Asia

China

• China approves general export licenses for rare earth-related items: commerce ministry
• China turns Hainan Island into special customs supervision zone in opening-up drive
• Xizang’s first ultra-high voltage power link begins operations
• Smart transformation revives ancient China’s Grand Canal
• China launches island-wide special customs operations in Hainan FTP
• WMO publishes Chinese case studies to boost energy sector early warning systems
• Construction of Pinglu Canal in China’s Guangxi shows remarkable progress
• China’s Shandong Xinxu group meets Maritime Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Port Qasim mega industrial plan

India

• Chennai Petroleum Corp to raise capacity at key Manali refinery, exec says
• India bonds rise after RBI completes planned debt purchases
• India signs trade pact with Oman as it expands Middle East ties
• Indian rupee extends intervention-spurred rise, merchant flows dominate
• Indian shares close lower after struggling for direction
• India to tackle sugar surplus with higher exports, ethanol diversion
• Rupee rises 12 paise to close at 90.26 against US dollar
• Explained: The Nuclear Energy Bill, 2025 — safety, liability and the push for 100 GW
• India to have at least 5 indigenously designed, developed small modular nuclear reactors
• Tata Power set to tap market with ₹2,000-cr bond issue
• India opens up nuclear sector to private companies
• India Inc sees India-Oman CEPA powering energy trade and green collaboration
• India’s AM Green and Japan’s Mitsui explore potential investment, offtake for green aluminium
• Salasar Techno Engineering wins ₹232 crore UPPTCL transmission line project
• MTAR Technologies bags ₹310 crore nuclear equipment order from Megha Engineering

Indonesia

• Indonesia will issue investment instruments for export earnings of natural resources

Japan

• Japan’s LNG imports decline in November
• Alternative fuels and OCCS-ready bulk carrier gets ClassNK’s approval
• Japan starts drilling carbon capture exploration well
• Japan, Indonesia sign agreement on local currency transactions
• Japan’s JAPEX buys US tight oil and gas assets in $1.3 billion deal

Pakistan

• PM Shehbaz approves halal meat export policy, orders preparation of strategy to enhance exports
• ECC approves Rs200b power subsidy to keep circular debt within IMF-agreed limits
• Pakistan, China advance talks on $2.2b industrial complex at Port Qasim
• China plans €2bn mega maritime project at Port Qasim
• Pakistan’s petroleum levy to hit record by 2030
• Pakistan forex reserves jump past $21bn after IMF inflows
• SBP injects Rs983bn through conventional and Islamic OMOs to stabilise overnight liquidity
• SBP’s Surprise Rate Cut: What the Market Completely Missed
• World Bank appreciates Petroleum Division for Successful Resolution of LNG Surplus Issue
• Government Decides to End Net Metering
• SIFC Flags Brownfield Refinery Upgrades as Top Priority
• National Integrated Energy Plan Heads to CCOE for Approval
• NEPRA switches on power relief: Rs 22.98 per unit tariff to spark industrial revival for three years
• PSO Seeks Zero-Rating of Petroleum Products to Curb Sales Tax Refund Backlog
• PM Seeks Credible IMF Exit Strategy Beyond 2027
• Textile exports increase 2.73% to $7.815 bln during Jul-Nov 2025-26
• Pakistan strengthens olive sector through advanced molecular science and global collaboration
• ECC reviews improving inflation outlook, approves key financial and development measures
• Pakistan-IFC discuss strengthening strategic cooperation
• PSX surges 1,646 points to close at 171,960 points
• EU–Pakistan reaffirm strategic partnership at 15th Joint Commission
• Macroeconomic indicators signal recovery, stability in FY26: Ahsan Iqbal
• Maple Leaf to command over 69% of Pioneer Cement
• Govt accelerates drive for digital payments, financial inclusion
• PKR remains flat against USD
• World Bank backs Pakistan’s gas sector sustainability drive
• Gold price in Pakistan rises Rs2,200 per tola
• Senator Aurangzeb highlights digital banking, financial inclusion and cashless economy drive
• AD Ports Group forms strategic joint venture with CEI Supply Chain to offer logistics capabilities in Pakistan

Singapore

• Unpaid credit card balances in Singapore hit record high in 10 years

South Korea

• LG showcases future of mobility with AI-powered in-vehicle solutions at CES 2026

Taiwan

• Taiwan central bank raises growth forecast on AI-driven export boom

Thailand

• Thailand, Japan deepen transport, infrastructure cooperation

Vietnam

• Sun Group to commence construction on 5 landmark projects worth $5.7 bln
• Masan’s FMCG arm MCH to list on HCMC bourse at $8 per share, valuation tops $8.6 bln
• Sun Group-led consortium to build $616 mln Red River bridge in Hanoi
• Shinhan Bank Vietnam accompanies SMEs in promoting cashless payments
• JC&C to divest 4.6% stake at Vietnam’s dairy giant Vinamilk to F&N for $228 mln
• Siemens to supply high-speed trains, key railway systems to Vingroup’s subsidiary VinSpeed
• Hanoi administration to raise over $52 mln from Thuong Dinh Footwear divestment

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Middle East

Bahrain

• Bahrain’s non-oil exports of National Origin soared to $836mln in October

Egypt

• Israel approves natural gas deal with Egypt, Netanyahu says
• Israel Approves Increase of Leviathan Gas Exports to Egypt
• UK exempts Egypt’s Zohr gas field from Russia sanctions
• PM says Egypt’s non-oil exports expected to reach $48-50bln this year
• Egypt: Maridive and Oil Services reports 105.5% YoY higher profits in 9 months
• Egypt’s Energy Map: Markets, Transition & Strategic Partnerships
• WATG completes masterplan framework for the Giza Pyramids
• EBRD and ALEXBANK boost green finance in Egypt

Iraq

• Iraq-Turkiye pipeline exporting around 212,000 b/d of oil

Israel

• Netanyahu approves natural gas deal with Egypt
• ‘A historic moment’: Netanyahu announces $34.7 billion natural gas deal with Egypt
• Netanyahu confirms Israel’s largest-ever natural gas deal with Egypt
• Chevron win approval for delayed $35 billion Israel gas export deal

Kuwait

• Action Energy lists on Kuwait stock exchange
• Ooredoo Kuwait sets global benchmark in network automation

Oman

• Construction begins on multi-storey parking project in Muscat
• Future Fund Oman mobilises over $2bln to build renewable energy manufacturing base
• Hydrogen project set for commissioning by Q4 2026
• OQ launches 9 Ladayn plastics projects worth $10.6mln
• OQ commissions Ladayn Polymer Programme with 9 plants, $104mln in investments

Qatar

• QatarEnergy signs long-term helium supply agreement with Uniper
• Qatar bets on cheap power to catch up in Gulf AI race

Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Arabia crude exports rise to two-and-a-half year high in October
• VIDEO: Saudi firms sign deals to build oil fields, boost output in Syria
• VIDEO: Saudi non-oil private sector sees strong growth as PMI climbs over 60
• Saudia Cargo and Saudi Exports sign MoU to empower national products
• Center3 and HUMAIN announce JV partnership to develop data centers
• China’s Sungrow connects world’s largest battery storage project to Saudi power grid

Syria

• Syria announces tender to sell 500,000 barrels of heavy oil crude

Tajikistan

• AD Ports to establish logistics joint venture in Tajikistan

Tunisia

• UAE’s AMEA Power commissions Tunisia’s first solar plant above 100MW
• Gryphon FPSO to breathe new life into Tunisian oil production

UAE

• ADNOC Secures Landmark $11 Billion Financing for Hail and Ghasha Offshore Gas Project
• Adnoc, Eni and PTTEP secure $11 billion financing for major gas project
• Adnoc Refining seeks prices for naphtha project
• AD Ports and Masdar sign offshore wind projects agreement
• AD Ports Group forms strategic joint venture with CEI Supply Chain to offer logistics capabilities in Pakistan
• Mohammed Bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship loaded with over 10 million meals for Gaza at Khalifa Port
• Federal Tax Authority honours strategic partners during 2025 Annual Forum
• TECOM launches $167.5mln Innovation Hub Phase 4 in Dubai Internet City
• Luxe breaks ground on $626mln luxury residential project in RAK
• Royal Development Holding & Radisson Hotel Group unveil Radisson Residences Al Reem Island

Middle East (regional)

• Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf stock markets rise as oil prices hold steady
• Wood exceeds $1bln in 2025 Mideast contract wins
• ACWA Power, AfDB set to fast-track $5bln energy, water projects in Africa
• Middle East operator nears decision phase on coveted offshore prize
• Batteries shape the region’s energy future

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Africa

Angola

• Seadrill Extends Quenguela Drillship Contract in Angola
• SBM Offshore’s FPSO duo staying with ExxonMobil offshore Angola until 2032
• Angola’s 2025 O&G Milestones to Power Next Production Cycle

Gabon

• Vaalco Launches Multi-Well Drilling Campaign Offshore Gabon

Guinea (Conakry)

• Guinea-Conakry Starts Construction on WCAG Alumina Refinery

Kenya

• Kenya Signs $311M Deal to Upgrade National Power Grid

Mauritania

• TGS Expands Offshore Mauritania with Mega 3D Seismic Survey

Nigeria

• Nigeria’s president appoints new head of upstream regulator

Somalia

• AfDB Approves $41M in Grants for São Tomé, Somalia

South Africa

• South Africa Greenlights 890MW of New Solar Projects under REIPPPP

Tunisia

• Gryphon FPSO to breathe new life into Tunisian oil production

Africa (regional)

• Africa Eyes Logistics Upgrades to Unlock Oil & Gas Potential
• Africa’s Mining Policy Reset Signals a Shift Toward Beneficiation
• African Development Fund mobilises a historic $11 billion
• EIRS sets new standard for risk management across Africa, Middle East

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Europe

Belgium

• Belgian PM announces plans to push forward work to finance Ukraine
• Russian LNG imports to Belgium rise sharply amid EU sanctions

Belarus

• First NPP in Belarus significantly strengthened country’s energy security
• Belarus will not completely relocate its factories
• Belarusian economy remains stable despite sanctions

Norway

• Var Energi Plans 20 New Projects to Sustain Norway Production
• Norwegian operator takes care of deepwater rig requirements

Russia

• Fatal drone strike on tanker in Rostov-on-Don
• Russia warns US against “fatal mistake” following Venezuela naval blockade
• Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia’s Belgorod region
• U.K. Targets Tatneft in Latest Update to Sanctions Against Russia
• Russia’s international reserves down $0.5 bln over week to $741 bln
• Gazprom and CNPC sign standards for coalbed methane field development
• Bank of Russia to claim losses from EU banks over blocked assets
• Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 80.03 rubles for December 19
• Russia’s Gazprom eyes China for coalbed methane solutions
• Russian stock indices up as main trading session opens

United Kingdom

• Bank of England cuts interest rate to 3.75%
• Tekmar wins €8 million contract for ‘major’ UK offshore wind farm
• Nexans to supply cable accessories for East Anglia Three offshore wind farm
• Ithaca books Prosafe vessel for North Sea gig in 2027
• Shock Succession Strikes BP C-Suite
• Auchincloss exit points to more radical change at BP
• U.K. Targets Tatneft in Latest Update to Sanctions Against Russia

Ukraine

• Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Rostov Region Kill At Least 3
• No agreement yet between Ukraine, US on final version of peace plan

Europe (regional)

• EU draws the line on Russian gas with gradual ban from 2026, oil set to follow suit in 2027
• EU adds 41 more oil tankers to anti-Russian sanctions

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North America

Canada

• World watches as Ottawa’s bullish shift on LNG puts wind at the back of two major projects
• EIG’s MidOcean wraps up acquisition of stake in Petronas’ Canadian upstream portfolio

United States

• Gas Exports Are Driving Up Americans’ Energy Bills
• Natural Gas Futures Rebound Above $4
• Heating costs expected to rise 9.2% this winter as electricity, natural gas prices climb
• Natural Gas Futures Trim Gains After EIA Posts Smaller-Than-Expected Storage Draw
• ExxonMobil Eyeing More Natural Gas Growth, CCS Deals and Push for Data Centers
• MISTRAS awarded contract by Bechtel for Louisiana LNG project
• DOE gives Louisiana LNG extra time to start exports
• Woodside Secures DOE Extension as Louisiana LNG Construction Advances
• USA Crude Oil Stocks Drop Week on Week
• JAPEX to Expand US Presence with $1.3B DJ Basin Acquisition
• Prices in biggest US power grid auction hit new record, signaling higher utility bills ahead
• Trump orders ‘total and complete blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers coming to and leaving Venezuela
• Gold down on firm dollar ahead of US inflation data

The Bahamas

• Sawgrass LNG & Power celebrates eight years of LNG supply to The Bahamas

North America (regional)

• Oil rebounds from lowest levels since 2021 after Trump orders Venezuela oil tanker blockade
• Oil rises as Trump’s Venezuela blockade takes edge off global crude surplus concerns

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South America

Brazil

• DOF scores more work with Petrobras for vessel septet
• Petrobras strike enters third day with 100% support in Campos basin platforms

Venezuela

• Trump orders ‘total and complete blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers
• Venezuela to continue oil trade, Maduro says, after Trump’s blockade announcement
• Venezuela rolls out naval escorts as tanker standoff with US intensifies
• Chinese Demand, Prices Tumble for Venezuelan Crude
• US Blockade Carries Big Risks for Venezuela, Less So for Oil Markets
• Venezeula’s PDVSA resumes oil cargo loading following disruptive cyberattack

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Oceania

Australia

• Woodside’s next CEO must steer costly LNG projects through glut risk
• O’Neill Leaves Woodside to Become BP CEO
• Woodside Seeks New CEO as O’Neill Exit Sharpens Focus on Delivery
• Santos streamlines upstream portfolio after takeover deals fail
• Woodside share price slumps after CEO leaves for BP

New Zealand

• JERA Nex BP to exit New Zealand by end of year

Papua New Guinea

• Papua LNG FID one step nearer
• PNG LNG project finance facility repaid in full
• Santos: PNG LNG financing fully repaid

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Global

• Natural Gas Prices Today, Dec 18: Signs of Stabilization Amid Global Trends
• LNG supply growth outstrips carrier orderbook to 2030
• JERA signs seven-year LNG supply agreement with Hokkaido Gas
• QatarEnergy lowers February crude premium as spot prices soften
• US Coast Guard establishes new division for maritime nuclear policy
• Shell approves Kaikias waterflood project to boost Gulf of Mexico production
• BP appoints Meg O’Neill as first female CEO of Big Oil
• Al Shelila – ADNOC L&S acquires first ships in new dual-fuel LNG carrier series
• Venezeula’s PDVSA resumes oil cargo loading following disruptive cyberattack
• Wave and tidal energy to reach $1.85B by 2032