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Data shows that a sanctioned tanker has discharged Russian oil in India's Mundra Port.
Ship tracking data from LSEG/Kpler revealed that the sanctioned tanker Spartan discharged Russian crude at India's Mundra Port despite a restriction by Adani Group to the entry of ships on the blacklist at the terminal. Kpler data shows that the Suezmax tanker discharged one million barrels Urals crude to HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), Mundra terminal in India. Spartan (formerly SCF Samatlor) has been placed on the blacklist by both Britain and the European Union for violating sanctions when transporting Russian oil. Equasis showed that the ship was managed by Dubai's Nova Shipmanagement, and owned by Citrine Marine. HMEL or Nova Shipmanagement didn't respond immediately to requests for comments outside of office hours. Citrine Marine, based in Dubai, does not have any contact details. Noble Walker, another vessel sanctioned for carrying Russian oil and redirected to India's Vadinar Port on Monday. According to shipping data and reports from LSEG, Kpler and LSEG, the Noble Walker was heading to Mundra on Friday, with about 1,000,000 barrels of Russian crude oil for HMEL. Adani has issued an order to bar vessels sanctioned by Britain, the EU and the United States from entering its 14 ports. This includes Mundra, in Western India. The port is used by Indian refiners HMEL, Indian Oil Corp and others to import oil from Russia. Reporting by Florence Tan and Nidhh Verma from Singapore, with editing by Jamie Freed
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Trump Administration orders Delta and Aeromexico joint venture to terminate by January 1, 2019.
The Trump administration announced late Monday that it had ordered Delta Air Lines to dissolve a joint venture with Aeromexico by January 1, which allowed the carriers to coordinate flight scheduling, pricing, and capacity decisions between U.S. and Mexico. In July, the U.S. Transportation Department proposed to end the joint venture that had been in place for nearly nine years as part of several actions targeted at Mexican aviation. The department under Joe Biden announced in January 2024 that it was looking into ending it. Washington also warned that it may take action against European nations over restrictions at airports. The Department said Monday that the joint venture was ending because it "is necessary due to ongoing anti-competitive effects on U.S. Mexico City markets which provide an unfair benefit to Delta and Aeromexico." About 60% of passengers flying from Mexico City Airport into the U.S. are carried by these carriers. The airport is the 4th largest international gateway into and out of the United States. The U.S. Government said that it did not require Delta to sell its 20 percent equity stake in Aeromexico. The U.S. government said that it did not require Delta to sell its 20% equity stake in Aeromexico. Delta expressed disappointment that the Transportation Department had withdrawn approval of the venture. It said the move "would cause significant harm" to U.S. consumers, jobs and communities traveling between the U.S.A. and Mexico. We are reviewing Department's orders and determining next steps." Aeromexico and the Mexican government did not respond immediately to comments. Delta stated that the joint venture creates more than 310 million dollars of gross domestic product in the United States and nearly 4,000 jobs. It warned that up to $800,000,000 in consumer benefits per year could disappear, and that two dozen routes may be cancelled or smaller aircraft replaced. The Transportation Department announced in July that it would take action against the Mexican government for forcing cargo carriers to relocate their operations from Mexico City and for cutting flight slots. This had a negative impact on U.S. Airlines. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has ordered Mexican carriers file flight schedules. He also warned that his department may disapprove Mexican flight requests if they fail to address U.S. concerns about decisions made by Mexico in 2022 or 2023. The Transportation Department stated on Monday that Mexico continues to "continue along a pathway of market interference and distortion which adversely impacts competition in the U.S. - Mexico air services market." It also said that it "perpetuated an allocation system for slots that does not comply with international standards and benefits Aeromexico." The Department of Transportation warned that the venture would likely result in higher fares on some markets, reduced capacities and difficulties for U.S. carriers because of government intervention. (Reporting and editing by Tom Hogue, Jamie Freed, and Kylie Madry; Additional reporting in Mexico City by David Shepardson)
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Unions withdraw their threat to strike New York Rail Agency
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Monday that the unions have backed down from their threat to strike at Long Island Rail Road later this week, which serves more than 300,000 daily passengers. At a press event, a group of unions announced that they had requested President Donald Trump appoint a board to act as a mediator after threatening to strike the commuter railroad in New York. This action does not mean that a strike will never happen. Gil Lang, the general chairman of BLET's LIRR Engineers, said that it is unlikely to happen in the near future. The union leaders stated that the White House Board would be appointed and a 120-day period would begin during which it would make its recommendation. During this time, no work stoppages could take place. The White House can name a second panel with a cooling off period up to May 2026 if no agreement is reached. The LIRR is the largest commuter railway in the United States. Jim Louis, vice president of national affairs for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said that the five unions had decided to act like adults and ask President Trump to create a presidential board of emergency. The MTA criticised the unions. If these unions were truly interested in putting riders first, then they would have settled or agreed to binding arbitration. This cynical delaying serves no one. The White House didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. New York Governor Kathy Hochul asked the White House to mediate directly. She said, "There's a fair deal on the table and I've told the MTA that they should be prepared to negotiate anywhere, anytime." Both sides must continue to negotiate and work around the clock to resolve this." (Reporting and editing by Chris Reese, Edmund Klamann, and David Shepardson)
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Woodside Energy anticipates that demand for LNG will grow by 50% in the next decade
Woodside is bullish about LNG demand, despite TotalEnergies’ market glut warning Louisiana LNG is the largest foreign investment ever made in a state. Starting in 2029, exports will target Europe and Asia. Arathy S. Somasekhar, Curtis Williams HOUSTON, September 15 - Woodside Energy CEO Meg O'Neill announced on Monday that the global demand for LNG will grow by 50% in the next decade. She was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Australian company's Louisiana export facility. This dispelled concerns about the rapid expansion of U.S. LNG supply. The complex was the largest foreign investment ever made in Louisiana and the first U.S. gas project to receive financial approval after President Donald Trump took office in January. He had promised to unleash U.S. power on the world. The exports will begin in 2029, and they will be aimed at Europe and Asia. The market is already there. However, many nations are unable to take part in the market because of their price-sensitive nature. O'Neill, who spoke at an event in Calcasieu Parish Parish, Louisiana, said that she was "very bullish" on LNG demand over the long-term. O'Neill told reporters that she took the recent comments of TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne who warned about a possible market glut as a result of the new capacity being built in the U.S. with "a pinch of salt." Woodside has a large amount of experience in Australia. However, the Louisiana facility marks its first venture into owning and running a U.S. LNG Export facility. The first phase will cost approximately $17.5 billion, and is expected to produce 16,5 million metric tonnes of supercooled gas per year. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said that the U.S. Energy Policy was aimed at stabilizing world markets. Markus Hatzelmann was also present and stated that the European nation will receive a significant share of the gas produced by the facility. He said: "It is a tangible expression of the strong energy transatlantic partnership between Germany, the United States and Canada."
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Sources say that Russia's Primorsk Oil Port partially resumes loading after drone attacks
Two sources familiar with this matter reported that the Baltic Sea port Primorsk - a major outlet of Russian oil exports - partially resumed its operations on Saturday after being disrupted and damaged by Ukrainian drone attacks. The sources stated that Primorsk's capacity to load 1 million barrels per day is likely to be reduced due to damage. The sources added that they expect the loading schedule to be delayed several days. Sources said that only a few vessels loaded oil on the weekend. It was unclear if all berths are operational. Transneft Pipeline Operator, which manages this port, has not responded to our request for comments. According to LSEG, the tankers Kusto, Cai Yun and other vessels that were damaged during the attack of Friday remain at anchor in the vicinity of the port. Jan Harvey (Editing and Reporting)
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Nigerian conservationists are fighting to protect sea turtles in Nigeria from pollution and poaching
Conservationists fighting to save the turtles say that plastic pollution, fishing nets left behind and coastal development have taken a toll. "We are seeing a dramatic decline," said Chinedu Mogbo. The founder of Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative has treated and released over 70 turtles in the past five years. Mogbo stated that at least five threatened or endangered sea turtle species live in Nigerian waters. However, the exact number is unknown and monitoring resources are inadequate. Mogbo's team has saved Olive Ridley turtles, Hawksbill turtles and Leatherbacks. Mogbo’s group, which is mostly self-funded and works with local fisherman to save animals, has worked with them since its inception. "Fishers are in need of income." "We offer net repair kit in exchange for turtles or nests that have been rescued," he said at the turtle sanctuary of the group in Lagos, Nigeria's capital. Mogbo, a conservationist, said that the lack of marine protected areas, and the shrinking nesting sites, have made the coast a trap for turtles. He called on state authorities to take more action to protect these animals. The Nigerian environmental agency has not responded to any requests for comments. In Nigeria, the demand for sea turtle meat, eggs, and shells is high, for both consumption and for traditional rituals. "We eat the eggs, and give them sometimes to village elders as voodoo," says Morifat Hassan who sells seafood in the coastal region of Folu near Lagos. Hassan says sea turtles can fetch as much as 90,000 Naira ($60). Rescuers rescued a large green turtle that had been injured by a fishing net in July. He was named Moruf. Mogbo, after negotiating with the fisherman who discovered Moruf was able to deter people from trying to purchase the injured turtle. Mogbo, who was standing on the shore, said, "Normally, a turtle like this would be butchered, or sold. But we intervened, and will make sure it's returned to the sea safely."
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US natgas at Waha hub, Texas, falls into negative territory
The U.S. Natural Gas Prices for Monday in West Texas' Permian Shale Basin turned negative due to the fall pipeline maintenance. The financial company LSEG reported that the average gas production in the Lower 48 States has fallen to 107.6 bcfd so far in September. This is down from a monthly record of 108.3 bcfd set in August. The Waha Hub spot gas price has been boosted by traders who have noticed that the Permian Basin is flooded with gas due to the maintenance of the pipeline. The price of British thermal units (mmBtu), which was 6 cents on Friday, fell by 2,350% to a 17 week low of minus 1,26 dollars on Monday. This was the sixth time that Waha prices averaged less than zero in 2025. The previous averages were $1.66/mmBtu for 2025, 77c in 2024, and $2.91 in the five years prior (2019-2023). In 2019, the Waha price average was first below zero. This happened 17 times between 2019 and 2020, six times each in 2021, once in 2023, and 49 times on record in 2024. Analysts said that low prices are a sign that the Permian needs more gas pipelines. Some pipes are under construction including Kinder Morgan's Gulf Coast Express, Blackcomb, and Energy Transfer's Hugh Brinson. However, they will not be in service before 2026. The Permian Basin in West Texas, and Eastern New Mexico, is the largest and fastest growing oil producing shale region of the United States. With the oil, a lot of gas is also released. Energy companies are willing to accept some gas losses, even though U.S. Crude Futures have fallen about 12% in 2025. They can still compensate for the oil profits. Some energy companies are planning to cut back on the capital they spend this year on new oil drilling, as oil prices are expected to fall for a third consecutive year in 2025. This could eventually lead to less oil and gas coming out of the Permian. According to the federal outlook, U.S. oil production is expected to hit record levels in 2025, before declining in 2026. Scott DiSavino (Reporting) and David Goodman (Editing)
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Data shows that a ship carrying Russian oil with Adani banned switches to an Indian port
Ship tracking data revealed that the blacklisted vessel Noble Walker, carrying Russian oil, has changed its course and is now heading to India's Vadinar Port after Adani Group in India banned entry into Mundra port for ships on the sanctions list. According to data and shipping reports from LSEG, the Noble Walker was headed for Mundra until Friday, with about a half-million barrels of Russian crude oil bound for Indian refiner HPCL Mittal Energy Ltd. The European Union and Britain have blacklisted the vessel for violating sanctions by transporting Russian oil. HMEL didn't respond to an email seeking a comment. According to LSEG, Mancera Shipping, which owns Noble Walker has no contact information. Adani has issued an order to bar vessels sanctioned by Britain, the EU and the United States from entering its 14 ports, including Mundra, in western India. The port is used by Indian refiners HMEL, Indian Oil Corp and others to import oil from Russia. After the Western sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, India is now the largest buyer of Russian oil by sea. India has tightened its surveillance on vessels and transactions that involve Russian supplies. The majority of Russian oil is shipped by the so-called "shadow fleet" after the United States and EU imposed sanctions on vessels, traders, and companies to reduce Moscow's oil revenues, which are its lifeline. Spartan, another sanctioned tanker carrying 1,000,000 barrels of Russian crude oil, was anchored Monday near Mundra port. Kpler data indicated that the vessel was to discharge its crude oil at the port Monday. Reporting by Nidhi verma. Beijing Bureau contributed additional reporting. Editing by Florence Tan, Mark Potter and Mark Potter
China's demand for long-range Hybrids is surging, and automakers are rushing to meet it
Chinese automakers are competing with foreign automakers to launch ever-more advanced hybrids that can travel long distances. This is in response to the growing demand for cars on the largest auto market.
China, unlike many other markets, treats EVs and Hybrids as a single "new energy vehicle sector" where brands compete to offer consumers a range of electrified vehicles with longer driving distances.
Zeekr, a Geely division, unveiled this week the 9X, a large plug in hybrid SUV, which can travel 400 km (249 mi) on its own electric power before the gasoline engine kicks into action. This is a range that rivals many electric cars and is far greater than the typical plug-in hybrids sold in America, Europe and elsewhere.
Chinese automakers also have a flourishing business in the so-called "extended-range electric vehicles" (EREVs), with small petrol engines which serve as generators to extend their large batteries' range.
According to the China Passenger Car Association, both EREVs (electric hybrid vehicles) and plug-ins (plug-in hybrids) grew faster in China than pure EVs last year. The whole electrified segment now accounts for about half of the new cars sold.
EREVs sales grew 79%, to 1.2 millions vehicles. Plug-in hybrids sales jumped by 76%, to 3.4million units. EV sales grew by 23% to 6.3million units.
In the first quarter, fully electric models outgrew both hybrids and led China's new energy sector. The hybrid boom in China, and worldwide, has led to more traditional automakers including gasoline-electric models into their lineups. Previously they had focused solely on expanding EV options.
Volkswagen is planning a new platform for full EVs, EREVs, and hybrids to help reverse the slowdown in sales of foreign automakers in China. VW board member Ralf brandstaetter said that drivetrain flexibility is critical for the German automaker's efforts to "find its edge."
Ola Kaellenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, told reporters at the Shanghai auto show that hybrids were "definitely" a trend. He predicted they would "coexist for a longer time with battery-electric cars."
TRANSITIONAL TECHNOLOGY
Some automakers, notably Tesla, have dismissed hybrids. They claim that they are a technology in transition and will only slow down the rapid EV switchover needed to reduce climate change. This view is shared by many environmentalists in the U.S.
Pure-play Chinese EV manufacturers are also sceptical about hybrids, especially in China where the government and industry built a massive EV charging network.
William Li, CEO at Nio Electric Vehicles, said: "It doesn't even make sense."
Many Chinese automakers want to give their customers whatever they ask for amid a price war with consumers that is continuing to threaten their profitability. Plug-in hybrids are also a way to get around trade barriers, especially in Europe. The European Union has placed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and hybrids.
In February, Geely's Lynk & Co announced that in June, it would launch a plug in hybrid SUV called the 08 with a range of only 200 km. This is the longest in Europe.
Felix Kuhnert is an automotive analyst with PwC Germany. He said that China's auto industry was "technologically more dogmatic" than other global competitors.
This is the position taken by Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor. It has launched four EREVs, despite its CEO Zhu Jiangming saying that typical EV ranges of 500 km allow consumers to buy an electric car "without a problem."
The company sees EREVs in the market as a way to offer consumers more range for a higher price.
"We think this is only for luxury cars," an area where consumers are willing to pay an additional 20,000 yuan (2,744) in order to relieve range anxiety.
MORE HYBRIDS COMING
According to research firm JATO Dynamic, China's automakers will launch 16 new EREVs, 37 new plug-ins, and 32 new fully electric vehicles in 2024.
According to a major automaker, EREVs, plug-in hybrids, and EVs together will account for approximately 35% of the sales in China, which is the largest auto market in the world, compared with about 45% for electric vehicles.
CATL, a Chinese battery manufacturer, has invested in the sector. In October, it launched its first battery for extended-range hybrids with a 400 km range. CATL stated that the battery was used by several Chinese EV brands including Li Auto and would be installed into nearly 30 models by industry giants such as Geely or Chery.
Bo Yu, an expert in China's market for research firm Jato Dynamics predicted that automakers would continue to invest and innovate in the segment of hybrid vehicles for the foreseeable.
She said, "We will see them more."
(source: Reuters)