As PDVSA Declines So Does Venezuela’s Influence
May 20th, 2009
Courtesy of The New York Times, adroit analysis of the rise – and fall – of Venezuela’s petroleum-funded influence in South/Central America, and the more recent ascendancy of China & Brazil in the region. As the article notes: “…President Hugo Chávez’s push to extend his sway in Latin America is waning amid low oil prices […]
Read more »Gas Pains: Gazprom’s Deteriorating Relationship With Turkmenistan
May 20th, 2009
Via Energy Daily, analysis of Gazprom’s fraying relationship with one of its largest suppliers – Turkmenistan. As the article notes: “…its policies have alienated one of its largest suppliers, Turkmenistan, and if Gazprom’s management does not dramatically alter its policies, then it could lose access to the 42 billion to 45 billion cubic meters of […]
Read more »Gazprom: Powering Down
May 16th, 2009
Courtesy of The New York Times, interesting analysis of the impact that shrinking energy markets (and long-term, higher cost contracts) are having upon Gazprom’s profits and influence. As the article notes: “…Throughout his eight years as president of Russia, Vladimir V. Putin pursued the strategic goal of dominating natural gas supplies to Europe and the […]
Read more »South Stream: Still a Mere Pipe Dream?
May 16th, 2009
Via Stratfor (subscription required), a detailed report on the recent agreement between Gazprom and Italy’s energy giant ENI on the development of the South Stream natural gas pipeline. Despite this step forward, there remain – as the article notes – significant political and logistical hurdles to be overcome: “…South Stream, originally proposed by Italy and […]
Read more »Iran: Preparation for Offshore Exploration In The Caspian
May 14th, 2009
Via Energy Daily, a report that Iran – in a historic move – is now preparing to tentatively start exploring in the Caspian Sea’s coastal waters as well. As the article notes: “…What is impressive about Iran’s intentions is the fact that its offshore equipment is indigenously produced, a result of 30 years of U.S.-led […]
Read more »Gazprom: Hungry For Hungary?
May 8th, 2009
Via The Asia Times, a fascinating look at indications that Russian energy giant Gazprom may be preparing to take over a large part of the Hungarian domestic gas distribution network via a highly opaque deal which could threaten Hungary’s energy security. As the article notes: “…On April 28, Emfesz KFT, a major Hungarian gas distribution […]
Read more »Focusing primarily on The New Seven Sisters - the largely state owned petroleum companies from the emerging world that have become key players in the oil & gas industry as identified by Carola Hoyos, Chief Energy Correspondent for The Financial Times - but spanning other nascent opportunities around the globe that may hold potential in the years ahead, Wildcats & Black Sheep is a place for the adventurous to contemplate & evaluate the emerging markets of tomorrow.