and fuel oil on January 3, the same day as Maduro's capture [8][9]. Group 3: Implications of the Operation - The operation reflects the U.S. strategy to increase pressure on Venezuela and its connections with other sanctioned nations like Iran and Russia [11]. - The U.S. military's actions are part of a broader initiative to combat illicit oil trade and enforce sanctions effectively [5][12].

The shares in Equinor ASA (OSE: EQNR; NYSE: EQNR) will as from today be traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange exclusive the third quarter 2025 cash dividend as detailed below. Ex. date: 16 February 2026 Dividend amount: 0.37 Announced currency: USD This information is published in accordance with the requirements of the Continuing Obligations and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. ...