Oil & Gas

U.S. Targets Iraq in Crackdown on Iranian Energy Trade

Although the ‘No Iranian Energy Act’ was introduced to U.S. lawmakers on April Fools’ Day it is no joke as far as the Americans are concerned and the Iraqis will find little cause for merriment in its contents either. As highlighted by Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Congressman August Pfluger, this legislation is part of President Donald Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran’s leaders.

Oil Rebounds on Trump Sanction Threats

US oil futures broke a three-day string of losses as equity markets strengthened and President Donald Trump threatened broader sanctions against buyers of Iranian crude.

West Texas Intermediate settled 1.8% higher, at $59.24 a barrel, after Trump said that any nation or person who buys oil or petrochemicals from Iran will be subject to secondary sanctions. It was the biggest one-day increase for US oil futures in more than a week.

TotalEnergies, OQEP break ground on Marsa LNG plant in Oman

TotalEnergies and OQ Exploration and Production have broken ground on the Marsa LNG plant in Oman, one year after reaching final investment decision on the project.

The 1 million ton per annum (MMtpa) liquefaction plant is being built by Marsa LNG LLC, a joint company between TotalEnergies (80%) and OQEP (20%). The LNG production, which is expected to start in the first quarter of 2028, is primarily intended to serve the marine fuel market (LNG bunkering) in the Gulf.

Big Oil’s Profit Decline Signals a Broader Industry Shift

Exxon has recently doubled down on oil and gas, acquiring Pioneer Natural Resources in a $60 billion deal to expand U.S. shale dominance. It’s also investing in carbon capture and lithium—signaling a long-term bet on both hydrocarbons and emerging energy markets. This hybrid strategy shows that future resilience may depend on scale and adjacent technologies.