Industry research, market reports, trend analysis, and intelligence relevant to Permian Basin and energy markets.
Energy M&A Aug 9, 2026
AEC backs Venezuela's push to attract upstream oil and gas investment
Venezuela and the African Energy Chamber reaffirmed efforts to attract upstream oil and gas investment following recent energy reforms aimed at rebuilding production and expanding international partnerships.
Iran rejects U.S. talks as Hormuz reopening remains stalled
Iran has ruled out direct negotiations with the United States for now, delaying prospects for a Strait of Hormuz shipping agreement as oil markets continue to monitor disruptions to global energy supplies and regional security.
Saudi Aramco extinguishes fire at refinery as Houthis claim responsibility
Iran's foreign minister reportedly said his country is not engaging in talks with the U.S., but added: "Messages are being exchanged through intermediaries."
ExxonMobil advances Rovuma LNG with McDermott engineering award
ExxonMobil has awarded McDermott a letter of intent for engineering and procurement services on Mozambique's Rovuma LNG Phase 1 project as Area 4 partners advance toward a final investment decision expected in 2026.
BOURBON's new IMR vessel begins offshore operations under India contract
BOURBON has placed its new Evolution 810 IMR vessel into service under a long-term offshore India contract, expanding its deepwater subsea fleet with advanced inspection, maintenance and repair capabilities.
Record production lifts Petrobras Q2 profit to $10.4 billion
Petrobras posted record oil and pre-salt production in the second quarter as offshore growth in Brazil's Búzios field and continued E&P investment helped drive one of the company's strongest quarterly results.
ADNOC issues statement clarifying attacks on facilities
ADNOC says it remains focused on meeting customer demand despite continued attacks on its vessels and assets, detailing the operational impacts of ongoing security disruptions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump teased an Iran deal that didn't come, but markets soared. Here’s why it keeps happening
As oil reserves and munitions stockpiles reportedly dwindle, analysts wonder how much longer markets will pounce when the Trump admin. dangles an Iran deal.
ConocoPhillips books Noble Interceptor for Ekofisk P&A
Noble was awarded a contract by ConocoPhillips for the ultra-harsh environment jackup Noble Interceptor. The scope comprised plug and abandonment work on wells in the Greater Ekofisk Area offshore Norway, with the contract expected to commence in Q3 2027 and run for an estimated 670 days. Built in 2014, the Noble Interceptor was a Gusto...
Invictus locks in November spud for Musuma-1 in Zimbabwe
Invictus Energy executed a Deed of Variation to its drilling contract with Exalo Drilling, securing Exalo Rig 202 to drill the Musuma-1 exploration well at the Cabora Bassa Project in Zimbabwe. The revised contract, along with agreed rig preparation and well services mobilization work scopes, allowed the company to confirm a spud date of November...
Guess & Co. completes $3-billion West Virginia energy asset acquisition
Guess & Co. has completed a $3 billion acquisition of oil, gas, coal and mineral assets in West Virginia, establishing a long-term resource position to support future energy and industrial development in Appalachia.
API: Long-term investment made U.S. a global energy stabilizer
The American Petroleum Institute says decades of investment in U.S. oil and gas production, infrastructure and refining have strengthened America's role in global energy markets and improved energy security during recent supply disruptions.
SLB, Equinor sign multi-year stimulation agreement for offshore Norway
SLB and Equinor have signed a multi-year agreement for reservoir stimulation services on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, including a major upgrade of the Island Captain vessel to support development of tight offshore reservoirs.
ExxonMobil seeks $80-billion Kazakhstan oil venture tied to dispute resolution
ExxonMobil has linked a proposed $80 billion expansion of Kazakhstan's Kashagan oil field to resolving long-running disputes between the government and international partners, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Mexico bans fracing in Tampico-Misantla shale basin
Mexico will prohibit oil and gas fracing in the Tampico-Misantla shale basin, while continuing to evaluate unconventional gas development in other regions as it seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. natural gas imports.
Formentera secures H&P FlexRig for Beetaloo basin drilling
Formentera Partners, Daly Waters Energy and INPEX have contracted a new Helmerich & Payne FlexRig to support appraisal and development of Australia's Beetaloo basin, expanding drilling capacity for the unconventional gas play.