Saudi Arabia - joining the dots

A series of blog entries exploring Saudi Arabia's role in the oil markets with a brief look at the history of the royal family and politics that dictate and influence the Kingdom's oil policy

Friday, 5 February 2016

KRG switches to PSC terms to conserve cash outflows to IOCs

Kurdistan exports and payments to IOCs remain unpredictable with the situation subject to change on a daily basis. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (“KRG”) monthly export report and news flow from the E&Ps gives a glimmer into the dynamics of operating in and getting paid in Kurdistan. On 4th February, the KRG published its January 2016 monthly export report – the KRG exported 602mbbl/d through the Kurdistan pipeline network to the port...

Thursday, 4 February 2016

Lundin CMD: Why doesn't the market understand?

On 3rd February, Lundin Petroleum held its Capital Markets Day, which included new guidance on capex, opex, production profiles and 2016 drilling plans. However, greatest emphasis was placed upon a review of the company's tax position, and the benefit of the weakening Krona on costs.  The CEO expressed strong frustration with shareholders and the low valuation being attributed to the company, remarking that closer examination of the company’s...

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

Amerisur makes a move

  On 26 January 2016, Amerisur announced the acquisition of Platino Energy (Barbados) Ltd, a subsidiary of COG Energy, a private E&P with a focus on Colombia. The consideration for the transaction is USD7 million which we be paid entirely in Amerisur stock, through the issuance of 22.7 million new shares. A further payment of USD500,000 in cash will also be made in respect of fixed assets. As part of the deal, COG is entitled to a 2%...

Friday, 15 January 2016

Gran Tierra strikes again

On 15th January, Gran Tierra announced the acquisition of PetroGranada’s interest in the highly prospective Putumayo-7 Block, southern Colombia. The acquisition increases the company’s interest in the block to 100% and adds two more drill ready prospects to the inventory of lower risk prospects established through the recently closed Petroamerica acquisition. Gran Tierra will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of PetroGranada (which holds 50% in Putumayo-7) for USD19 million. In addition Gran Tierra  will pay a further USD4...

Thursday, 14 January 2016

Statoil acquires stake in Lundin Petroleum

On 14th January, Statoil announced that it had acquired 37.1 million shares in Lundin Petroleum, corresponding to 11.9% of the company. Statoil says that it paid c.SEK4.6 billion for the shares, which equates to a price of SEK120/share or a 28% premium to the share price close as of yesterday at SEK97. Statoil purchased the shares over the past few weeks and says it is supportive of Lundin management, its board of directors and strategy, but there...

Tuesday, 12 January 2016

PTTEP may pre-empt BG Bongkot process

On 12th January, it was reported that PTTEP, Thailand’s state owned oil company, is keen to acquire BG’s stake in Bongkot. The Bongkot area is located in the Malay Basin in the Gulf of Thailand and consists of various gas accumulations. It is currently owned by PTTEP (44.45% operator), Total (33.33%) and BG (22.22%). PTTEP’s potential desire to acquire this asset is in line with the strategy of Asian NOCs’ of security of supply. For BG, the disposal...

Saturday, 9 January 2016

Kurdistan producers receive fourth consecutive payment from the KRG

Tawke processing facilities Source: KRG On 6th January, DNO and Genel announced that partners of the DNO-operated Tawke field have received a gross payment of USD30 million from the Kurdistan Regional Government for oil exported through the Kurdistan Region of Iraq-Turkey pipeline. This represents the fourth export payment by the KRG since payments recommenced in September. On 5th January, Genel also confirmed that the Taq Taq field...