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Crude Soars On Geopolitical Tensions, Euro Zone Optimism

Crude Soars On Geopolitical Tensions, Euro Zone Optimism

Crude futures soared Monday on the prospect of a European Union ban on Iranian oil imports and renewed optimism that European politicians are making headway in their efforts to contain the region's ongoing debt crisis.

Japan Insurers Said Not To Renew Contract For Fukushima Nuclear Plant

Japan Insurers Said Not To Renew Contract For Fukushima Nuclear Plant

A consortium of 23 Japanese property and casualty insurers has told Tokyo Electric Power Co. (9501.TO) that it will not renew insurance expiring Jan. 15 on the utility's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, source of the nation's worst-ever nuclear accident, sources close to the matter said Monday, the Kyodo news service reported.

Areva German Wind Prospect Could Boost Renewables Effort

Areva German Wind Prospect Could Boost Renewables Effort

Areva SA (AREVA.FR) said Monday that it is in advanced talks to build around 120 wind turbines at two offshore wind farms in Germany, the latest evidence of the group's efforts to diversify away from nuclear technology.

Iran Minister Says Europe Has No Alternative To Iran Oil

Iran Minister Says Europe Has No Alternative To Iran Oil

Iran's Oil Minister, Rostam Ghasemi, downplayed the threat of a European Union ban on oil imports from his country Monday, saying Europe has no alternative but to buy Iranian crude, according to Fars news agency.

Iraq-Shell Gas Project To Start Production In 2013

Iraq-Shell Gas Project To Start Production In 2013

A large gas project Iraq will sign with a consortium led by Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSA) on Sunday will start production in 2013, a senior Iraqi oil ministry official said Friday.

Gazprom Neft: Starts Drilling In Iraqi Badra Deposit

Gazprom Neft: Starts Drilling In Iraqi Badra Deposit

Russia's OAO Gazprom Neft (SIBN.RS), the oil unit of state gas giant OAO Gazprom (GAZP.RS), said Friday it has started drilling the first appraisal well in the Iraqi Badra oil deposit, operated by the company.

Gazprom Pays $2.5 Bln For 50% Of Belarus Pipeline System

Gazprom Pays $2.5 Bln For 50% Of Belarus Pipeline System

Russian state gas producer OAO Gazprom (GAZP.RS) has agreed to pay Belarus $2.5 billion for a 50% stake in the country's pipeline operator Beltransgaz, taking full ownership of the company, the company said Friday.

Irans Top Oil Official: World Needs Irans Oil, Gas

Iran's Top Oil Official: World Needs Iran's Oil, Gas

The head of Iran's national oil company warned Friday that world energy markets couldn't do without the country's oil and gas, after France Thursday reiterated a call to ban Tehran's crude from Europe.

Lukoil To Drill 2 To 4 Wells In Ghana Next Year

Lukoil To Drill 2 To 4 Wells In Ghana Next Year

Russia's biggest independent oil producer, OAO Lukoil Holdings (LKOH.RS), is keen to keep drilling off the coast of Ghana despite two dry wells this year, and plans to drill another two to four wells there in 2012, the company's Deputy Chief Executive Leonid Fedun said Friday.

EU Ban On Iran Oil Would Have Limited Effect -IEA

EU Ban On Iran Oil Would Have Limited Effect -IEA

If Europe were to decide to ban imports of crude oil from Iran, it would have a limited impact on the Iranian oil industry, says David Fyfe, head of oil markets at the International Energy Agency.

Four Big Investments Eyeing Fast Track Licensing

Four Big Investments Eyeing Fast Track Licensing

Four major projects, running to a total cost of around 3.5 billion euros, are expected to pass the scrutiny of an interministerial committee for strategic investments within the next couple of weeks before it is decided whether they are eligible to enter the streamlined licensing system for investments known as Fast Track.

EU Takes Bulgaria to Court for Non-Compliance with Gas Market Rules

EU Takes Bulgaria to Court for Non-Compliance with Gas Market Rules

The European Commission said on Thursday it will take Bulgaria and Romania to court over non-compliance with the EU gas market rules. "The European Commission considers that Bulgaria and Romania are still not fully in line with EU gas market rules and has therefore decided today to take these countries to the EU Court of Justice," it said in a statement.

EU Offers New Funds To Shut Down Soviet-Era Reactors

EU Offers New Funds To Shut Down Soviet-Era Reactors

The European Commission offered Thursday an additional EUR500 million in European Union aid for Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia to put Soviet-era nuclear reactors out of service for good.