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El Nino could increase gas exports from Argentina to Brazil according to OLACDE's executive
A representative of the 'Latin American and 'Caribbean 'Energy Organization' (OLACDE), said that the El Nino phenomenon could cause Argentina's natural-gas sales to 'Brazil' to increase in the spring months in the Southern hemisphere. A strong El Nino will increase rainfall and frequency in Argentina. This would allow for greater use of hydroelectric power plants. The phenomenon will cause drought in western Brazil. This will require more natural gas to produce electricity at thermal power plants. Guido Maiulini of the strategic advisory department told Friday that Argentina may be able to export surpluses due to El Nino's impact on the Parana River. OLACDE is a regional organisation of 27 countries. Maiulini didn't estimate the amount that?gas sales, which are currently done ad-hoc, could increase. For the first time last year, Argentina exported gas to Brazil through Bolivian pipelines from its Vaca Muerta shale. REGIONAL GAS MARK Argentina is developing Vaca Muerta, located in the western part of the country. This area holds the second largest unconventional gas reserves worldwide and the fourth largest oil reserves. According to OLACDE a greater regional integration of gas is possible due to Vaca Muerta’s unconventional?resources? and?unmet demands in certain markets. OLACDE estimates that expanding regional trade would require an investment of $18 billion for infrastructure in 'Brazil and Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay. This includes a new gas pipeline connecting the Argentine province Santa Fe with 'Brazil Porto Alegre' and modifications to an existing pipeline linking Argentina to Bolivia. Maiulini said Argentina is currently negotiating with Brazil new gas export deals using pipelines located in Bolivia. (Reporting and writing by Eliana Razewski, Leila Miller, Editing by Rod Nickel).
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UN agency: UN evacuation plan for ships stranded in Gulf underway
The United Nations shipping agency announced on Tuesday that an evacuation plan is in place to allow hundreds of ships with 11,000 seafarers stuck?in?the Gulf to sail through the Strait of Hormuz. This follows the agreement between Iran and the U.S. to end hostilities. A spokesperson for the United Nations said, "We've started to contact the ships in order to begin the evacuation." The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) spokesperson said that the evacuation would begin as soon as possible. The IMO stated that it had?secured the necessary safety assurances and verified conditions for safe sailing. In a press release, IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez stated that "this?large-scale?operation will be carried out closely in cooperation with Iran and Oman as well as all other coastal'states' in the region. The United States, too, are involved." Oman's Defence Ministry said in a separate advisory that the evacuation process, under the IMO Plan, which has been discussed for months, would be phased. It said that "given the elevated collision risk in the current climate,?a gradual and managed evacuation of vessel traffic was required." The Omani Ministry said that the "so-called Traffic Separation Scheme" was not safe to use at the moment and two temporary routes north and south could be used as evacuation routes. The advisory from the Ministry stated that "parties coordinated by IMO will contact each vessel individually to inform them of the?transit date they have been assigned." The scheme adopted by the IMO in '68 established routes through Iranian - and Omani waters. The waters surrounding Hormuz are a major risk due to floating mines. (Reporting and editing by Gareth Jones, Andrew Cawthorne and Jonathan Saul)
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Nord Stream 2 pipeline owner sues EU over Russian gas ban
A public document revealed that the owner of the Gazprom controlled Nord Stream 2 pipeline has filed a lawsuit against the European Union at the second highest court in the bloc, attempting to overturn the EU's phase-out of binding gas imports from Russia. In response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU passed a law requiring all Russian gas imports to cease by late 2027. This would cut off all ties with Europe’s former largest supplier. The ban prevented the revival of the Nord Stream System - two double pipes under the Baltic Sea built by Russia's Gazprom state-controlled company to deliver 110 billion cubic meters of gas to Germany annually. Both structures were damaged by an explosion that occurred in August 2022. Russia accused Ukraine of the attack. Kyiv denied any involvement. Nord Stream 2 AG (the Swiss entity that owns a pipeline of the same name) has filed a suit before the EU General Court to overturn the EU ban. They claim that the EU ban is effectively securing the pipeline. Gazprom owns Nord Stream 2 AG. The applicant argues that the regulation essentially denies it the ability to use its pipeline commercially. The lawsuit stated that this is de facto expropriation, without compensation. Gazprom didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Both the European Parliament's and the Council of the EU's spokespeople declined to comment on the lawsuit. Nord Stream 2 is completed. However, Germany halted it just before Russia invaded Ukraine. The pipeline never began to operate. Nord Stream 1 has been delivering gas to Germany since more than a decade. The EU enacted its Russian gas embargo using a law which?required the approval of a strengthened majority of EU member countries. This was done to override?opposition by Hungary and Slovakia. Nord Stream 2 AG argued in its lawsuit that the Russian gas embargo was a sanction like measure that required approval from all EU member states. The lawsuit was filed on April 27th and published last week in the official journal of the EU. After the explosions, only one of the four pipelines - a part of Nord Stream 2 - remained intact. This month, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the pipeline could begin pumping gas "tomorrow." Before 2022, the EU will import around 40% of its gas. This dropped to 13% in the last year. (Reporting and additional reporting by America Hernandez, editing by Philip Blenkinsop & David Gregorio; Additional reporting by Kate Abnett)
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TotalEnergies CEO: We must invest in Gulf pipelines so as to avoid Hormuz.
By America Hernandez PARIS, June 23. CEO Patrick Pouyanne told an energy conference held in Paris that TotalEnergies must 'prioritise' the construction of pipelines to?export gas and oil?from the Middle East without having to send ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Pouyanne was asked to share his lessons learned over the past three-months of the Iran crisis, as Total is the major oil company most exposed to the Middle East. The Iran war has crippled the waterway that carries a fifth of the world’s oil to global markets. "The Strait of Hormuz is a real threat. We must act." "There is only one way to ensure that it does not remain a danger: we must invest into pipelines in order to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, this is our absolute priority," said he. Pouyanne also mentioned other export routes through Syria, Abu Dhabi and Iraq. Pouyanne explained that if you were in Iraq, and needed to reach the sea you could either go through Kuwait or Saudi Arabia or head towards Syria or Turkey. He said that Total found oil in Iraq in 1929 and built a?Iraq to Syria pipeline in just six years. The?world's biggest tanker of the time transported the oil across the Mediterranean, to a refinery in southern France. He added, "If our predecessors were able to do it 100 years ago, I think we should be able to do it again today."
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TSA: US agencies have confiscated more than 300 drones in the vicinity of World Cup sites
The Transportation Security Administration announced on Tuesday that U.S. agencies have seized more than 300 drones in the vicinity of FIFA 'World Cup venues, since the tournament started on June '11. Air traffic controllers must give specific permission for all aircraft operations on match days, including drones. This is within a three nautical mile radius and up to 3,000 ft above the ground around stadiums. The FBI field office in Miami said that it issued tickets to 49 drone operators for unauthorized flights, and confiscated 54 drones. The Federal Aviation Authority?has banned drones from overflying matches and fan gatherings in the United States. Drones are prohibited at?fan gatherings within a radius of one nautical mile and up to 1,000 feet above ground level. FAA officials said that drone operators who violate restricted airspace can be fined up to $100,000 and face criminal charges, as well as the confiscation of their drone. FBI teams are also stationed at World Cup stadiums in order to "detect and disable" unauthorised drones. Last year, Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to strengthen U.S. Defenses against threatening drones. Homeland Security Department also installed new counter-drone defense systems at the U.S. Mexico border in Texas. A man plead guilty last year after he was accused of violating defense airspace by flying a drone above a National Football League post-season game in Baltimore, in January 2025. Separately, Massachusetts?man charged with illegally?flying drone near the end line of April 2024 Boston Marathon. This prompted law enforcement officers to seize the drone mid-air. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)
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Gulf oil tanker prices nearly double as Middle East producers increase exports
Shipping data and sources indicate that oil tanker operators have made record profits this week after almost doubling the cost of hiring vessels to travel through the Strait of Hormuz or the wider Gulf region. This is due to the increasing demand for the waterway as it slowly begins to pick up. The strait's traffic has been relatively low since Iran lifted the effective blockade after agreeing on a 60-day truce with the U.S. last week. Meanwhile, talks are continuing to reach a permanent agreement to end the war. The number of vessels passing through Hormuz has dropped to a fraction of what it was before the conflict started on February 28. According to market estimates, up to 100 tankers are still stuck in the Gulf with their cargoes, adding to an already tight supply of vessels, as Middle Eastern producers increase exports. According to ship brokers, and other industry sources, the rates for hiring a vessel outside of the Strait?Hormuz are now $190,500 per day, up from $106,500 one week earlier. The prices also increased outside the Gulf area. According to ship brokers and industry sources, the average daily earnings of very large crude carriers have increased by over $50,000 in the last week for cargoes that need to pass through Hormuz. Ship broker Clarksons stated that "tanker owners were preparing for a surge in Middle East crude cargoes over the next few weeks. They are encouraged by the fact spot TCEs, or earnings (averaged more than $100,000/day) despite the drop in cargo volume following the U.S. Iran hostilities." In a statement, it stated: "This shows that the supply of (tankers) is extremely tight. A reopening of Hormuz will further tighten capacity." FLURRY OF TENDERS FROM MIDDLE-EAST PRODUCERS Middle Eastern producers have been offering crude in a frenzy of tenders, especially Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. They are encouraging buyers to load from within the Gulf and this is boosting demand for tankers. Sinokor, one of the largest operators of supertankers in the world, did not reply to a comment request. The group's Belgium B supertanker, the last vessel to enter the Gulf and load cargoes for the group on Monday, was heading towards terminals in Iraq. Ship tracking data from MarineTraffic revealed this on Tuesday. Insurance industry sources say that while tanker rates are up, war risk insurance costs have fallen in the last five days, to about 3% of a ship's value, from around 5% a week earlier, excluding discounts. It would be a reduction of hundreds of thousands in insurance costs for ships. After months of supply disruptions, buyers in India, such as the country's largest refiner Reliance have sought crude from this region. Reliance has not responded to a comment request.
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Europe Inc. adapts to the heatwave with cool boxes and dawn starts
Companies are trying to protect their workers and keep operations running as temperatures in Europe reach above 40 degrees Celsius. They also want to take advantage of the soaring demand that could be a relief. DHL, the German logistics giant, has provided its delivery staff in Germany with "cool boxes", which contain reusable cooling towel, water-activated arm coolers, and UV-protective collar guards. Construction firms have shifted their working hours so that they start earlier and end before the hotter part of the day. Retailers are struggling to meet the demand for portable air conditioners and fans. DHL stated that "extremely high temperatures pose a special strain when physically demanding work", adding that workers should drink lots of fluids, wear sunscreen, and seek shade wherever possible. In France, 40 people have drowned recently as a weather system brought hot air from the Sahara northwards. The people were trying to avoid temperatures above 41 degrees Celsius in Bordeaux and Poitiers. In the north, some schools have closed or altered their timetables. Scientists have linked the most dramatic increase in temperatures to climate change on Europe. According to Climate Monitor, it was the continent that had temperatures Monday far above their?historic norm. Where to escape the heat? Coping strategies have become a part of everyday work for many workers. "I keep drinking water to hydrate myself because the heat is unbearable," said 58-year-old Madrid electrician Vladimir Yepes. Even when we're not in the sun, temperatures continue to rise. The 60-year-old accountant Juan Antonio Casas said that the temperature in his air-conditioned office was bearable but it would be "horrible" to go outside. The Central Association of the Construction Industry in Germany said that road construction crews and outdoor employees are most at risk from extreme heat. Heribert Joris is the head of the association's social and collective negotiation policy. France's association for farm cooperatives reported that some silos are organizing night shifts in order to receive grain, because local authorities have prohibited afternoon harvesting due to the increased risk of fire. SALE OPPORTUNITY for SOME Heat has produced winners and losers. Currys, a British electrical retailer, said that sales of fans increased nearly 3,000% in comparison to the previous weekend before the heatwave. Air-conditioning units also increased 330%. AO World Finance chief Mark Higgins stated that the heat in Britain - which experienced record temperatures also in May - had boosted demand sooner than normal. Higgins stated that the UK had experienced a spike in hot weather through May. This is earlier than what we normally experience during the year. When it's hot, air conditioners and fans are in high demand. This surge is indicative of a wider shift on a continent that has historically been less dependent on air conditioners than other regions, such as North America. Climate change is causing more frequent droughts, heatwaves, and floods. This will increase the economic costs for most people. In a study conducted by the University of Mannheim in collaboration with economists at the European Central Bank, it was found that extreme weather could cost the European Union EUR126 billion (USD143.46 billion). Southern Europe is particularly vulnerable, and the public authorities are forced to respond. Madrid has increased the number of "climate refuges" to provide respite for vulnerable residents. Some have paid a high price to cool their homes. Yandri is a 28-year old plumber from the Spanish capital who said that he sleeps in the air conditioning all night. You will see the bill. He said, "It's going to be a big bill."
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Oman and Iran continue talks to manage navigation in Strait of Hormuz
Oman and Iran agreed?on?Tuesday to continue discussions regarding the?future management of navigation?in?the Strait of?Hormuz.?Including maritime services and costs associated with it. In a statement released after the talks in Muscat the two countries announced that a working group comprising their respective foreign ministries will be formed to continue the discussion and they will consult with other littoral states and relevant parties. This move seems to be a fulfillment of a memorandum of understanding that was signed last week, which calls on Iran to have talks with Oman and the other Gulf coastal states about the future management of maritime services and navigation in the strait. The strait is a vital waterway to global oil supply. The agreement was announced after a visit from Iranian Speaker of the Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. They met Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, and spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Albusaidi. Oman and Iran have reaffirmed in a joint statement their commitment to ensuring safe passage along the waterway, while maintaining sovereignty over their own territorial waters. Since the U.S. and Israeli war began against Iran in February, the Strait has been closed to commercial shipping. After Iran began blocking the strait, the United States blocked Iranian ports. Oman and Iran have reaffirmed that they are committed to making the Strait of Hormuz a safe and open route for international traffic and to promoting maritime security, freedom and stability in the region. (Reporting and editing by Aidan Lewis, Timothy Heritage and Jana Choukeir)
Olympics-High expenses, safety concerns harm Paris Games reservations
Spiralling travel and accommodation costs, French political tumult and security concerns are dissuading numerous sports fans and visitors from attending the Paris Olympic Games this summer season.
Cities that win a coveted possibility to host the world's biggest sporting event typically do so on expectations that they will attract crowds of visitors to showcase themselves and boost their economy.
However Paris has a handful of factors breaking it that have held down bookings.
Flight bookings to the French capital - an indicator of traveler activity - are anticipated to increase by 10% year-on-year from June 6 onwards, according to flight ticketing information firm ForwardKeys.
That is a plain contrast to the 115% increase in tourist arrivals for the 2016 Rio Games. Even the Tokyo Games, held during the COVID-19 pandemic, saw a 20% increase, ForwardKeys stated.
Data from Paris-based consultancy MKG reveals hotel appointments have dropped given that last year for the weeks ahead of the Olympics, along with a 25% revenue decline for much of June.
The data alongside interviews with travel agents, sports fans and ticket sellers reveal high costs and security issues are making even the most ardent Olympic fans hesitant to participate in.
Today, it's the lowest reservations we've seen in 25 years for almost any sports event, Alan Bachand, a sports travel agent based in the United States, informed .
The findings highlight the challenges significant cities deal with hosting global sporting events - they are already crowded and expensive, frightening more price-conscious customers.
They also reveal that unrelenting travel demand, with tourists going to splash cash on experiences rather than products in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, is slowing as they become more sensitive to increased rates.
London experienced something similar in 2012. It just saw a 3% increase in arrivals, as numerous tourists steered clear of a city that would usually be inundated with travelers over the summertime.
Still, it will be a blow for the French capital - one study just recently estimated the Games would produce as much as $12 billion in financial benefits to the Paris region. In 2015, the Australian state of Victoria withdrew from staging the Commonwealth Games due to the fact that of ballooning expenses.
NIGHT BUS
Emma Mathieson, 29, has tickets in August for the females's bronze football match in Lyon and is wishing to get tickets to the gold match the following day in Paris.
However rather than staying over night afterwards, she will capture a night bus back to London. Accommodation of over 300 euros ($323) for the night was above her budget.
I would have enjoyed to have actually seen more women's matches or group stages if it was more economical, she said.
Average hotel costs in between July 26 and Aug. 11 have actually surged by 70% to 342 euros a night from in 2015, according to the Paris traveler workplace.
Even wealthier visitors have been postponed. Bachand stated four-star hotels were charging up to 1,000 euros a night throughout the competition, with many clients hesitating as a result.
Even so, homesharing site Airbnb says it has actually seen record Paris reservations. Since March, nights scheduled in the Paris area throughout the video games were 400% higher than the exact same time a year earlier.
ORGANIZATION FALLOUT
Nevertheless, Air France-KLM stated on Monday it expected weaker-than-expected summer season sales as travellers avoid the Olympics.
Global Travel Moments, a luxury travel agency, stated clients had likewise mentioned security concerns in addition to pricing as a factor to postpone their journeys.
France is on its highest level of security alert as the Games approach, with the country additionally undergoing breeze legal elections.
Islamist terrorism is the primary security concern, the French capital's chief of authorities Laurent Nunez said last month.
People are providing it a wide berth offered the present climate, said Duncan Greenfield-Turk, Global Travel Moments' primary travel designer, pointing out challenges like the election called by President Emmanuel Macron.
One customer recently postponed a trip to Paris till next year while another chose to visit before the games, he said.
Luxury sellers are hoping to boost sales in other locations beyond Paris as travelers avoid the French capital.
BENEFITS
Some travel bureau hope there will be a last-minute rush for tickets and accommodation and possible discount rates in the last weeks before the games start.
Visitors may be showing up by train or car which will not show up in flight data, however might drive last-minute home rental bookings, stated Jamie Lane, short-term rental analytics firm AirDNA chief economist.
Eurostar stated train ticket sales volumes to Paris until July 1 for the Olympics and Paralympics travel period were up 7% year-on-year.
It's going to be okay. In France, as normal, they're constantly not delighted and always criticising, stated Samuel Riezzo, who runs a firm selling tickets for sports events.
(source: Reuters)