What with the Suez canal and the virus the oil market is all over the place, today traders have bought the dip. BPC has outlined its strategic focus in an updated presentation out today. And Touchstone have 2020 results but it is all about Ortoire going forward.
Oil fell yesterday again on the back of further vaccine worries but also as Petro-logistics note Iran are exporting more and more oil to China and maybe India as well. This morning the price is better as the Suez canal has been closed as a container ship is blocked in the canal. BPC announce news on high-impact exploration in the Bahamas and Uruguay and Echo Energy announces significant increases in new gas contract prices.
WTI $64.60 -20c, Brent $68.00 -39c, Diff -$3.40 -19c, NG $2.53 -3c, UKNG 46.25p +2.04p Oil price Oil has been quiet all week as the vaccine worries in the EU ...
After all the Hullabaloo oil was even last week, today however it has tipped upwards again. I look at Chariot who have signed a collaboration Agreement with Subsea Integration Alliance for Anchois. Angus Energy are positive after news that their loan has seen substantial subscription. President update on 2020 and give guidance for 2021 whilst Echo publish their bond restructuring details.
Crude oil continues to rise with Texas freezing over and the market a shambles as companies buy power on the market. With vaccinations rising and Covid cases falling 'dramatically' the US is looking up. Genel update on reserves and resources and remain in a strong position, BPC meanwhile update on post P#1 news and plans for Trinidad, Suriname and Uruguay. Block are selling gas in Georgia at last and GKP also have a positive reserves report on Shaikan.
Oil remains strong and as WTI heads to $58 and Brent now over $60 recent moves on supply, stocks and stimulus have given it fresh impetus. Unfortunately the BPC P#1 well, whilst finding oil also said that it was not commercial, the good thing is that it is no longer a solo project company with opportunities to develop acreage in Trinidad, Surinam and Uruguay. President has updated reserves and contingent resources and Trinity has confirmed 2020 numbers with 2021 guidance. Finally I had the opportunity to interview Manolo Zuniga about PetroTal going forward.
Oil marches on, with more vaccines that trade is looking pretty positive. Combined with China positive data and Opec solidity it is as MbS would say 'no time to be short crude oil'. PetroTal has completed its $100m bond issue and is now looking forward with confidence after a tricky year and Wentworth are also in a very strong position both financially and operationally and also reserves wise. Erratum on BPC which got missed out of the IGTV interview and JOG has provided a great video on the GBA plus an updated presentation.
Oil was quiet yesterday but is up another 80 odd cents again today on what is being called the 'virus strategy' or common sense as I called it before Christmas. BPC continue to top up finances by exercising a put option getting ship shape for P#1 and other portfolio requirements. PetroTal are also contemplating a $100m bond issue to help restart a drilling programme and to upgrade the CPF-2 for higher throughput. Finally Helium One starts its drilling programme by submitting key environmental studies.
Another good day for oil yesterday and is still modestly ahead today, all a follow up to the KSA actions at the Opec+ JMMC. Today BPC announce a look at portfolio operations and a funding update showing much activity across the board. PetroTal are showing an impressive set of heels as they announce increased production from Bretana following on from the Brazilian export success. Echo yesterday announced further gas sales contract success in Argentina.
After another very good week the good news of the $900bn US deal has been trumped by the news that there is a new Covid variant and markets and commodities are in free fall as I write. BPC has spudded the Perseverance#1 well, one of the biggest wildcat wells for some time and Coro and Empyrean are moving forwards with the Mako Gas Project. Finally Block Energy looks like it has made another smart NED appointment.