World News Zawiya security operation follows refinery clashes In Zawiya, home to one of the oil-rich country’s biggest refineries, rival gangs clash over the trafficking of fuel and commercial goods into neighbouring Tunisia. 09/05/2026
Business Iraq announces huge oil find near Saudi border as Hormuz crisis bites Iraq has the fifth largest proven oil reserves in the world, estimated at 145 billion barrels, representing about 17% of total Middle Eastern reserves and around 9% of global reserves, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). 08/05/2026
United Arab Emirates UAE leaves OPEC, citing national interest in 'a new energy age' The UAE’s historic decision is a major blow to the alliance of oil producers, just as the global energy crisis is escalating over Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, but the Gulf state insists its decision “enhances the UAE’s ability to respond to evolving market needs." 28/04/2026
Business TotalEnergies ramps up refinery output to secure French fuel supply TotalEnergies has maximised its output at the Gonfreville refinery to protect the French market from external supply shocks. The facility is operating at its limit to produce essential fuels as energy markets remain disrupted. 27/04/2026
Europe News EU agrees fresh sanctions on Russia but leaves maritime ban on hold Due to Greece and Malta's concerns, the full ban on maritime services will be left on hold pending an agreement at the G7 level. The US, however, is going in the opposite direction by providing sanctions relief to Russia. 23/04/2026
Europe News Russian oil flow to Slovakia via Druzhba pipeline resumes Bratislava confirmed that the country started receiving crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline early on Thursday, after a three-month halt. 23/04/2026
Europe News 'High energy prices to last for months or years,' Commissioner says The European Commission announced on Wednesday a new 'fuel observatory' to monitor jet fuel stocks and prevent EU countries from hoarding fuel at others' expense. 22/04/2026
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan confirms suspension of oil transit to Germany via Russia Kazakhstan’s energy minister announced Wednesday there would be no transit of its oil to Germany through Russia throughout May due to Russian technical constraints, assuming it is “related to recent strikes on Russian infrastructure". 22/04/2026
Europe News Moscow bombards Ukraine while Kyiv targets Russian oil facilities Ukraine struck multiple Russian oil refineries with drones on Saturday while simultaneously repelling a 219-drone Russian assault on its own territory. 18/04/2026
Europe News Orbán's defeat and US shift raise hopes for EU sanctions on Russia After Viktor Orbán's defeat at the polls and Washington's decision to phase out waivers for Russian oil, hopes are rising in Brussels that a package of sanctions against Moscow will finally be unlocked. 16/04/2026
Iran US to blockade Iran ports 'as long as it takes,' Hegseth says The US naval blockade of Iran’s ports came into effect on Monday, with President Donald Trump warning that any attack ships would be “eliminated” if they attempted to break it. 16/04/2026
Europe News Europe has 'maybe six weeks of jet fuel left,' IEA chief warns Last week, the Airports Council International Europe wrote to the European Commission, saying jet fuel shortages could begin at the start of May if tankers do not start passing through the Strait of Hormuz. 16/04/2026
Business Repsol regains control of Venezuela oil assets and boosts production Spanish energy company Repsol has reached an agreement with Venezuela’s government and state-owned company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) to regain operational control of key oil assets and sharply increase production over the next three years. 16/04/2026
Markets S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit new all-time highs despite Iran war effects The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed at record highs on Wednesday despite the Iran war dragging on, the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely blocked and global economic growth forecasts being cut amid rising inflation. 16/04/2026
Europe News Energy prices set to rise as last Gulf Tankers reach Europe Energy analysts have warned of surging energy prices beyond already elevated levels, as the last vessels carrying oil and natural gas from the Strait of Hormuz before the conflict have reached Europe. Supply forecasts for oil and gas remain optimistic as US deliveries are expected. 14/04/2026
Economy IEA warns of historic oil supply shock as Iran war disruption persists The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned of an unprecedented energy shock, with global oil production plunging by over 10 million barrels per day in March, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran fail. 14/04/2026