PETROCHINA - Profit from operations was RMB65.891 billion, representing an increase of 80.6% compared to the same period in 2017. Net profit attributable to owners of the Company was RMB27.088 billion, representing an increase of 113.7% compared to the same period in 2017. Basic earnings per share was RMB0.148, representing an increase of RMB0.079 compared to the same period in 2017.

PLATTS - Oil production at Kazakhstan's giant Kashagan field could be as high as 470,000 b/d under its first development phase, the head of the consortium overseeing the field, Brune Jardin, has said, while also noting plans for a big maintenance shutdown, and for development of nearby fields with China's CMOC.

REUTERS - International Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 were at $75.69 per barrel at 0654 GMT, down 26 cents, or 0.3 percent, from their last close. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 were down 12 cents, or 0.2 percent, at $68.41 a barrel.

U.S. EIA - The South China Sea is a major trade route for crude oil, and in 2016, more than 30% of global maritime crude oil trade, or about 15 million barrels per day (b/d), passed through the South China Sea.

REUTERS - Iran’s crude oil and condensate exports in August are set to drop below 70 million barrels for the first time since April 2017, well ahead of the Nov. 4 start date for a second round of U.S. economic sanctions.

REUTERS - Norway’s 2018 oil production is so far coming below the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s forecasts due to a couple of unplanned offshore shutdowns, though Nyland cautioned the situation may turn before the end of the year.

FT - Saudi Arabia has cut the length of time that its state energy company has exclusive rights to the kingdom’s vast oil and gasfields, raising questions about Saudi Aramco’s long-term production and revealing a power struggle between the company and the government.

REUTERS - International Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 were at $75.49 per barrel at 0956 GMT, down 33 cents from their last close. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 were down 32 cents at $68.40 a barrel.

PLATTS - South Korea's crude oil imports from Iran dropped 45.8% year on year in July in the wake of the re-imposition of US sanctions, while intakes from Kazakhstan, the US and Mexico jumped as alternative sources.

REUTERS - The lawsuit filed with the ICJ says the U.S. sanctions, which are damaging the already weak Iranian economy, violate terms of a little-known friendship treaty between the two countries.

REUTERS - Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 were at $75.07 per barrel at 0424 GMT, up 34 cents, or 0.5 percent, from their last close. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 were at $68.24 per barrel, up 41 cents, or 0.6 percent.

ARAB NEWS - The Government remains committed to the IPO of Saudi Aramco at a time of its own choosing when conditions are optimum. This timing will depend on multiple factors, including favorable market conditions, and a downstream acquisition which the Company will pursue in the next few months, as directed by its Board of Directors.

STATISTICS NORWAY - Total investments in oil and gas activity in 2019, including pipeline transportation, are estimated at NOK 165.1 billion, which is 6.2 per cent higher than estimated in the previous quarter. The estimate for 2018 is NOK 156 billion, which equals the estimate given in the previous quarter.

CNOOC - In the first half of 2018, the Company maintained a healthy profitability and a sound financial position. Oil and gas sales reached RMB 90.31 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 20.5%. Net profit reached RMB 25.48 billion, representing a significant increase of 56.8% year-on-year (“YoY”). The Company’s average realized oil price was US$ 67.36 per barrel, representing an increase of 33.6% YoY. The average realized natural gas price increased by 13.0% YoY to US$ 6.42 per thousand cubic feet. Despite the international oil prices rebound and industry costs inflation, the Company maintained a competitive all-in cost of US$ 31.83/BOE during the first half of the year.

REUTERS - Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 were at $72.90 per barrel at 0653 GMT, up 27 cents, or 0.37 percent, from their last close. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 were up 27 cents, or 0.41 percent, at $66.11 per barrel.