Warming ties between China and Russia are giving a big boost to Chinese imports of Russian oil, to the chagrin of OPEC nations jockeying for a slice of China’s market.

RWE is seeking to insert safeguards into a €5.1bn contract to sell North Sea gasfields to a Russian billionaire that would ensure the assets remain operational in the event of further sanctions.

Rosneft and Lukoil signed a package of legally binding documents regarding Rosneft’s acquisition of 20% share in the National Oil Consortium LLC (NOC). Due to this deal the share of Rosneft in the charter capital of NOC will increase to 80%, with the remaining 20% owned by Gazprom Neft.

Rosneft announces it repaid part of a loan obtained to finance the acquisition of TNK-BP. On December, 22 The Company paid to lenders around USD 7 bln.

RN-Aero (Rosneft subsidiary) has signed a cooperation agreement with the leading Jet Fuel supplier Shell Aviation.

BP Plc is in talks to buy a direct stake in an East Siberian oil producer from OAO Rosneft, the Russian oil producer facing U.S. and European financing bans, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

On December 18, Rosneft’s Board of Directors reviewed preliminary results of the Company’s performance in 2014 and approved the 2015-2016 plan.

Rosneft and Essar Agreed on Key Terms of Oil and Oil Products Supplies to Essar Refineries

Rosneft wants to step up gas production and become the second largest gas company in Russia.

At its meeting December 9, the Rosneft Board of Directors approved the main strategic objectives for Company developments.