API - The American Petroleum Institute’s latest monthly statistical report shows the U.S. produced a record 11.0 million barrels of crude oil per day (mb/d) in September. U.S. liquid fuels production grew 2.2 mb/d year-over-year (y/y), and the U.S. met virtually all global oil demand growth. As supply increased, crude oil inventories also rose in September but remained nearly 14 percent below those of September 2017.

REUTERS - Miners churned out 306.01 million tonnes of coal last month, up 3.2 percent from 296.6 million tonnes in August and up 5.2 percent from the same time last year, according to the data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

SHANA - First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said the country had plans for ensuring continuation of its oil sales under fresh US sanctions.

BLOOMBERG - Russia has begun discussions with Exxon Mobil Corp. on possible new oil and gas projects, potentially creating a dilemma as the U.S. government mulls more sanctions against the country.

IMF - The agreement reached today reflects the IMF’s commitment to continue to help Ukraine achieve stronger, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth. The new program has been developed in close coordination with the World Bank and the European Union, who have parallel operations to support Ukraine. The authorities’ steadfast and effective implementation will be critical for the program to achieve its objectives.

CNBC - Ukraine announced on Friday it would raise household gas prices by nearly a quarter as Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman warned that the country risked default if it crashed out of its International Monetary Fund aid program.

Schlumberger Announces Third-Quarter 2018 Results Revenue of $8.5 billion increased 2% sequentially Pretax operating income of $1.2 billion increased 5% sequentially EPS was $0.46 Cash flow from operations was $1.8 billion Free cash flow was $1.0 billion

SANTOS - Strong production and revenue growth  Third quarter production up 6% to 15 mmboe due to strong performance across the core assets  Sales revenue up 10% to $973 million, including record quarterly LNG revenues of $405 million  PNG LNG achieved record daily rates equivalent to ~9.2 mtpa annualised production

REUTERS - French energy group Total and China’s CNOOC have strengthened their existing partnership in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector to increase their output, the companies said on Monday.

PLATTS - Bangladesh has terminated talks with Indian utility Reliance Power to build a new floating storage and regasification unit for LNG imports at Kutubdia Island near Chattogram port, a senior official at the LNG Cell said Thursday.

BHGE - U.S. Rig Count is up 4 rigs from last week to 1,067, with oil rigs up 4 to 873, gas rigs up 1 to 194, and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 0. Canada Rig Count is down 4 rigs from last week to 191, with oil rigs down 4 to 123 and gas rigs unchanged at 68.

REUTERS - Benchmark Brent crude oil LCOc1 was up 20 cents a barrel at $79.49 by 0740 GMT. U.S. light crude CLc1 was 15 cents higher at $68.80.

NIKKEI ASIAN REWIEW - China is expected to become the world's biggest importer of natural gas for the first time in 2018, overtaking longtime leaders Japan and South Korea.

PLATTS - Novatek will hold 49% and Fluxys 51% in the joint venture, which plans to build and operate a 300,000-mt-a-year terminal for receiving and unloading mid-scale LNG carriers, keeping LNG in storage, and providing downstream LNG distribution services.

PE - The development of Novatek's still-expanding Yamal liquefied natural gas project has so far proved to be largely immune from Western sanctions. As Asian demand surges, this is bolstering confidence among partners lining up to provide financing for the company's second LNG project on Russia's Arctic coast.