Global energy ,automotive news, commentary and analysis
London, April 15, 2025 (Oilandgaspress) –- International Energy Agency has downgraded its outlook for global oil demand growth in 2025, warning that a weakening global economy and rising trade tensions are weighing heavily on consumption.
In its monthly oil market report released on Tuesday, the Paris-based agency revised its demand growth forecast down by 300,000 barrels per day, to 730,000 bpd for 2025. The IEA expects the slowdown to continue into 2026, when demand is projected to rise by just 690,000 bpd—one of the slowest rates in recent years. The downgrade comes despite a strong first quarter, in which global oil consumption rose by 1.2 million bpd—its fastest pace since 2023. Read Related News
South Bow Corp. has shut down the Keystone Pipeline (Keystone) and is actively responding to an oil release at Milepost 171 (MP-171) of Keystone, near Fort Ransom, North Dakota.
Aligned with incident protocols, South Bow initiated a shutdown and response at approximately 7:42 a.m. CT on April 8, 2025, after control centre leak detection systems detected a pressure drop in the system; the system was shut down at 7:44 a.m. CT on April 8, 2025. The affected segment has been isolated, and the release has been contained. The estimated release volume is approximately 3,500 barrels.
Onsite staff, the surrounding community, and mitigating risk to the environment are South Bow’s primary concern. Upon activating emergency response procedures, South Bow established around-the-clock air and environment monitoring. The Company’s response efforts focus on remediating the site.
South Bow will continue providing timely updates as information becomes available. Read Related News
Bentley Motors today revealed ground-breaking AI technology that will enhance the craftsmanship, sustainability and innovation of the brand’s iconic car interiors, a fundamental part of Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy. The AI-powered Hide Inspection system will revolutionise the way leather is assessed and selected for use, reducing waste and cost while detecting tiny imperfections otherwise unseen by the naked eye.
This pioneering innovation further supports Bentley’s ambition to be the future benchmark of luxury car manufacturing with ultra-flexible, hyper personalised facilities that combine craftsmanship and digital manufacturing concepts.
Around nine hides are required for a luxury Bentayga SUV interior alone but as a natural product, all leather is prone to imperfections. That includes insect bites, holes and scars that ultimately affect overall trim quality. Bentley’s innovative new process uses advanced camera technology and artificial intelligence to ensure every cut of leather selected is of the very highest standard.. . Read Related News
Statement on April 11 UAW election in Cranbury, N.J.
Volkswagen employees in Cranbury, N.J. voted not to unionize in an election held on April 11. The vote was 81 to 62 against unionization. The vote was administered through a democratic, secret ballot vote overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). We will await certification of the results by the NLRB. Volkswagen thanks its Cranbury workers for voting in this election.. . Read Related News
The new CLA is the first vehicle to operate entirely on the in-house developed Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). This makes it the cleverest Mercedes-Benz ever made. The deep integration of the chip-to-cloud architecture into the vehicle provides control of all actuators and sensors for an unparalleled immersive experience and intelligent integration of vehicle functions into the user interface. MB.OS is the brain of the new CLA. It controls four areas: infotainment, automated driving, body & comfort and driving & charging. At its core, MB.OS helps decouple hardware and software, making software development faster and more adaptable.
Starting with the new CLA, Mercedes-Benz divides the technological intelligence of its vehicles into three categories: MBUX, MB.DRIVE and MB.CHARGE. MB.DRIVE is the new umbrella term for intelligent driving assistance systems. The Mercedes-Benz Operating System also features more efficient software performance. As a result, over-the-air updates consume significantly less energy compared to the previous system. With MB.OS, Mercedes‑Benz sets new standards in energy efficiency through advanced technologies, the implementation of power-saving modes and intelligent function control. This means more range and fewer carbon emissions. . Read Related News
As Nigeria turns to renewable energy, solar power stands out as one of the most promising and accessible solutions to bridge the energy deficit that’s left millions seeking alternatives. However, the local solar manufacturing industry remains stunted despite Nigeria’s immense solar potential and growing demand for energy alternatives.
At the heart of the problem lies a glaring policy contradiction – while fully assembled solar panels are imported into Nigeria duty-free, with the exemption of photovoltaic cells, other essential raw materials required to produce these panels locally are slapped with significant import duties.
This paradox has created a serious market disadvantage for local manufacturers, slowed progress toward energy independence, and undermined the federal government’s industrialisation ambitions.. Read Related News
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) revealed that Nigeria’s crude, blended and unblended condensates production declined by 68,177 barrels per day (bpd) in March.
Analysis of the report showed that Africa’s largest crude oil producer’s production declined to 1.60 million (bpd) from 1.67 million bpd in the period. Nigeria recorded 1.4 million bpd in crude production, with blended and unblended condensates standing at 55,827 barrels and 147,166 barrels, respectively.
A further analysis showed that the latest production is the lowest so far in the year, as Nigeria produced 1.74 million bpd in January and 1.67 million barrels in March. The report stated, “Lowest and Peak Combined crude oil and Condensate Production in March were 1.49 million bopd and 1.76 million bopd, respectively. “The daily average production in March was 1,603,776 barrels per day, comprising both Crude oil (1,400,783 bopd) and condensate (202,993 bopd).” Read Related News
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement (HoA) with Energia Natural Dominicana (ENADOM), the Joint Venture between AES Dominicana and Energas in the Dominican Republic, for the delivery of 400,000 tons of LNG per year. Subject to the finalization of the SPAs, this agreement is set to start in mid-2027, for 15 years, with the price indexed to Henry Hub.
This agreement will enable ENADOM to supply natural gas to the 470 MW combined-cycle power plant, currently under construction, which will increase the country’s electricity generation capacity. This project contributes to the energy transition of the Dominican Republic by reducing its dependence on coal and fuel oil through the use of a less carbon-intensive energy source, natural gas.
“We are pleased to have signed this agreement to answer, alongside AES and its partners, the energy needs of the Dominican Republic. This new contract underscores TotalEnergies’ leadership in the LNG sector and our commitment to supporting the island’s energy transition. It will be a natural outlet for our US LNG supply which will progressively increase”, said Gregory Joffroy, Senior Vice President LNG at TotalEnergies.
“This agreement with TotalEnergies, is the result of the confidence placed in the Dominican Republic’s energy sector and, specifically, in ENADOM and AES. This partnership, alongside ENADOM’s has demonstrated investment capabilities in providing natural gas to the Dominican electricity market by ensuring a reliable, competitive, and environmentally responsible energy supply. ENADOM is proud to play a pivotal role in the expansion and strengthening of the nation’s energy matrix in the Dominican Republic”, said Edwin De los Santos, Chief Executive Officer at ENADOM. Read Related News
TotalEnergies has signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with NextDecade to buy 1.5 million tons per annum (Mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the future Train 4 liquefaction unit at the Rio Grande LNG facility. The SPA, of a duration of twenty years, is subject to NextDecade taking a positive Final Investment Decision (FID) on Train 4.
“We are pleased to sign with NextDecade a new 1,5 Mtpa SPA from the future Train 4 of Rio Grande. This agreement will enable NextDecade to progress towards the FID of the project and notably to start its financing process. Once effective, the agreement will help strengthen TotalEnergies’ position to serve its customers with a competitive supply, as the leading exporter of LNG from the United States”, said Gregory Joffroy, Senior Vice President LNG at TotalEnergies.
“TotalEnergies has been a key contributor to the success of Rio Grande LNG Phase 1, and we are pleased to be expanding our strategic partnership with TotalEnergies with the execution of this Train 4 SPA”, said Matt Schatzman, NextDecade’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This SPA completes the commercial support we need for Rio Grande LNG Train 4, and we are now focused on progressing Train 4 toward a positive FID”, he added.
TotalEnergies holds a 16.7% stake in the first phase of the Rio Grande LNG facility, which consists in 3 LNG trains currently under construction in southern Texas. TotalEnergies previously agreed to purchase 5.4 Mtpa of the approximately 17.5 Mtpa produced by the first phase, which is expected to start up in 2027. TotalEnergies also holds a 17.5% stake in NextDecade, Rio Grande’s shareholder and operator.. Read Related News
Renault Group will be present at the ChangeNow Summit at the Grand Palais in Paris, from April 24 to 26, 2025, with a booth dedicated to Renault Emblème. This rolling demo-car, a vision of a carbon-free family vehicle from 2035, emits 90% less greenhouse gases (CO2e) over its entire life cycle compared to the 2019 reference[1]. Alongside him, experts in low-carbon mobility will be available on the Renault Group stand throughout the event.
EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
Thursday 24 April:
From 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. – Speaking session “Decarbonizing industry within planetary boundaries” in which Josep-Maria Recasens, Director of Strategy at Renault Group and CEO of Ampere, and Cléa Martinet, Director of Sustainability at Renault Group, will speak.
An opportunity to look back at Renaulution’s results in terms of sustainability, four years after the launch of the Group’s strategic plan.
From 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. – Masterclass Renault Emblème with Pascal Tribotte, innovation project manager, Renault engineering and projects department.
From 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Call for projects session on Mobility, with the presence in the jury of CareMakers Invest, Renault Group’s inclusive mobility program.
Friday 25 April:
From 3:45 pm to 5 pm – Round table “Thinking long term in a short-term world” with Jean-Philippe Bahuaud, CEO of The Future Is NEUTRAL, the first 360° automotive circular economy solutions company serving the entire automotive sector. Read Related News
KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today that it has been awarded a second ammonia cracking technology contract by Hanwha Impact Corporation for its clean power generation facility in Korea.
Under the terms of the agreement, KBR will provide technology licensing, proprietary engineering design and equipment, and services for a 214 metric tons per day hydrogen facility. The plant will utilize KBR’s proprietary H2ACT® ammonia cracking technology to produce clean hydrogen and contribute to Korea’s decarbonization goals.
“We are grateful for the trust Hanwa has placed in KBR to support their growth plans,” said Jay Ibrahim, President, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. “KBR’s innovative H2ACT technology was previously selected by Hanwha for large-scale, sustainable hydrogen production and this new award utilizes a design intended to further enhance the cost-efficiency of the project.”
KBR’s ammonia technology has been used in more than 260 grassroots plants since 1944 and has maintained its leadership by seeking to optimize energy efficiency and minimize CO2 emissions. KBR’s H2ACT® ammonia cracking technology builds on that legacy, offering a design aimed at delivering an efficient and reliable clean hydrogen solution. Read More
PreZero has ordered 35 battery-electric trucks from Volvo. The majority of the trucks are of the Volvo FM Low Entry model, Volvo’s first ever truck only developed with electric drive.PreZero is an international recycling, waste management and energy recovery company. PreZero is actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, both within the company and along the entire value chain.
PreZero in Sweden took its first electric truck from Volvo Trucks into service in 2022. Now, PreZero is making a major investment in 35 new battery-electric trucks from Volvo. This is complemented by investments in charging equipment at the company’s depots in the Stockholm area.
Battery-electric trucks also mean lower noise levels in densely populated areas. Residents can expect significant differences in their living environment as the new trucks will not emit any exhaust gases and will run much quieter than conventional trucks.
“We feel that Volvo Trucks is at the forefront when it comes to innovative development in safety and the environment. Volvo’s high quality and extensive service network also give us security in our production, which is extremely important to us. We have a good collaboration that we intend to continue to develop together,” says Mårten Widlund, CEO of PreZero.
PreZero has placed an order for 24 Volvo FM Low Entry, the first truck model within Volvo that has been developed exclusively for electric operation. With capacity for heavy loads and excellent visibility for the driver, Volvo FM Low Entry is an electric truck optimized for safe and efficient driving in city areas.
The Volvo FM Low Entry is very versatile and can be adapted to meet specific requirements of various transportation tasks, such as waste management, distribution and construction. Read More
Hydro and shipping company Wilson ASA chart a new course for energy efficient logistics operations with “Wilson Eyde.” The new vessel will use wind assisted propulsion to transport pitch used by Hydro in the production of primary aluminium.Pitch, a byproduct from the distillation of coal tar, is used as a binder in carbon anodes for aluminium smelting. Since the 1980s, the ships “Leiro” and “Lindo” have ensured reliable shipments of the critical material to Hydro’s anode production facilities in Norway, but now both are being replaced with the newly refitted “Wilson Eyde.” Read More
Nissan is set to debut an all-new model at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2025).
The new model will expand Nissan’s product line-up in China, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to providing a diverse range of New Energy Vehicles in the world’s largest automotive market. It will be displayed alongside the sleek all-electric Dongfeng Nissan N7 sedan, which goes on sale later this month. Visitors to the Nissan stand can also see the Nissan Formula E GEN3 Evo race car, ahead of the Round 10 and 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Shanghai. The Nissan press conference is scheduled from 10:00-10:20 AM CST on April 23 within Hall 8.1. The press conference will also be available via Livestream here.
Auto Shanghai 2025 is scheduled to run from April 23 to May 2 at the National Exhibition and C Read More
The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, welcomed a delegation from Automobili Lamborghini at the Quirinale Palace, Rome, led by Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann and several members of the management board. The meeting served as a significant institutional occasion to share the company’s achievements; its role in representing Italian excellence around the world; and its standing as an ambassador of Made in Italy on a global stage.During the visit, the delegation and President Mattarella revisited Automobili Lamborghini’s main achievements over the past five years, which have seen the company undergo a remarkable transformation: continuous expansion in key international markets; a complete overhaul of the product range – now fully hybrid; and record-breaking performance in revenue, employment, and brand value. With a global network of 186 dealerships in 56 countries, Lamborghini has strengthened its international presence while maintaining a deep connection to its roots. The company stands as a beacon of Italian excellence, capable of blending technological innovation and global vision with a strong local identity and meaningful contributions to Italy’s economic and social development.
The corporate culture of Automobili Lamborghini is rooted in aligning individual aspirations with the collective mission of the organisation. This approach values each person’s contribution within a shared system of values, aimed at fostering not only individual growth but also collective well-being. The goal is to create a workplace where people feel motivated, engaged and part of a broader vision – while promoting social responsibility, civic engagement and cohesion. Read More
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price | Change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) | USD/bbl | $61.36 | Down |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $64.73 | Down |
| Bonny Light 10/04/25 CBN | USD/bbl | $67.55 | — |
| Dubai | USD/bbl | $67.29 | Up |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $3.35 | Down |
| Murban Crude | USD/bbl | $66.27 | Down |
| OPEC basket 14/04/25 | USD/bbl | $67.53 | Up |
(Reuters) -Oil prices inched down on Tuesday after the International Energy Agency followed OPEC in slashing its oil demand forecast, though price falls were limited by U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of some new tariff exemptions.. Vacillating U.S. trade policies have created uncertainty for global oil markets and prompted OPEC on Monday to lower its demand outlook.
The IEA also cut its forecasts on Tuesday for global oil demand growth to 730,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year from 1.03 million bpd – and to 690,000 bpd next year, citing escalating trade tensions.
Meanwhile, Swiss bank UBS cut its price forecast for Brent by $12 a barrel to $68 a barrel on Tuesday. Read More
In Zimbabwe, an Africa-born mobility startup is providing women with the catalyst they need to drive change in their community and society.
Called the Hamba, this durable electric tricycle is mobilizing a generation of working women and mothers, allowing them to perform arduous tasks with relative ease and comfort. Manufactured in Africa and managed by the startup Mobility for Africa (MFA), a leasing program for women allowed one or several locals to lease a Hamba for $15 a month. This pilot program was a huge success, and now these electric tricycles are available to buy, on a lease-to-purchase agreement, and to rent—all on an ad-hoc basis. It allows women to fetch water and firewood, take family members to medical facilities, or bring and buy produce at local markets, saving sometimes dozens of miles of walking each day. 92% of female customers participating in the company’s pilot program noted an improvement in how safe they feel whilst traveling since they started using the Hamba compared with walking, and some have offered their services as couriers and drivers to other community members, sparking the spirit of entrepreneurialism. Read More
Baker Hughes Rig Count: U.S. -7 to 583 Canada -15 to 138
U.S. Rig Count is down 7 from last week to 583 with oil rigs down 9 to 480, gas rigs up 1 to 97 and miscellaneous rigs up 1 to 6.
Canada Rig Count is down 15 from last week to 138, with oil rigs down 8 to 91, gas rigs down 7 to 47 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0.
International Rig Count is down 6 from last month to 899 with land rigs down 2 to 709, offshore rigs down 4 to 190.
International Rig Count is down 72 rigs from last year’s count of 971, with land rigs down 27, offshore rigs down 45.
The average U.S. Rig Count for March was 592 up 3 from last month count of 590 and down 33 year-over-year.
The average Canada Rig Count for March was 194 down 53 rigs from last month count of 247 and down 3 year-over-year.
The Worldwide Rig Count for March was 1,685, down 56 from the 1,532 counted in February 2025, and down 108, from the 1,793 counted in March 2024
| Region | Period | Rig Count | Change |
| U.S.A | 11 April 2025 | 583 | -7 |
| Canada | 11 April 2025 | 138 | – 15 |
| International | March 2025 | 899 | -6 |
According to a report from the Nikkei, Honda wants to ramp up its U.S. production capacity by as much as 30% over the next two to three years. The goal? To have up to 90% of the cars it sells in the U.S. made locally. It’s a strategic pivot aimed at dodging the financial sting of the new tariffs, which President Donald Trump introduced..Even before the tariff news broke, the company had decided to build its next-gen Civic hybrid in Indiana instead of Mexico The U.S. is Honda’s biggest market, making up around 40% of its global sales. In 2024 alone, it sold roughly 1.4 million vehicles stateside. Read More
CBAK Energy Technology, Inc., a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer and electric energy solution provider in China, jointly with Kandi Technologies Group, Inc., a global leader in new energy innovation, announced a strategic partnership to establish two lithium battery production facilities in the United States. Both companies are currently evaluating potential locations for the facilities. The first facility, dedicated to battery pack assembly, is scheduled for near-term development. The second, focused on battery cell manufacturing, is envisioned as a longer-term initiative that Kandi and CBAK will pursue when market conditions are conducive. Each facility will be established as a separate joint venture, with distinct ownership structures designed to align with the unique objectives and scale of each project.
This partnership underscores CBAK’s long-term commitment to its global expansion strategy. As part of this vision, CBAK is actively evaluating locations outside of China to establish new battery manufacturing capabilities. In the near term, the Company, most likely, plans to launch small-scale battery cell production in a Southeast Asian country, while jointly pursuing the development of a battery cell manufacturing facility in the U.S. with Kandi as a longer-term initiative.
By building localized production capacity for both battery cells and battery packs, CBAK and Kandi aim to address the surging demand in North America’s growing off-road and recreational vehicle markets. This collaboration not only enhances supply chain resilience, but also aligns with the clean energy incentives outlined in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Collectively, these efforts position both companies to navigate evolving global trade conditions, embrace localization trends, and drive sustainable long-term growth.
As part of the collaboration, two distinct joint ventures will be established. Kandi will lead the development of the battery pack assembly facilities and hold a 90% equity stake in that joint venture. In parallel, CBAK will take the lead on the battery cell manufacturing facilities, holding a 90% equity stake in the corresponding joint venture. Leveraging their respective expertise, the two companies will jointly develop advanced, high energy density battery systems tailored to meet the specific performance demands of off-road and powersports vehicles.
To ensure a seamless production ramp-up at Kandi’s battery pack facility, CBAK will supply battery cells at market rates—initially from its planned overseas production capacity in the near term, and later from its anticipated U.S.-based facility. This approach supports the creation of an integrated, end-to-end supply chain from battery cells to complete systems. Read More
On Monday, NVIDIA reportedly announced that it will begin producing AI supercomputers entirely in the United States for the first time, working with major global partners to establish a massive domestic manufacturing presence. The company has commissioned over a million square feet of factory space, and plans to produce up to $500 billion worth of AI infrastructure in the U.S. over the next four years. NVIDIA Blackwell chips, the next-generation processors behind the company’s AI computing power, have already started production at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) facilities in Phoenix, Arizona. Read More
Hyundai has developed a new battery that sprays a fire extinguishing agent in case of a thermal runaway and the battery catches fire. This highly effective approach to preventing heat from transferring to other cells has been developed as countries seek to prevent battery-related fires in electric vehicles and beyond.
Hyundai Mobis (KRX 012330) announced that it had succeeded in developing a new technology that can extinguish a fire immediately by spraying a fire extinguishing agent when a battery cell catches fire. This is the first technology that can prevent thermal runaway by preventing heat from being transferred to adjacent cells.
Hyundai Mobis has designed the system to go beyond simply delaying thermal runaway using heat-resistant materials, and prevent it from occurring in the first place. Major countries such as Europe, China, and India have mandated that thermal runaway be delayed for at least five minutes after the initial ignition of the battery cell, while some countries are tightening their regulations to prevent thermal transfer from occurring in the first place. Accordingly, Hyundai Mobis’ battery system assembly (BSA) with cell-level fire extinguishing feature is expected to be in the spotlight as next-generation safety technology in the global market.
The BSA developed by Hyundai Mobis consists of a battery management system (BMS), hardware consisting of a fire extinguishing device and battery case, and software logic that controls them.
Based on the real-time data collected by the sensors, it analyzes the temperature and voltage of the battery and the pressure inside the battery system to determine any abnormalities. It then sets the location where the extinguishing agent will be sprayed and commands the fire extinguishing device to operate.. Read More
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OilandGasPress Energy Newsbites and Analysis Roundup | Compiled by: OGP Staff, Segun Cole @oilandgaspress.
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