“The regional potential is being realised, and the Israeli gas discoveries look to play a key role in shaping the regional energy market,” said Yossi Abu, chief executive of Delek Drilling, in a statement announcing the Egyptian agreement. “The deal with Dolphinus is further proof of the political and economic benefits that may be derived through regional co-operation between states and energy companies.”

“I think, Iran can become a major gas supplier to the Persian Gulf and regional markets, but European LNG markets are a tough competitive place for Iran."

U.S. Rig Count is down 13 rigs from last week to 744, with oil rigs down 9 to 555, and gas rigs down 4 to 189.

Oil, natural gas and coal producers are risking $2.2 trillion by investing in projects for which there will be no demand if the world meets a United Nations target of limiting the rise in temperature to less than 2 degrees Celsius, a non-profit think tank said.

The new budget rule should rely on mid-term crude oil price within $50 per barrel, Russia’s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said on Tuesday.

“Despite of challenging economic environment, the Company keeps improving its efficiency. This is demonstrated by keeping operating costs in rouble terms at sustainable level in conditions of 12.0% increase in industry prices. Preserving the cost base and efficient risk management contributed to an increase in profits for 9M 2015 compared to 9M 2014 despite oil price drop. The Company achieved a structural improvement in the credit profile, while the debt burden was reduced to the target level.”

‘The latest estimates for 2016 show that total investments are expected to amount to NOK 219.4 billion. This is 5.4 per cent lower than the corresponding figure for 2015. The decline is mainly due to a fall of 9.3 per cent within oil and gas’ reads the statement.

"Russia has made huge investments in exploration, refining, and transportation of gas and holds a great share of supplying security. The country plans to increase its output to 855 billion cubic meters per year by 2035," Putin said.

Russia is a strategic partner of Iran, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh said during the talks with Russia’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak in Tehran at the third Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit on Monday."Moscow is a strategic partner of Iran," the Iranian minister was quoted by IRNA news agency.

"The council (of ministers) ... stressed the kingdom's role in (achieving) the stability of the oil market and its continuous readiness and efforts to cooperate with all OPEC and non-OPEC countries to maintain the stability of the market and prices," the cabinet said.