Latest News
-
Deutsche ReGas allocates Mukran LNG capacity in auction
Deutsche ReGas announced on Wednesday that it had sold slots for the delivery of liquefied gas to Mukran in north Germany, ensuring gas supplies through winter and beyond. ReGas is a private energy infrastructure developer and operator. On October 21, it held an auction for the delivery of gas into the Deutsche Ostsee Terminal at Mukran on the German Ruegen Island in the Baltic Sea. The company responded to a query by saying that "all delivery slots for LNG landings in Mukran for the heating season, which has just started, until next spring have been assigned, along with 80% of capacities for 2026." It said: "This means deliveries via the German Baltic Sea Energy Terminal will continue to play a significant role in ensuring the security of supply for Germany and Europe over the next year." ReGas announced on September 19 that it would auction 12 slots for unloading and regasification, which will be evenly distributed through 2026. Since 2022, Europe's imports of Russian pipeline gas have dropped sharply. The European Union also decided to stop relying on Russian fossil fuels in 2027. This has led to a greater reliance on seaborne LNG. Gas from Mukran is fed into German and Czech grids. Vera Eckert is the reporter. (Editing by Miranda Murray, Mark Potter and Mark Potter).
-
German logistics companies face challenges in 2026, according to industry group
According to a forecast released by the industry association BVL, German logistics companies are facing pressure as they head into 2026. This is a year that will only see a 0.5% real growth year-on year. Due to the uncertainty of the economic and geopolitical environment, a group of logistics experts has presented three scenarios for the first. In the optimist case, a real growth of 1,1% is possible. However, in the pessimistic case, the sector will experience a decline of 0.4%. Specialists assess the current mood for autumn 2025 as being slightly negative, despite investment intentions remaining stable. Experts cited a number of factors as the reason for their scepticism. The most prominent was an uncertain policy environment in trade. The group also said that an increase in cyberattacks was to be anticipated, which would eat up a significant portion of IT budgets. The industry is putting great faith in the efficiency gains that can be achieved through automation, digitalization and artificial intelligence. (Reporting and writing by Klaus Lauer; editing by Miranda Murray).
-
Baidu extends its robotaxi drive to Switzerland with PostBus
Baidu announced on Wednesday a partnership to launch the Apollo Go service of autonomous vehicles in Switzerland. The Chinese tech company is accelerating its global push for its self-driving businesses. This partnership follows on from Baidu's August partnership with Lyft to deploy robotaxis in Europe beginning next year. It also follows on from a deal made with Uber for thousands of its self-driving vehicles to be deployed across multiple international markets. In a press release, Baidu stated that the partnership will begin with a trial fleet in December 2025, with regular operations beginning in the first quarter 2027. Baidu and PostBus will deploy Apollo Go's self-driving vehicles in eastern Switzerland. The area covered by the project spans across the cantons St. Gallen and Appenzell Ausserrhoden, as well as Appenzell Innerrhoden. Baidu, China’s largest search engine operator has increased its focus on AI and self driving technologies as its advertising driven search engine business has slowed down due to the weakening Chinese economic. Baidu announced that Apollo Go operates a fleet of more than 1,000 fully driverless vehicles in 16 cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong.
-
Norwegian Air exceeds profit expectations thanks to strong summer demand
Norwegian Air Shuttle, a budget airline, beat the market's expectations on Wednesday for its third quarter earnings. This was due to higher demand in its summer markets. The operating profit of the carrier grew by 41% on an annual basis to 3,02 billion Norwegian crowns (US$300.70 millions) during the quarter July-September, exceeding a consensus estimate of 2.8 million crowns. It said that the profit figure was the largest quarterly operating profit ever recorded by the airline. The airline stated in its earnings report that "The Norwegian Group experienced robust demand trends throughout the summer and into the third quarter 2025" across all markets. The airline's unit costs, which are the average costs of flying an airplane seat, fell by 5% compared to a year ago. They were 0.64 crowns for the third quarter. Norwegian's earnings report stated that it was able counteract cost pressure in part due to initiatives taken under its cost-saving programme, and the strengthening of the Norwegian crown against U.S. dollars. Although the airline industry has slowly recovered from its pandemic-induced slump, costs are still rising. Norwegian reported record passenger numbers in June, and a high load factor. In July it announced that its first dividend would be paid. The airline, which operates primarily regional flights in Europe, has confirmed its capacity forecast of 37.500 million seat-kilometres by 2025. The unit cost, excluding fuel, is expected to remain unchanged in 2025.
-
Maguire: US LNG exporters and US households on collision course with gas usage
The LNG industry in the United States is expected to surpass the gas consumption of American households for the very first time by 2025. This will exacerbate tensions between export-oriented LNG companies and gas consumers who are already burdened with record high energy bills. The U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA's) data shows that LNG exporters will be the largest source of natural gas in the United States, with the annual gas consumption by this sector increasing by 140% from 2019 to 2024. This growth rate far exceeds that of other major gas consumers and the total U.S. production during that time period. By 2025, LNG exporters will consume more gas than U.S. residential and commercial gas users. The LNG sector enjoys the support of U.S. policymakers, and President Donald Trump wants to expand U.S. energy imports. The LNG export boom is not as popular with households, who have seen their energy bills soar to record levels since 2020 due to the rise in both electricity and natural gas prices. Gas prices could continue to rise along with LNG exports. This could lead to a consumer backlash against LNG companies that compete with residents for gas. It could also force policymakers into taking steps to protect households from future gas price increases. GROWING HEAT According to EIA, LNG export volumes in the first half of 2025 increased by about 20% from the previous year to reach a record of 2,57 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Residential gas consumers, including homes and apartment blocks, collectively consumed 3.05 BCF in the first half of 2025. This is around 11% higher than the same period in 2024. Residential gas consumption was the highest for any half-year time period since the beginning of 2022. The average household gas consumption during the second half is around 25% lower than the first due to the colder temperatures from January to March that require more gas-fed heat. During the coldest months, major buyers from Europe and Asia tend to stock up on gas in preparation for the winter. If these usage patterns continue in 2025, LNG importers will consume more than the total amount of gas consumed by households in 2025. This would be a new milestone for the LNG export industry in terms of its overall gas needs. NEW HIGHS The first half of the year 2025 will also see record gas consumption by industrial and commercial users. EIA data indicates that commercial users, which includes offices, grocery stores and hospitals, consumed 2,08 BCF. Around 5.4 BCF was consumed by industrial sites, such as chemical plants and fertilizer producers. The growth rates of both sectors were far below those of LNG exporters. This means that LNG exporters have reached a new record of 14% of the global gas market in 2025. EIA data show that the commercial sector accounts for 11%, while residential users account for 16%, and industry makes up 28%. The U.S. Power Sector, the country's largest gas user with a share of 31%, has seen its gas consumption drop by 4% in the first half 2024. This is equivalent to 5.9 BCF. The high gas prices in the first months of 2025 prompted power networks to reduce gas usage and increase coal-fired generation instead. Solar parks, wind farms, and other sources of power generation have allowed utilities to reduce their gas-fired output by as much as 2025. The cost of doing business The average U.S. gas cost remains high, with Henry Hub natural-gas futures averaging 37% higher than the 2024 average. Gas costs have risen, and this is reflected in the utility bills of consumers. However, residential customers are by far the most affected. Residential gas users have already paid an average of $17.63 for a thousand cubic feet in 2025, more than five times the Henry Hub spot rate of $3.60. According to EIA, power companies paid $4.24 on average, industrial consumers $5.07 and commercial users $11.30. Gas firms buy gas at Henry Hub's spot price and then incur costs for pipeline, liquefaction and storage, as well as transportation, which are dependent on supply agreements with gas suppliers, and the distances the gas must travel. The cost of gas for households is the highest because utilities must pay for the infrastructure that they have built to supply gas to homes. Residential gas consumption is also lower than that of industrial users. Therefore, residential gas consumers are not eligible for the bulk volume discount. Gas costs are still rising sharply for homes, and this is a major problem for many households who are now facing higher utility bills, as well as higher inflation in goods, compared to a few short years ago. Gas prices will continue to rise as LNG exports reach new records. LNG exporters may face criticism for fueling domestic energy costs and calls to slow down gas consumption until prices in the home start to fall. These are the opinions of the columnist, an author for. You like this article? Check it out Open Interest The new global financial commentary source (ROI) is your go-to for all the latest news and information. ROI provides data-driven, thought-provoking analysis on everything from soybeans to swap rates. The markets are changing faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on You can find us on LinkedIn.
-
Venture Global receives approval to export LNG at CP2 Plant
Venture Global received final approval from the U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Tuesday for exporting liquefied gas (LNG), produced at its CP2 facility in Louisiana that is currently under construction, to countries without a U.S. free trade agreement. Venture Global will be able to export up to 28 million metric tonnes per year (mtpa), or 3.96 billion cubic foot per day, of U.S. Natural Gas to countries that are not part of the Free Trade Agreement. Kyle Haustveit is Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy. Venture Global, the U.S.'s second largest LNG exporter, could overtake Cheniere Energy when the CP2 facility is completed and become the U.S.'s largest exporter. Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel stated in a press release that "we look forward to continuing to advance the project safely and rapidly to bring new LNG into the global market in record time beginning in 2027." Exporting LNG to non-FTA nations requires permission from companies. Most buyers in Europe, Asia and Africa do not have free-trade agreements with the U.S. The U.S., under the former president Joe Biden, halted the issuance of non-FTA permits to LNG developers in 2024 so that it could study both the environmental and economic impacts of increased U.S. LNG export. The Trump administration reversed this decision. The approval follows the Department of Energy conditional authorization granted to Venture Global by the Department of Energy in March, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval of the construction of the plant in May. Reporting by Curtis Williams, Houston; Editing and proofreading by Christopher Cushing
-
FAA staffing issues causing delays at Houston and Newark airports
On the 21st of a U.S. Government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration reported that staffing problems at air traffic control were causing delays in flights to Houston and Newark Airports. Because of controller absences, the FAA has issued ground stops that will impact flights at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (George Bush Intercontinental Airport) and Hobby Airport. Houston Bush also experienced delays in the past when communication issues caused a ground stop, which was then extended due to staffing problems. By 7 p.m., more than 163 Houston Bush flights had been delayed. FlightAware, a flight tracking service, reports that ET (2300 GMT) or approximately 12% of all flights are delayed. A further 53 flights were also delayed at Hobby, which is 8%. Newark Liberty International, in New Jersey, also experienced delays of more than 171 flights, or 15%. The government shutdown is forcing 13,000 air traffic control officers and around 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers to work without pay. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said that she was worried about the impact of the shutdown on controllers. Homendy added that controllers are often distracted by personal issues and not being paid. Even before the shutdown, many air traffic controllers were working six-day weekends and mandatory overtime to meet their staffing targets. The debate about the shutdown has shifted to the air traffic control system, with both sides blaming each other. Both unions and airlines are calling for a swift end to the shutdown. In 2019, the number of controllers and TSA agents absent increased during a 35 day government shutdown as employees missed paychecks. This resulted in longer wait times at checkpoints. Authorities had to slow down air traffic in New York City and Washington to put pressure on legislators to end the standoff. (Reporting and editing by Caitlin Freed and Jamie Freed; Jasper Ward and David Shepardson)
-
Fight over port charges in Trinidad jeopardizes ammonia, methanol exports
Three people with knowledge of the matter said that a standoff over port charges paid to Trinidad and Tobago National Gas Company by producers of ammonia and methanol is threatening the sales of products from one the world's largest producers. Nutrien announced on Tuesday that it would temporarily close its Caribbean plant due to "port access restrictions" placed by Trinidad's National Energy Company (a subsidiary of NGC). Nutrien informed its employees, in an internal memo seen by the. Nutrien told employees in an internal note that was seen by the. Sources say that more plant closures may occur in the next few weeks, as Trinidad authorities warned companies they would not be allowed to export ammonia or methanol without paying higher port fees. Trinidad's energy minister confirmed that the closure of Nutrien was due to port access. He said that the government, its state-owned firms and Nutrien were currently in talks to resolve the problem. PORT CHARGES CAN INCREASE 200% Two of three people who spoke to the media said that the National Energy Company in Trinidad wants to raise port charges up to 200%, and retroactively apply them to 2020. Methanex, Proman and Koch's Point Lisas Nitrogen could also be shut out of the port if the companies do not pay. Methanex Proman NGC and Yara have not responded to our requests for comment. Trinidad will be the second-largest exporter of Ammonia in the U.S. by 2024, with 37% all imports from the Caribbean Island. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the country is the second-largest exporter in the world of methanol. It's also the biggest exporter of urea. Trinidad's petrochemical industry has faced significant gas curtailment. Three of Proman's 5 methanol plants, and one of Methanex 2 plants, have been shut down because of gas shortages. According to three sources with knowledge of the situation, NGC did not offer new prices to companies whose long-term contracts were about to expire. Data from the Ministry of Trade of Trinidad show that after the Trump administration imposed a 10% duty on Trinidadian products, Proman diverted the majority of methanol that it had previously marketed to the U.S. into Europe.
Amazon hit with US labor board problem over 'joint work' of drivers
Amazon.com has actually been implicated by a U.S. labor board of unlawfully refusing to deal with a. union representing motorists used by a specialist, the firm. revealed on Wednesday.
The problem from the National Labor Relations Board declares. that Amazon is a so-called joint company of motorists used. by the professional, Battle Tested Methods (BTS), and used a. series of prohibited methods to dissuade union activities at a. facility in Palmdale, California.
BTS drivers voted to sign up with the International Brotherhood of. Teamsters union in 2015, ending up being the first Amazon delivery. specialists to unionize.
The NLRB in a complaint released on Monday said Amazon broke. the law by ending its contract with BTS after the chauffeurs. unionized without first bargaining with the Teamsters.
The board had said in August that it had found merit to the. union's claims that Amazon applies control over BTS drivers and. ought to be considered their company under federal labor law. The. NLRB at the time said it would release a grievance unless Amazon. settled the case.
The board said last month it planned to issue a 2nd. problem involving a different group of Amazon chauffeurs.
Amazon did not react to an ask for remark. The business. has said in the past that it does not have enough control over. motorists' working conditions to be considered their joint. employer.
Teamsters President Sean O'Brien said in a declaration that. Amazon is trying to reap the benefits of drivers' labor without. taking obligation for their well being.
This choice brings us one step closer to getting. Amazon workers the pay, working conditions, and agreements they. deserve, O'Brien said.
Joint work has been one of the most controversial U.S. labor concerns over the last years, and the NLRB's standard for. determining when business qualify as joint employers has. moved many times since the Obama administration. Company. groups prefer a test that needs direct and immediate control. over employees, while unions and Democrats back a standard that. covers indirect forms of control.
The case will be heard by an administrative judge in Los. Angeles, who is set up to hold an initial hearing next March. The judge's choice can be reviewed by the five-member NLRB,. whose rulings can be attracted federal court.
A ruling that Amazon is a joint employer under federal labor. law could be applied in cases including other Amazon contractors. and force the company to deal with motorists' unions.
The board, meanwhile, is dealing with claims by a growing number. of companies, including Amazon, that its structure and in-house. enforcement procedures break the U.S. Constitution.
Amazon has submitted a suit against the board looking for to. block it from choosing whether the company must bargain with a. union representing workers at a New york city City storage facility. A. federal appeals court on Monday momentarily blocked the NLRB. from ruling while it evaluates Amazon's claims.
(source: Reuters)