Oil prices hit $50/barrel, first time since March – Newstrends
Connect with us

Business

Oil prices hit $50/barrel, first time since March

Published

on

Brent Crude price rose to $50.16/barrel at the close of trading on Thursday, showing a gain of over two per cent, while the WTI futures traded at $46.87/barrel.

The $50/barrel mark is the highest price area since March amid positive macros coming from COVID-19 vaccines.

Indeed, Brent crude traded at $50.34/Barrel and the US oil-based contract, West Texas Intermediate futures traded at $46.96/barrel.

This is good news to Nigeria and other oil producing nations (OPEC) whose economies run largely on oil revenue.

Meanwhile, after a week of contentious OPEC+ discussions, in which the UAE played a key role, it appears that the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is now aggressively pursuing market share.

The UAE was very vocal during the OPEC+ meeting about its resentment of having to carry the burden of COVID-19 demand destruction and the global energy transition. Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed and ADNOC’s CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber have now clearly decided that it is time to reap the rewards of their large-scale oil and gas investments.

This announcement made by ADNOC that it has awarded US oil company Occidental an oil and gas exploration concession in its second competitive bidding round is a clear sign that the OPEC member is determined to increase production capacity to 5 million bpd by 2030.

Occidental will own 100% of the concession during the exploration phase and will be required to invest around $140 million to explore the 4,212 square kilometer project. This is the second concession given to Occidental by ADNOC. In February 2019, Occidental won Onshore Block 3 in Abu Dhabi’s first competitive bid-round.

According to the agreement, ADNOC will be able to own up to 65% of the concessions during their 35-year production phase. If successful, the ADNOC-Occidental joint venture could provide a much-needed boost to the nation’s oil output. Despite a brutal year for oil markets, ADNOC wants to increase its production capacity by 25% by 2030.

The ADNOC-Occidental news followed last week’s Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council’s announcement that recoverable unconventional oil reserves have increased by 22 billion barrels, and conventional reserves by two billion. It is expected that several other concession agreements for the 2nd bid round will be soon announced.

It is unclear which companies are favorites to win these concessions, but some Russian companies are expected to do well.

Auto

Carloha announces Chery SUV gift for NAPE Charity Golf Tournament winner 

Published

on

Carloha announces Chery SUV gift for NAPE Charity Golf Tournament winner 

 

Ultimate winner of the forthcoming NAPE Charity Golf Tournament holding in Abuja will drive home Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, a superlative sport utility vehicle.

Carloha Nigeria, one of the major sponsors of the event, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos.

The golf tournament is scheduled to take place at the prestigious IBB Golf & Country Club, Abuja, on October 26, 2024.

Carloha, franchise holder and assembler of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, said its sponsorship of the tournament was part of its commitment to fostering sports development in the country.

Part of the statement read, “Chery is offering its flagship SUV, the Tiggo 8 Pro as the ultimate prize for any player who achieves a hole-in-one during the tournament.

“This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts and those passionate about positively impacting our community.”

It specifically noted that the highlight of the tournament would be the incredible hole-in-one winning feat attracting a prize of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro generously provided by Carloha without insurance premium coverage for the tournament.

This prize is said to underscore Chery’s support for sporting initiatives in Nigeria and reflect the brand’s passion for nurturing talent and promoting community engagement through sports.

Director of Sales for Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Omokhapue, said, “We are glad to be one of the major partners in the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament, and offering an amazing prize for the hole-in-one with Tiggo 8 Pro represents Chery’s dedication to supporting sports in Nigeria, as well as enhancing the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament, making it an event to remember.

“More importantly, this gesture is one of the many ways Carloha is contributing to the underprivileged in our society by associating with the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament.”

By participating in this prestigious event, Golfers have the chance to showcase their skills and also contribute to a worthy cause.

Proceeds from the tournament would go towards supporting local charities, creating a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, the statement added.

The Tiggo 8 Pro, according to the firm, is renowned for its luxury, cutting-edge technology, stylish design, dynamic performance, and it perfectly embodies Chery’s dedication to excellence for on and off-road experience.

The Tiggo 8 Pro features an elegant, high-tech electronic gearshift system that provides effortless and precise control, enhancing safety performance and ease of operation, adeptly tailored for the diverse terrains of Nigeria.

It urged golfers and sports enthusiasts to get ready to swing for success at the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament.

“We look forward to seeing you at the IBB Golf Country Club as we come together to make a difference, promote sports development in Nigeria, and celebrate the Chery brand,” it stated.

As part of its commitment to make vehicle ownership easy and affordable for all, Carloha Nigeria offers a remarkable 6-year warranty/200,000 kilometers, 6-year free service on all Chery vehicles, a flexible auto financing solution with the best price for all vehicles, and 24/7 services and parts support nationwide.

This ensures that owners can enjoy their Tiggo 8 Pro with confidence, knowing they have reliable support and service from Chery for years to come.

Continue Reading

Auto

NNPC to establish 40 new CNG stations nationwide

Published

on

NNPC to establish 40 new CNG stations nationwide

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has acquired equipment to establish 40 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across the country, as part of efforts to expand CNG infrastructure.

This comes as the Federal Government aims to set up 100 CNG stations within six months.

Oluwagbemi Michael, Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative, revealed the plans during an event in Ogun State.

He noted that 12 CNG stations were set up in the past year, six in Abuja and six in Lagos, with further expansion underway.

READ ALSO:

This move follows concerns over the limited availability of CNG stations, which has slowed the adoption of CNG as an alternative to petrol.

Michael highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, including a recent N122bn funding for private companies involved in CNG distribution.

He also mentioned the government’s plan to distribute one million CNG conversion kits to commercial drivers, which is expected to increase demand and attract more investors to the sector.

Additionally, existing petrol stations are being upgraded to include CNG refuelling points, with 40 such upgrades planned by the NNPC.

NNPC to establish 40 new CNG stations nationwide

Continue Reading

Business

MTN threatens to shut down services without tariff hike

Published

on

MTN threatens to shut down services without tariff hike

MTN Nigeria has warned of a potential shutdown if tariffs are not increased to address the rising operational costs that are threatening the profitability of the telecommunications sector.

During a tour of MTN’s facilities in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, MTN’s CEO, Karl Toriola, said the telecom sector has been facing significant financial losses and urgent measures are needed to reverse the trend.

Toriola pointed out that MTN, which currently has around 78 million subscribers, is operating on reserves accumulated over the past two decades, a situation he described as unsustainable.

READ ALSO:

The company’s operating costs, especially diesel prices needed to power its base transceiver stations, have surged, adding pressure to its financial performance, he added.

The CEO stressed the importance of returning the telecom industry to profitability, warning that without a tariff hike, MTN might be forced to shut down operations.

“There should be no delusion; if the tariff doesn’t go up, we will shut down,” he said.

He noted that MTN, once one of the largest corporate taxpayers in Nigeria, has seen a decline in its tax contributions due to the financial challenges the sector is facing.

MTN threatens to shut down services without tariff hike

Continue Reading

Trending