Sonangol reform will extend Angola leader's power

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Niger Delta ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Economic Stability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Finances ◽  
Business Experience ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
Offshore Oil

Significance Fund officials praised the government's efforts to rein in spending in response to low oil prices but said further steps were needed to ensure economic stability and improve transparency in public finances. The restructuring of state oil firm Sonangol, announced in April, will be critical for this process. Impacts Sonangol's reforms will shape business cross-regionally, given its multi-sector interests and status as one of Africa's largest companies. If certain of the firm's operations are streamlined, it could affect the livelihoods of some of its approximately 10,000 employees. The 16-billion-dollar Kaombo offshore oil project, led by Total, will prove fundamental for sustaining Angola's future oil output. Angola's status as the region's largest oil producer will persist as long as Nigerian output is reduced by Niger delta militant attacks. Isabel dos Santos's extensive business experience will bolster the investor credibility of the oil sector reforms.

Pemex business plan draws scepticism in Mexico

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Federal Government ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Business Plan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Finances ◽  
Rating Agencies ◽  
Insurmountable Obstacle ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
Substantial Drop

Significance It has proven a disappointment, failing to explain how ambitious targets will be met, while confirming the reversal of the oil sector liberalisation enacted by the Pena Nieto administration, which had been showing some promising results. Impacts The government cannot mount a massive rescue of Pemex without endangering its own finances. Any substantial drop in global oil prices could present an insurmountable obstacle for Pemex, and a significant blow to public finances. A downgrade of Pemex’s debt could push rating agencies to do the same with the bonds of the federal government.

Nigerian oil rebound vital for economic recovery

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Niger Delta ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Economic Recovery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
China And India ◽  
Relative Safety ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
State Interventions

Significance Despite such controversies, the government is pinning hopes for economic recovery on restoring hydrocarbons production alongside longstanding plans to reduce the country’s dependence on oil. While large international oil companies are retreating to the relative safety of the deep offshore, the government will look to new partnerships with China and India for large infrastructure projects. Impacts Employment gains in the oil sector will be marginal compared to increases in the agricultural sector. Recent state interventions against oil majors are unlikely to deter future investment. Counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram could distract from government peace efforts in the Niger Delta.

Oil optimism may face headwinds in Guyana

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Economic Environment ◽  
Oil Exploration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Border Dispute ◽  
Offshore Oil And Gas ◽  
Offshore Oil ◽  
Exploration Activity

Subject The outlook for offshore oil. Significance A recent offshore oil and gas find has given Guyana hope of becoming a significant oil producer. However, while this and an earlier find are encouraging and further exploration is planned, the current uncertain economic environment and fluctuating oil prices suggest that bringing these finds into production is not guaranteed. Impacts Oil exploration activity may prompt a flare-up of the continuing border dispute with Venezuela. A major offshore oil find would have a very significant impact on Guyana's GDP of some 4 billion dollars. However, over-optimism could lead to borrowing against an expected future windfall, or the temptation to prioritise 'vanity' projects.

Oil prices will increase Ecuador's fiscal pressures

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Monetary Policy ◽  
Budget Deficit ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Full Control ◽  
Public Resources ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Impact Of Falling

Significance The collapse of world oil prices has brought fiscal policy sharply into focus in Ecuador. At a time when the budget deficit is widening and the opposition is strengthening, the government faces the prospect of receiving significantly less income from the oil sector than anticipated. The fallout from the plunge of oil prices coincides with the beginning of the constitutional debate that could allow the re-election of President Rafael Correa in 2017. Impacts The government will intensify efforts to raise oil output in a bid to ease the impact of falling oil prices. Conflicts between central and local government will probably increase as public resources become scarcer. If oil prices remain low, the appeal of exiting dollarisation and establishing full control over monetary policy will rise.

Ecuadorian government seeks to boost oil activity

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Source ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
World Market ◽  
Balance Of Payments ◽  
Oil Fields ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
Total Oil

Subject The outlook for the oil sector. Significance While Ecuador is the smallest member of OPEC, oil is its largest export and the government's primary source of revenue. The collapse of world oil prices has forced the government to introduce import controls to support the balance of payments and cut public spending to reduce the budget deficit. However, rising levels of oil production have softened the blow of falling oil prices. The government hopes to continue this trend by attracting new investment into the oil sector, despite the downturn in the world market. Impacts The perilous state of the balance of payments and public finances will increase the need to attract new foreign investment into oil. Chinese oil companies are likely to increase their presence in Ecuador, reflecting trends elsewhere in Latin America. Development of the oil fields previously integrated into Yasuni/ITT should increase total oil output significantly from 2018-19.

Venezuela's oil sector faces rising challenges

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Default Risk ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oil Demand ◽  
Heavy Crude ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
The Government

Subject Venezuela's beleaguered oil sector. Significance With an economy dominated by oil, the collapse in oil prices during 2016 hurt Venezuela severely, already struggling with output and investment. This year brings a range of oil-related challenges, starting with the uncertain prospects for crude prices, balanced between the fragile OPEC-led production cuts and a hoped-for increase in global oil demand during the year. Impacts Low prices and production could raise the default risk for both PDVSA and the government. Despite huge reserves, higher-cost extra-heavy crude is not an attractive investment if low prices persist. Debts to China will further reduce the volume of oil available for sale, limiting revenue and prospects for boosting output.

Russia will prioritise economic stability

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Prime Minister ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Economic Stability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Finance Minister

Significance The event typically serves as a barometer of economic confidence in Russia. Last year, few significant deals were announced, and foreign delegates were fewer in number than usual. This year, the message was that the Kremlin will focus on ensuring economic stability in a time of geopolitical turbulence rather than wide-ranging reforms. Impacts Kremlin will continue to hope and gamble on a return to high oil prices. Russia will retaliate against the continuation of EU sanctions decided on June 22 with an agriculture import ban. Speculation will grow over former finance minister Alexei Kudrin's possible return to politics as prime minister.

South Sudanese oil production could remain low

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Oil Prices ◽  
Oil Production ◽  
Oil Exploration ◽  
National Unity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Revenue Sources ◽  
South Sudanese ◽  
Oil Revenue ◽  
Oil Exports ◽  
Oil Sector

Subject The outlook for South Sudanese oil production. Significance South Sudanese exports are dominated by oil production. The end of the 2013-15 civil war and establishment of a national unity government could signal an improved outlook for the oil sector, but transportation and infrastructure barriers, low prices, a fragile peace and poor local management may hinder the sector's revitalisation efforts. Impacts Donors and the IMF will pressure authorities to increase non-oil revenue sources. No new oil exploration is likely before 2017. Further disruptions in oil production are possible. Lower oil prices will affect South Sudan more than most oil states given its overwhelming reliance on oil exports.

New Brazil legislation may bolster Petrobras

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Oil Prices ◽  
Oil Industry ◽  
The State ◽  
Oil Price ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Capability ◽  
Oil Resources ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Car Wash ◽  
Offshore Oil

Significance A key factor in determining the prospects for Brazil's fragile economy is the state of its huge oil industry. This is dominated by Petrobras, itself beset by problems arising from the ongoing 'Car Wash' corruption scandal, low international oil prices and massive debts. New legislation liberalising access to the huge pre-salt offshore oil resources has finally been passed by both houses of Congress. Impacts Whatever legislative and executive moves are made, the international oil price will remain an exogenous variable. This will have the potential to affect oil industry developments in Brazil either negatively or positively. The 'Car Wash' scandal will continue, affecting both Petrobras's operational capability and international investor interest.

Colombia's oil sector will weather price slump

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Oil ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Oil Industry ◽  
Oil Price ◽  
Infrastructure Investment ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Crude Oil Production ◽  
Oil Sector

Subject The Colombian oil sector. Significance Colombia's oil industry has been a success story, with crude oil production running at close to 1 million barrels per day (b/d) and playing an important part in the country's economy. However, that very success and its positive economic impact is now creating real challenges for the country, following the precipitate fall in the global oil price. Impacts As the transition to peace reduces pipeline vulnerability, infrastructure investment may increase. Improved refining capacity will reduce Colombia's reliance on diesel and petrol imports, and may enable higher-value exports. An extended period of low oil prices could encourage more diversification and investment in other sectors.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document