Back down again today as world markets dive on the increased virus numbers. I link to the JOG story of Buchan video which is very much worth watching, meanwhile I follow up on a meeting with Alan Linn, CEO of Providence Resources. Finally I cover the Trinity update where they continue to produce well from existing well stock.
Oil continues to strengthen against most commentators expectations. A gradual rise like this is better than sudden movements although with WTI at $43.34 and Brent at $46.07 is probably enough absent substantial demand rises. GMS are worth a look as whilst they lost their vote yesterday but are in a strong position with little downside. Pharos have extended TGT and confirmed their RBL situation. United Oil & Gas have taken over the 80% interest in Jamaica that Tullow had to discard after recent financial embarrassment and Trinity Exploration comment on potential tax changes post the upcoming General Election in Trinidad.
The Opec+ JMMC provided about what the market had expected, at least there were no major disappointments in the announcement. Reabold has made an unsolicited 'non-binding' sort of offer for Deltic worth 8p and valuing them at £12.34m which looks kind of cheap for everything Graham Swindells has done to set up the company with the Shell farm-out. Echo are restructuring in Argentina pushing out costs for Tapi Aike in return for an option to get back in. And Trinity are still modestly increasing production which is an achievement given their modest spend and cost control.
Oil rose on Friday after the Opec committee meetings reported both good quota adherence and a rise in demand. Today I catch up with announcements from Genel and AGM statements from GKP and Trinity.
Oil, or more specifically WTI is weak, down another 25% today ahead of rollover to the June contract as even at Cushing the storage tanks are almost full. Angus Energy issues a note today, good under the current circumstances, better when you are writing Riverfort out of your balance sheet. Coro's results were no surprise, recent changes mean that it may be a while before it expands much but Duyung is still a fantastic asset. Trinity continues to cut costs, after this latest bout operating break-even should fall to $20.50/b and Lamprell who announced last week are retrenching into the Hamriyah yard.
It's Bucket List time and the February update is out today, cue trauma.....
Oil has rallied for a number of reasons but Libya is getting pretty lively. Trinity have, as usual a very positive update across the board while Echo also seems to be becoming interesting at the Santa Cruz Sur. Far has gone ahead with its FID for Senegal and is now sorting out the financing which seems nearly all done. President has tapped Trafigura who are injecting money into this well run company and Lamprell confirms the two jackup orders. Finally Touchstone testing an oil play now have a 'liquids rich' structure.
Trinity's operational update is positive particularly going forward where low-cost, high margin publication gives the business 'significant upside potential'. Over at Premier the operational excellence continues as the Tolmount East well comes in, a very valuable discovery indeed. Finally the Gazelle-1 well results from Petro Matad are inconclusive at best and confirming withdrawal from Block V which I thought had already been done, at least this year.
Oil is better today but likely down to further escalation of events in the Middle East. I note the RNS from Amerisur who note that the FSP is drawing to a close and for bidders to open their cheque books. Trinity say that the Trinidad budget is a net small loser but has opened the discussion on SPT which should help. Jersey Oil & Gas had a highly successful Capital Markets Day, after which I interviewed CEO Andrew Benitz. And I mention RBD, ZEN, and BPC.
Oil prices continue to rise as new Minister ABS prepares to try and keep the oil market tight. Results today from Trinity are excellent with much more to come and they show a clean set of heels to the peer group. Solo has sold its Burj investment, important as it concentrates on building the business in higher growth markets. GKP results were good but saw a lower production figure which has led to a fall in guidance, never good but mainly due to increased investment in the plan to go to 55/- b/d at Shaikan and still has a large capex and dividend + share buy-back. Cairn figures very much in line with excellent operational featuring Catcher...