Brent crude oil spot prices averaged $64 per barrel (b) in February, up $5/b from January 2019 and about $1/b lower than at the same time last year.

GOVERNMENT.NO - The Government is proposing to exclude companies classified as exploration and production companies within the energy sector from the Government Pension Fund Global to reduce the aggregate oil price risk in the Norwegian economy.

British oil and gas production rose 4 percent to 1.7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2018 compared with the previous year, according to the Oil and Gas Authority, an industry regulator.

Renewable energy had a 64.8% share of electricity generation, according to solar research institute Fraunhofer ISE. The achievement was mainly due to strong production from wind facilities.

Malaysia’s economy continues to perform well despite external headwinds. Growth has averaged above 5 percent over the past 5 years, leading to higher per capita income and reducing already-low poverty. Economic growth is now moderating, and is estimated at 4.7 percent in 2018, underpinned by robust domestic and external demand.

Net income in 2018 was US$ 7,173 million, equivalent to US$ 0.55 EPS, reflecting higher operating income and improved financial results, due to lower interest expenses as a result of lower indebtedness and gains due to the renegotiation of debts of the electric sector.

PETRONAS’ Profit after Tax (PAT) rose by 22 per cent in 2018, to RM55.3 billion, compared to RM45.5 billion in 2017, on the back of higher revenue and supported by net write-back of impairment on assets. These were partially offset by higher net product and production costs, depreciation and amortisation as well as tax expenses.

Oil prices edged up on Monday after Saudi oil minister Khalid al-Falih said an end to OPEC-led supply cuts was unlikely before June, while a report showed U.S. drilling activity fell for a third straight week.

Saudi Arabia produced 10.1 million b/d of crude oil in February, well below its quota under an OPEC/non-OPEC supply accord of 10.31 million b/d,

PLATTS - "US LNG, if priced competitively, can play an increasing role in EU gas supply, enhancing diversification and EU energy security,"

МИНЭКОНОМРАЗВИТИЯ РОССИИ - По итогам 2018 года торговля между странами выросла на 20%, что стало одним из самых высоких показателей по СНГ. Объем товарооборота составил 4,38 млрд. долларов. В поставках из России рост зафиксирован по всем товарным группам.

U.S. BLS - Total nonfarm payroll employment changed little in February (+20,000), and the unemployment rate declined to 3.8 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Employment in professional and business services, health care, and wholesale trade continued to trend up, while construction employment decreased.

BHGE - The worldwide rig count for February 2019 was 2,306, up 41 from the 2,265 counted in January 2019, and up 135 from the 2,171 counted in February 2018.

BHGE - U.S. Rig Count is down 11 rigs from last week to 1,027 rigs, with oil rigs down 9 to 834 and gas rigs down 2 to 193. Canada Rig Count is down 22 rigs from last week to 189, with oil rigs down 22 to 118 and gas rigs unchanged at 71.

Oil prices crept up on Thursday amid ongoing OPEC-led supply cuts and U.S. sanctions against exporters Venezuela and Iran, but gains were capped by record U.S. crude output and rising commercial fuel inventories.