"We can play a role because natural gas is relatively cleaner compared to coal," he said. "So we can help countries like China and India reduce their consumption of coal."

Natural gas demand seasonality and growth in shale production have supported the development of LNG exports in Argentina. Argentina’s natural gas consumption peaks during the austral winter (May to September) and remains relatively low during the rest of the year.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation are to enhance their cooperation in nuclear fusion research and related activities following the signing of an agreement that expands one signed in 2008.

"Over the next five years we will do everything necessary to become truly energy independent: we will unite our power grids with the European ones, integrate into the European energy market, increase oil and gas production and create conditions for the development of alternative energy sources. Together with the energy saving program this will make our economy more efficient and will give impetus to the development of Ukraine," the head of state said during a meeting with the business community in Kyiv.

The U.S. current-account deficit decreased to $130.4 billion (preliminary) in the first quarter of 2019 from $143.9 billion (revised) in the fourth quarter of 2018, according to statistics released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The deficit was 2.5 percent of current-dollar gross domestic product in the first quarter, down from 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter.

Brent crude was up $2.06 at $63.88 a barrel , U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $2.33 to $56.09.

The Gazprom Management Committee reviewed the progress of the construction projects for the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream export gas pipelines.

More than a third of Europe’s gas comes from Russia, and most of that goes through Ukraine’s Soviet-era pipelines. Ukraine has proposed that the European Union store as much as 4 billion cubic meters of gas in its underground storage facilities to guarantee security of supply for eastern European countries heavily reliant on Russian gas, pipeline operator Ukrtransgaz said this week.

Around $200 billion in projects across the globe from Australia to the United States are racing to be approved over the next two years, vying to provide around 65 million tonnes of new annual supplies that are needed by 2025, according to estimates by consultants Wood Mackenzie.

Saudi Arabia’s crude oil production approached a four-year low, averaging an estimated 9.9 million barrels per day (b/d). Production declined more than 1 million b/d since its estimated all-time high production levels in October and November 2018

Preliminary production figures for May 2019 show an average daily production of 1 599 000 barrels of oil, NGL and condensate, which is a decrease of 120 000 barrels per day compared to April.

Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum employment and price stability. In support of these goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 percent.

Brent crude futures were up 20 cents, or 0.3%, at $62.34 a barrel by 0644 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 20 cents, or 0.4%, to $54.10 a barrel.

“Мы считаем, что есть дополнительные импульсы для развития отношений России и Ирана. В то же время энергетические проекты остаются одними из основных с точки зрения привлечения инвестиций. Несмотря на санкции относительно Ирана, наши компании продолжают работу, мы видим большой интерес к иранским проектам”. - подчеркнул Министр.

“Развитие всесторонних связей между Россией и Ираном имеет важное значение для укрепления мира и стабильности в регионе Ближнего и Среднего Востока и отвечает национальным интересам обеих стран”, - отметил Александр Новак в ходе пленарного заседания.