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The report of the European commission (EC) on the energy scenario faced major criticism by the Rome-based company, Associazione Generale Operatori Carboni (Assocarboni), which represents companies in the Italian coal industry. The company, led by Andrea Clavarino, had similar views as that of the World Energy, Technology and Climate Policy Outlook (WETO) and hence supported them over the EC.

The Colombian government has awarded a contract to Petroleum Development Consultants (PDC) to develop the model contract and regulations for the country's unconventional resources. PDC will prepare an assessment of Colombia's resources. It will also prepare capital investment and operating cost estimates for typical developments.

Pirates kidnapped three French seamen working for oil services firm Bourbon SA off the Nigerian coast. The attack came six days after members of the Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb kidnapped five French nationals working at a uranium mine in Niger.

Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni said no oil and gas agreements will be made without his approval. The move stemmed from problems between the Ugandan government and Heritage Oil. Comments from officials are also included.

Sudan's minister of oil Lual Deng has labeled a proposed oil pipeline to Kenya as 'uneconomical.' He said the proposal would be too expensive and existing pipelines would continue to be used. Comments from officials are also included.

Iraq has offered discounted oil and acreage to firms who are willing to invest on four oil refinery projects. The project is estimated to cost around $20 billion. The government will also allow investors to set prices for refined products.

The UK's Royal Institute for International Affairs reported that the fears of Western nations over increasing Asian interest in securing African oil resources are exaggerated. Western oil companies still control a greater part in oil reserves and production in Africa and Angola.

Militants belonging to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta have threatened to attack the proposed Trans-Saharan gas pipeline project. The group is responsible for numerous attacks on the Nigeria's oil and gas installations, resulting in a drop in the country's oil production to 1.8 million barrels/day.

Brazilian president Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva and Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez said the joint venture between Petroleo Brazileiro SA and Petroleos de Venezuela SA will soon push through. Chavez has expressed disappointment with the breakdown of negotiations between the firms. The firms have decided on an extension of an earlier deal.

The Brazilian government revealed its energy policy, which involves a greater emphasis on renewable energy while continuing oil and gas development. Petroleo Brasileiro SA plans to increase production to 3.1 million barrels/day by 2020, while the Brazilian government aims to increase ethanol production to 23.3 billion liters/year and 3.3 billion liters/year of biodiesel by 2010.

Activist organizations have urged the United States Environmental Agency to expand regulation of wastewater discharges from the oil and gas drilling industry. Increased use of chemicals during extraction are raising new water quality concerns. The EPA is planning to create a new effluent limitations guidelines for wastewater from coalbed methane extraction.

Chinese Premier Hu Jintao and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez agreed to move forward the start of increased Venezuelan oil exports to China from 2013 to 2010. Venezuela plans to send 1 million barrels/day to China and entered into discussions regarding a joint venture for oil transport and the construction of a refinery in China.

Business Monitor International has forecasted only a 0.6 percent increase in global oil consumption in 2009. North American demand is seen to decrease by at least 520,000 b/d. Oil production in 2009 has been forecasted to increase by just 0.4 percent.

Iraq's deteriorating oil production and pipeline systems are seen to impact crude exports, Executive Analysis reported. Potential security problems are also seen to hinder the country's economic growth. The Iraqi Navy has assumed responsibility for the protection of oil terminals.

Somali hijackers benefit from an international network of informants providing them with information about the movement of ships off Somali waters. Negotiations for the release of the Saudi-owned supertanker Sirius Star are being held through Dubai and London.

Somali pirates attacked the tanker Sirius Star off the Kenyan coast and the tanker Chemstar Venus in the Gulf of Aden on 15 November 2008. Naval officials admitted that the pirates are changing their activities in response to antipiracy patrols off the African coast and urged ships to employ self-protection measures.

Saudi Aramco and ConocoPhillips agreed to halt the bidding process for the construction of a 400,000 barrels/day export refinery in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The two companies, who cited uncertainties in the financial and contracting markets, plan to re-bid in the second quarter of 2009.

It was reported that BP PLC has been forced to suspend shipments of 50,000 to 70,000 b/d of oil from Azerbaijan to Georgia due to the destruction of a key railroad bridge. It was estimated that the key rail bridge will be rebuilt within a week or sooner. Information about the company's export alternatives is also presented.

It was reported that BP PLC is dealing with the effects of the conflict in the Caucasus region after the Russian Government bombarded locations in Georgia on August 8, 2008. Georgia earlier launched a major military offensive to retake South Ossetia. The conflict threatened BP PLC's efforts to use alternate routes and modes of transport.

The decision of Indonesia to withdraw from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries was done by the country itself, according to the organization. Net oil imports of the country, which turned into a net oil importer in 2003, are projected to rise to $15 billion by the end of 2008. Half of the 21 oil and gas blocks offered by the Indonesian government failed to attract investors.

The oil industry has become the primary target of piracy attacks in Nigeria. On board vessels at anchor and those carrying ship-to-sore operations are often victimized by pirates. Nigerian officials have admitted being ill-equipped to combat pirates.

Indonesia has terminated its membership with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The country has registered a protest against high global oil prices. A significant decrease in the country's oil production is also a reason for its termination of its OPEC membership.