2015

At a time when the oil price is languishing at its lowest level in six years, producers need to find half a trillion dollars to repay debt.

Profit attributable to owners of PJSC Gazprom for the six months ended June 30, 2015 totaled RUB 675,904 which is RUB 225,326 million, or 50 %, higher compared to the six months of the prior year.

Russian oil firms are increasing their rouble profits and raising production as a weak currency protects their business, which has turned into one of the world's most profitable.

Eni has made a world class supergiant gas discovery at its Zohr Prospect, in the deep waters of Egypt. The discovery could hold a potential of 30 trillion cubic feet of lean gas in place covering an area of about 100 square kilometres.

Ukraine has asked Russia to reduce the cost it charges the country for gas as well as write-off loans Russia has given it.

U.S. Rig Count is down 8 rigs from last week to 877, with oil rigs up 1 at 675, gas rigs down 9 to 202, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0.

Thanks to measures on cost optimization and control adjusted earnings before interests, tax and depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to RUB 326 bln (USD 6.3 bln) and increased by 14.0%, adjusted EBITDА margin reached 24.8% in Q2 2015 compared to Q1 2015. Adjusted EBITDA for the H1 2015 increased by 3.2% compared to H1 2014 up to RUB 612 bln.

Demand for and production of oil and refined products grew across the board over the last year,” said API Chief Economist John Felmy. “In fact, demand for and production of oil and refined products were the highest July in eight years, since 2007.”

Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped by $4.42 a barrel in afternoon trading to settle at $47.56. The 10.2 per cent gain marked its biggest one day advance since December 2008.

Although OPEC's statutes say support from a simple majority of the 12 members can trigger an extraordinary meeting, none will occur without support from Saudi Arabia, which has yet to give its blessing, OPEC delegates say.