Oilandgaspress Energy / Automotive News to April 17, 2025
London, April 17, 2025 (Oilandgaspress) –- Oil prices slightly up as traders continue to monitor latest US moves in the tariff war. The IEA slashed its forecasts for oil demand this year by almost a third and predicted the oversupply will extend into 2026. IEA lowered estimates for new supplies outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries this year by 200,000 barrels a day to 1.3 million barrels a day.WTI for May delivery fell 0.3% to settle at $61.33 in New York. Brent for June settlement dipped 0.3% to settle at $64.67 a barrel.
adi Electrical Completes Critical Diesel Introduction Project at Major UK Terminal
adi Electrical is pleased to announce the successful completion of essential electrical and instrumentation works as part of a diesel introduction project at a major UK terminal. The project focused on enhancing environmental protection and ensuring safety standards for the terminal’s operations, which had previously only been dedicated to jet fuel.
Terry Hartley, senior project engineer at adi Electrical, commented: “This project was a critical step in ensuring that the terminal could transition to diesel safely and sustainably. Our team worked tirelessly to implement systems that not only meet operational requirements but also prioritise safety and environmental protection.”
As part of the project, the team conducted comprehensive inspections and upgrades to legacy equipment at the terminal’s diesel slops tanks. These upgrades were designed to align with modern safety and environmental standards, ensuring continued safe operation for years to come.
“Future-proofing operations was a key focus for us. Striking the right balance between safety and efficiency is crucial, protecting both the terminal’s operations and the surrounding environment,” Hartley said.
A key aspect of the project was the design, construction and installation of a hydrocarbon detection panel, which provides real-time monitoring of the tanks for any potential leaks. “The hydrocarbon detection system is essential for maintaining the highest safety standards and minimising the risk of environmental contamination,” added Hartley. “It allows for early detection of any issues, ensuring that corrective action can be taken immediately.”
In addition, the team installed a system that could handle both jet fuel and diesel operations, designed to improve fuel quality and reduce the risk of operational disruptions. The integration of new export flow meters into the terminal’s existing control systems will also allow for enhanced monitoring of the diesel export line, ensuring both transparency and compliance with stringent safety and environmental regulations.
Modifications to the terminal’s automation systems were also carried out, with upgrades made to improve overall control and safety measures. These modifications ensure the terminal can operate efficiently and respond swiftly to changing conditions or any potential risks.
Hartley added: “This project highlights our expertise in delivering complex, safety-critical systems in hazardous areas where complex regulations and safety measures need to be considered. We are proud to have contributed to this milestone for the terminal, ensuring that both environmental and safety considerations are at the forefront of its operations.”
The project represents a significant milestone in the reintroduction of diesel operations at the terminal, reinforcing the importance of maintaining the highest safety and environmental standards in industrial infrastructure projects. . Read Related News
Spearheading a new generation of electric vehicles, Trafic, Estafette and Goelette overturn conventional cues in this segment to become the first brand vehicles featuring the flexible, scalable architecture developed by Ampere around the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV).
A new approach to vehicle design
Before now, vehicles were designed around a chassis and an ICE or electric powertrain. Manufacturers would then add on all the electronic features and pre-equipment packs required for the various functions and versions.
This approach to vehicle design involved a huge number of ECUs – up to 80 per vehicle – with a limiting effect on performance and the integration of new features.
Implementing an approach similar to the most powerful computers, Ampere has based its new SDV approach on a single platform with centralised software architecture and a connected, intelligent operating system to control, analyse and upgrade vehicle functions quickly and reliably.
High-performance computers act as the vehicle’s brain, processing the data collected by the onboard sensors, and in particular by the driver aids (ADAS), powertrain, chassis control and multimedia/connectivity services. These computers can be upgraded with new functions to modernise the vehicle or extend its service life, using the car operating system or “CAR OS”, designed by Ampere.
Designed and developed by Ampere engineers, this revolutionary approach redefines existing standards. Trafic, Estafette and Goelette users will be the first customers of Renault to enjoy this technology.
A vehicle customised for every user
Business users will be able to upgrade their vehicle, just as they would their laptop or phone, adding new functions in real time throughout its service life. Personalised offers could be made available, reflecting the actual usage and driving habits of each individual. Read Related News
Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced Drew Ferguson will join Hyundai Motor Group’s Washington, D.C. office as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, effective from May 1st, 2025.
Ferguson will lead the Group’s U.S. government affairs strategy and operations at the federal and state levels, following nearly a decade of distinguished service in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District from 2017 to late 2024.
Ferguson’s deep understanding of the legislative process and his proven ability to navigate complex policy environments make him an exceptional fit to strengthen the Group’s rooted engagement in the automotive industry as well as in emerging future technologies—such as robotics and air mobility—with U.S. government stakeholders and policymakers.
He served as Chief Deputy Whip for the House Republican Conference from 2019 to 2023 and was an influential member of the House Ways and Means Committee, contributing significantly to tax, trade, and healthcare legislation.
Ferguson was mayor of West Point, Georgia, from 2008 to 2016, where he demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and community development. His leadership was instrumental in attracting major investments to the city. Read Related News
Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today outlined action plans to establish a waste-to-hydrogen (W2H) ecosystem in West Java Province, Indonesia, during the Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Summit held in Jakarta. At the summit, the Group unveiled comprehensive plans for the initiative in partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS), and PT Pertamina (Persero), an Indonesian state-owned energy company.
Hosted by the Indonesia Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (IFHE), the event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), representatives from the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS), and executives from Pertamina and Hyundai Motor Group. During the event, ESDM presented Indonesia’s national hydrogen roadmap, while BAPPENAS outlined hydrogen policies for Nusantara, the country’s new capital city.
As part of the initiative, the Group will establish an on-site hydrogen refueling station using Pertamina’s existing compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure, targeting operational launch by 2027. The station will be supplied with low-carbon hydrogen produced from biogas sourced at the Sarimukti landfill near Bandung, the capital of West Java Province.
Following the completion of a technical feasibility study on Sarimukti landfill development, the Group plans to commence construction this year. To bring Korea’s advanced hydrogen policies and technologies into the project, the Group is supporting the effort through a consortium of leading Korean organizations and companies. The roadmap underscores significant advancements in the Group’s commitment to sustainable hydrogen solutions, as highlighted by its senior management at events in Indonesia and abroad. It also aligns with the objectives of Indonesia’s central government ministries and is reflected in the country’s National Hydrogen and Ammonia Roadmap. . Read Related News
CNOOC Limited announced that Wenchang 9-7 Oilfield Development Project has commenced production.
The project is located in the western Pearl River Mouth Basin, with an average water depth of approximately 120 meters. The main production facility is a new drilling and production platform, which leverages the adjacent existing facilities for development. 25 development wells are planned to be commissioned, including 18 production wells and 7 gas injection wells. The project is expected to achieve a plateau production of approximately 12,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2027. The oil property is light crude. Adhering to the concept of efficient utilization of resources and sustainable development, CNOOC Limited has steadily promoted green development of offshore oil and gas resources. Wenchang 9-7 Oilfield Development Project is the first offshore low permeability oilfield that utilizes miscible gas flooding. The technology solves the problem of low permeability reservoirs development and significantly enhances oil recovery. Meanwhile, the Company pursues efficient recovery and utilization of associated gas and builds a comprehensive gas network in Wenchang Oilfields. The pipelines are interconnected, while flare gas and waste heat is recovered. Leveraging the gas network, Wenchang 9-7 Oilfield has realized “zero flaring”. In addition, Wenchang 9-7 Oilfield is equipped with the world’s first 5MW offshore high-temperature flue gas ORC power generation unit, which is expected to generate up to 40 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and thus reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 33,000 tons per year. CNOOC holds 100% interest of the project, and is the operator. . Read Related News
Toyota and the town of Shika, Ishikawa Prefecture signed a cooperation agreement that sprung from the company’s earthquake response work.
During the disaster, Toyota sent its disaster response specialist, Senior Fellow Masashi Asakura to help. He has spearheaded many disaster response teams to support Toyota plants in affected regions, including during the 2022 flooding in South Africa.
This time, it’s not a plant but a town that he’s helping with recovery. Through the lens of the Toyota Production System (TPS), he worked at improving the way supplies sent from all over Japan were delivered to residents.
Helping out at the genba were Toyota’s former pro athletes. Asakura jokes, “They eat twice as much, but they work five times as hard.” They began by taking the 4S approach, a kaizen basic: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, and Standardize. Read Related News
LEXUS to unveil the all-new ES on April 23rd at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (April 23 – May 2)*. Details of the all-new ES, a global flagship model that refines advanced electrification technologies and pursues further evolution of its the hallmark quietness and ride comfort, will be announced at a press conference in the Lexus booth on April 23rd. In anticipation of the debut of this new proposition of luxury, Lexus has released a teaser image showing some of the unique design elements. Read Related News
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), and the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA), in collaboration with Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and WRI India launched the “STAMP: Nudging Commuter Behaviour” — a pioneering initiative that leverages behavioural science and technology to encourage commuters to shift from personal vehicles to public transport.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
With the Namma Metro Yellow Line set to launch later in 2025, Electronic City — one of Bengaluru’s largest employment hubs — will be better connected to the city. This expansion will bring over one lakh jobs closer to the metro network, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to private transport. Recently introduced BMTC feeder buses, launched in collaboration with ELCIA and the Electronics City Industrial Township Authority (ELCITA), are providing first- and last-mile connectivity in the area. The Station Access and Mobility Program (STAMP), led by TMF and WRI India, has been working to bridge the connectivity gap to taking public transport in Indian cities, by combining research with innovative pilots, from electric autorickshaws to a carpooling app. Launched in Bengaluru in 2017, STAMP has since expanded to six cities: Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Delhi, enabling over 50,000 last-mile metro trips and saving 240,000 passenger minutes. Using a four-step model, it identifies gaps and customizes solutions based on each city’s metro system. Read Related News
Results of the ninth round of auctions for 28 hydrocarbon blocks under Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) securing 15 blocks—four in partnership with other players, and 11 independently, according to an official statement by ministry of petroleum and natural gas. Oil India Limited bagged nine blocks, including three with ONGC. And Vedanta Group’s Cairn Oil & Gas secured seven blocks. ONGC has tied up with Reliance Industries Ltd and London-headquartered bp plc for a block in the Saurashtra Basin. To be sure, this marks the entry of bp into India’s upstream exploration & production (E&P) space. ONGC bagged three more blocks in partnership with Oil India. Cairn Oil & Gas, a Vedanta Group company, secured seven blocks in the latest bidding round. It had submitted bids for all 28 blocks on offer in the ninth round. Read Related News
Now, researchers from the University of California in Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Guangzhou have developed a stretchable lithium-ion battery that can be stretched, bent, and even cut. Previously, researchers have tried to overcome the challenges with traditional lithium-ion batteries by using hydrogen electrolytes. These batteries work well for flexible electronics but fall short on performance.
Hydrogel batteries
Hydrogels are gel-like materials that exist in a quasi-solid state. This means they can be deformed and still return to their original shape, a key requirement for flexible electronics.
Hydrogel electrolytes are made of networks of polymer chains with crosslinks (hydrogen bonds) holding them in place. They have high water content (up to 80 percent) and salts for conducting.
The high water content helps the hydrogel stay soft and flexible, similar to biological tissues. However, the high water content also creates their biggest limitation. Read More
Queensland’s ship design group Seatransport and Houston-based Deployable Energy are collaborating with Lloyd’s Register (LR) to develop nuclear power generation for different applications, including strategic response vessels in remote areas.
Using micro modular reactor (MMR) technology, two to five MMRs of 1MWe capacity each will power a 73-metre amphibious vessel, designed for emergency response and disaster relief duties in remote areas. This will enable the vessel to operate for 8-10 years without refuelling, and it can feed power into the shore grid of affected areas and whenever docked at port.
LR, a global professional maritime services group with deep expertise in maritime and nuclear innovation, is leading the programme to ensure quality, protocols and safety aspects are established and followed. The concept was presented at LR’s recent Australia Advisory Committee Meeting with Remko Hottentot, LR Commercial Manager – Australasia, signing the agreement with the Australian parties. Read More
The Volkswagen Group is systematically expanding its local technology competence in China as part of its ongoing commitment to the “In China, for China” strategy. At Auto Shanghai, Volkswagen will debut its first proprietary AI-powered, highly automated driving system. Specially developed for China’s complex traffic environments, the system is self-learning and engineered for both seamless and extremely safe driving experiences. Through an efficient System-on-Chip (SoC) with high computing power, it enables smooth, rapid responses to a wide range of driving scenarios. The group will present a Volkswagen-brand model with this technology in China before the end of this year. Starting next year, it will also be integrated into models based on the China-specific Compact Main Platform (CMP), marking it accessible to price-sensitive compact segment customers.The development marks a significant milestone in building up in-house development competence for core technologies that are in high demand among Chinese customers. Already today, a quarter of all newly registered vehicles in the Chinese market are equipped with a Level 2 driving system for highway scenarios. By 2030, Level 2+ is expected to be in use in more than 80 percent of vehicles in the market. Level 2++, which covers both highway and urban traffic scenarios, is then expected to be installed in 75 percent of new vehicles. Read More
Auto Shanghai: Group showcases Next-Gen Smart EVs for China
Volkswagen Group is accelerating its transformation by consistently implementing its “In China, for China” strategy. The company is strengthening its local development capacities in e-mobility, digitalization, and intelligent driving, while also accelerating its decision-making and development processes in the region. This enables rapid responses to market-defining trends in China and fully leverages the growth and innovation potential of the market.
Auto Shanghai 2025 marks a key milestone in this transformation. For the first time, Volkswagen Group will present an entirely new generation of smart electric vehicles from Audi and Volkswagen brands—developed exclusively in China for Chinese customers. The Volkswagen Group will launch over 20 fully electric and electrified NEV models by 2027 as part of its broad product offensive. By 2030, the Group brands will offer around 30 fully electric models. Read More
Hyundai Hope on Wheels®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its more than 850 U.S. dealers, will award $27 million in research and programmatic grants to medical institutions nationwide. Since its founding in 1998, the organization has donated a total of $277 million and helped more than 25,000 children in their fight against cancer. Over the past 27 years, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has established itself as one of the largest pediatric cancer charities in the country and is now growing its efforts on a global scale.
“Hyundai Hope on Wheels has been a driving force in pediatric cancer research for nearly three decades, and we are proud to expand its reach beyond the U.S. to support children throughout North America,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “This year’s global expansion marks an exciting new chapter, reinforcing Hyundai and its dealers’ deep commitment to funding lifesaving research and bringing hope to families around the world.”
Building on its longstanding impact in the U.S., Hyundai Hope on Wheels is expanding across North America, having launched in Canada this past February with Mexico set to join later in April. As additional countries follow, this expansion will support groundbreaking research and treatment for children everywhere, strengthening the organization’s commitment to creating a world free of cancer and filled with hope Read More
bp has safely loaded the first cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export from its GTA Phase 1 project offshore Mauritania and Senegal. This follows flow of first gas from the project, announced earlier this year. This first cargo of LNG at GTA is the third upstream major project start-up of the year for bp. These are the first of 10 expected by the end of 2027, in line with bp’s strategy of growing its upstream oil and gas business. The first shipment of LNG was transferred to a carrier from the project’s floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel located 10 kilometres offshore, where the natural gas had been cryogenically cooled, liquefied and stored.
GTA is one of the deepest offshore developments in Africa, with gas resources in water depths of up to 2,850 metres, and has been declared “a project of strategic national importance” by the governments of Mauritania and Senegal. Once fully commissioned, GTA Phase 1 is expected to produce around 2.4 million tonnes of LNG per year to feed into global energy needs, with an allocation of gas volumes also to be made available to the domestic markets in both countries when they are ready to receive it. Read More
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price | Change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) | USD/bbl | $63.18 | Up |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $66.44 | Up |
| Bonny Light 14/04/25 CBN | USD/bbl | $68.69 | Up |
| Dubai | USD/bbl | $67.27 | Down |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $3.24 | Down |
| Murban Crude | USD/bbl | $68.03 | Up |
| OPEC basket 16/04/25 | USD/bbl | $68.06 | Up |
Hyundai Motor America revealed the all-new 2026 Palisade XRT PRO at the New York International Auto Show. This global introduction of Hyundai’s first XRT PRO model means that Palisade is ready no matter where your next family adventure takes you.
“The 2026 Palisade XRT PRO is for people doing it all—raising families, chasing goals, showing up every day,” said Olabisi Boyle, SVP, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. “We built this SUV by putting people first – thinking about real lives, real needs. It’s got space for your crew, capability when the road gets rough, and the kind of comfort, style, and efficiency that proves luxury doesn’t have to come with a luxury price. We wanted to deliver a vehicle where affordability can meet lifestyle—no matter where off-road you want to go.” The entire 2026 Palisade model line is bigger, better, and more capable than ever, but for those who enjoy venturing even further off the beaten path, Palisade XRT PRO has got the goods. This rugged model is the first Hyundai to wear the XRT PRO nameplate, signifying its significantly upgraded off-road capabilities beyond prior XRT models. Explicitly designed for U.S. consumers, XRT PRO includes more off-road-minded hardware- and software-level enhancements than any previous Hyundai model. XRT PRO even looks the part, thanks to a uniquely muscular front end that incorporates a bold lower grille design bookended by prominent canyon red recovery hooks and a beefier lower fascia.
The Palisade XRT PRO includes: 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 |
Hyundai INSTER has been honored with the title of 2025 World Electric Vehicle. This prestigious accolade was announced today at the globally renowned 2025 World Car Awards ceremony, held during the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).
This momentous achievement marks the fourth consecutive year that a model from Hyundai Motor Company has led one or more categories in the World Car Awards.
“The Hyundai INSTER has been a winner with customers since we introduced it. It’s very gratifying that the experts on the prestigious World Car Awards jurors feel the same way. The combination of compelling design, range, enjoyable driving characteristics, intuitive infotainment and technology that customers appreciate is emblematic of Hyundai’s approach of delivering exceptional value to our customers. The fact that our global portfolio is successful both commercially and critically speaks to the hard-working people throughout the Hyundai value chain who are delivering some of the best vehicles on the road today. Thank you to all the jurors for your service to this great industry,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.
INSTER recognized for design, innovation and value
The 2025 World Electric Vehicle award recognizes INSTER’s extraordinary value in the EV segment and underscores Hyundai Motor’s dedication to advancing EV technology and sustainability. Read More
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s Nomination Committee has selected candidates for the company’s board of directors this month. These candidates will be proposed for appointment at the annual general meeting of stockholders scheduled for June. Additionally, on April 17, the board of directors nominated candidates for key positions, including board chair, and the chairs and members of the nomination, compensation, and audit committees. Read More
More Energy, Oil & Gas Stories !!! �The squeaky wheel gets the oil�
OilandGasPress Energy Newsbites and Analysis Roundup | Compiled by: OGP Staff, Segun Cole @oilandgaspress.
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