Brent $63.35/bbl, WTI Crude $59.37/bbl, OPEC $63.92/bbl
London, November 28, 2025, (Oilandgaspress) –––Germany will urge the European Union to allow the continued sale of plug-in hybrids and highly efficient combustion-engine cars beyond 2035, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday. The move comes as Berlin seeks to support its vast but struggling automotive industry amid weakening demand and intensified global competition.
Merz said the governing coalition has agreed to push for targeted exemptions from the EU’s effective ban on new gasoline and diesel passenger cars from 2035. The chancellor emphasised that while Germany remains committed to climate goals, the transition must be “economically sustainable” and “technologically open,” allowing room for low-emission hybrid technologies and advanced combustion engines.
The auto sector—Germany’s largest manufacturing industry—has faced mounting pressure in recent years, including slowing EV uptake, supply-chain disruptions, and aggressive competition from U.S. and Chinese manufacturers. Berlin hopes that flexibility in EU regulations could preserve industrial capacity and protect hundreds of thousands of jobs as the transition to electric vehicles accelerates.
The consulting firm Agamus Consult and the specialist magazine Automobilproduktion have honoured the Porsche Leipzig plant with the 2025 Automotive Lean Production Award in the OEM category. The award was presented during the Automotive Lean Production Congress, hosted this year at Volkswagen Poznań in Poland. The distinction is regarded as one of the industry’s most prestigious international accolades, spanning six categories.
During the evaluation process, the jury highlighted Porsche Leipzig’s exceptional integration of innovative automation and digital intelligence. A key example is the extensive use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs): in the Macan Electric body shop—where series production began in 2024—77 AGVs transport components directly to the production line, responding in real time to production requirements.
In axle assembly, quality control processes have been fully automated. The system performs 550 individual test criteria across three component variants, completing the full inspection cycle in just 80 seconds.
Digital intelligence also plays a central role in the plant’s dynamic production test drive, a signature quality feature at Porsche Leipzig. Every vehicle undergoes a test drive before leaving the plant. Previously, this drive followed a standardised procedure; now, intelligent data evaluation makes it possible to tailor the test to the needs of each individual vehicle. A specially developed classification program assigns one of three possible test scenarios, ensuring more precise and effective final verification. Read More
Petralon Energy announced that the DI-2 well at Dawes Island (PPL 259) has been successfully brought on stream and is now producing 2,100bopd, alongside the successful spudding of the DI-3 well, marking the next phase in the field’s phased development plan. The DI-2 well was drilled and completed in July 2025 with zero lost-time incidents, demonstrating the operational discipline and HSE standards that define the company’s approach.
This operational milestone was reinforced by the visit of the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, to Dawes Island. His visit represents an important acknowledgement of Petralon’s progress and the Federal Government’s growing confidence in capable indigenous operators supporting Nigeria’s push toward higher national production.
The Minister commended the progress being made at Dawes Island, noting that very few licensees have been able to drill and commence production at the pace Petralon has demonstrated, and highlighted the company’s role in advancing responsible, performance-driven operations in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
In his words, “I came here to show that Petralon represents the example we expect other license Read More
Dolphin Drilling AS announced today its preliminary financial results for the three months ended 30 September 2025.
Q3 2025 and Subsequent Events
• Q3 Revenue: USD 37.7 million, compared to USD 16.5 million in Q3 2024
• Q3 EBITDA: a loss of USD 4.7 million, an improvement from a loss of USD 22.1 million in Q3 2024, impacted by the planned out of service days for Paul B Loyd Jr and her rig survey
• Q3 G&A cost: USD 4.0 million, a reduction from USD 5.3 million in Q3 2024
• Q3 Net Earnings: loss of USD 18.2 million or USD 0.06 per share, compared to a loss of USD 30.2 million in Q3 2024 or USD 0.14 per share
• Q3 Rig Utilization: PBLJ had rig uptime of 98.3% (on contract for 30 days due to the planned rig survey). Blackford Dolphin on contract for the full quarter at an average of 89.8%. In September 2025, Paul B. Loyd, Jr (“PBLJ”) completed its 5-year rig survey within the capex budget of USD 30 million
• USD 100 million in contract awards: The company signed a contract adding USD 60 million in revenue backlog for the Borgland Dolphin with Repsol SA as well as contract extension adding USD 40 million for the Blackford Dolphin with Oil India Read More
NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 JV Achieves Breakthrough Rigless Gas Well Recompletion, Doubling Output and Boosting National Power Supply
The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture (JV) has achieved a major milestone with the rigless recompletion of a key non-associated gas well, marking the first successful intervention of its kind in Nigeria. This pioneering operation has doubled the JV’s gas production to a peak of 135 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d)—a significant contribution to domestic gas supply and a major boost to Nigeria’s energy security.
This rise in gas availability has had an immediate and transformative impact on power generation across the eastern network.
Transcorp PLC – TransAfam Power, one of the country’s leading generation companies, has quadrupled output, increasing from an average of 50 MW to more than 180 MW, with peaks reaching 200 MW.
Other major plants reliant on the same network—including First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Geometric Power—have also recorded more stable operations and increased generation levels.
Overall, power plants supplied by the JV have seen combined output surge from approximately 100 MW to over 350 MW. This represents enough electricity to power hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, reducing blackouts, supporting hospitals and schools, and keeping factories, SMEs, and critical infrastructure operational.
Pioneering Engineering at a Fraction of the Cost
The breakthrough well had previously been shut-in due to excessive water production. Rather than drilling a new well or conducting a conventional workover, Heirs Energies implemented an innovative, rigless through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir interval.
This solution was completed safely, in record time, and at just 15% of the cost of drilling a new well—setting a new benchmark for cost-efficient, rigless interventions in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector. Read More
In an exclusive interview with Oil Review Africa, Osa Ighiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, discusses what it takes to thrive as an African independent in today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape—and what Nigeria must do to unlock its full industry potential.
What, in your view, does Nigeria’s oil and gas industry need right now to reach its full potential?
Nigeria stands at a defining moment. We have the resources and the talent to be a global energy leader, yet we remain held back by a set of challenges that—importantly—are entirely solvable. To truly unlock our potential, we must take decisive action on three critical fronts.
First, Nigeria must deliver unwavering policy certainty.
Investment is the lifeblood of our industry, and capital flows to environments where policy is predictable and stable. We need a clear, consistent, and transparent regulatory framework—one where fiscal terms are steady, timelines are reliable, and approvals are streamlined. Without this foundation of trust, we risk losing our competitive edge as capital migrates to more predictable jurisdictions. Encouragingly, reforms such as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and recent Presidential Directives show meaningful progress, but these gains must be deepened and sustained.
Second, we must secure our infrastructure and consolidate recent improvements.
Oil theft has long been a direct drain on the nation’s revenue, but we now have proof that the challenge can be overcome. At OML 17, we improved terminal delivery from 3% to over 99% by deploying a collaborative model that integrated community engagement, robust corporate systems, and a strengthened security framework supported by government agencies. This is a proven, scalable model, and it must now be replicated nationwide to protect our revenue base and rebuild investor confidence.
Third—and most critically—Nigeria must embrace a bold, strategic pivot to gas.
Oil may have built our economy, but gas is the future. It is an economic paradox that a nation with Africa’s largest proven gas reserves still relies on imported fuels. Gas is the catalyst for powering industry, delivering reliable electricity, and driving long-term economic diversification. At Heirs Energies, we have moved from rhetoric to action, increasing production from 70 million to 125 million standard cubic feet per day. This shift is more than a business strategy—it is a national imperative. By prioritising gas, Nigeria can unlock a new era of industrialisation, energy security, and sustainable prosperity. Read More
Buccaneer Energy announced the acquisition of a 32.5% interest in offsetting leasehold acreage in the Fouke area of the Pine Mills field.
Highlights:
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New Acreage: 32.5% working interest in acreage directly west of the Allar #1 location.
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Sidetrack Opportunity: Enables potential westward sidetrack of the Allar #1 away from bounding fault.
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Shut-in Wells: Includes Turner #1 and Daniel #1 wells (32.5% WI each). Turner #1 planned for near-term return to production; Daniel #1 retained as potential injector for future waterflood development.
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Enhanced Recovery Plan: Discussions underway with Texas Railroad Commission regarding formation of an enhanced recovery unit in the Fouke area.
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Next Well: Fouke #4 remains on track to spud in late December 2025.. Read More
At least 22 North Sea oil and gas fields have had the first stages of licensing approved, but lack permission for full production. While the UK Government made a world-leading pledge to end new oil and gas licences as part of supporting a transition to a clean energy economy, its position on these fields is much less clear.
If the government allows full production to go ahead in these fields – five of which are inside marine protected areas (MPAs), and three within five kilometres – they would do severe damage to UK seas and marine wildlife, Oceana’s analysis finds. One of the potential drilling sites is inside the Dogger Bank MPA, an important spawning area for fish such cod and mackerel, which are already at serious risk of collapse due to overfishing. In fact, at least 36 commercially important fish species were found to be at risk from these combined developments, should they go ahead. Read More
Leapmotor Opens Automotive Security and Safety Lab, Marking a Major Advancement in Intelligent Vehicle Safety
Leapmotor has announced the launch of its new Automotive Security and Safety Lab, a significant milestone in its mission to make intelligent driving safer, more secure, and more reliable for users around the world.
As intelligent and connected vehicles become an integral part of daily life, the need for robust security and safety systems has never been more critical. The new Leapmotor Security and Safety Lab has been established to meet this challenge head-on, ensuring that customers can rely on vehicles that protect their data, stay secure against cyber threats, and deliver AI-powered features that perform exactly as intended.
Guided by the principle of “user safety first,” the lab adheres to stringent global standards and introduces a comprehensive five-pronged protection framework covering:
- Cybersecurity
- Data security
- Functional safety
- Intended functional safety
- Safety transparency and compliance
Through innovation and openness, Leapmotor aims to make safety visible, measurable, and trustworthy for every user.
At the core of the lab’s capabilities is the Leapmotor Intelligent Control Center, which leverages advanced “vehicle-cloud-road” simulations to analyse real-time data, share threat intelligence, and activate rapid response mechanisms. Functioning as the vehicle’s “safety brain,” the system continuously assesses risks, predicts potential issues, and responds swiftly to keep drivers protected.
With a dedicated team of experts and cutting-edge safety technologies, Leapmotor is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that every journey is secure, seamless, and worry-free. Read More
Britain’s decision to issue more than two dozen oil and gas exploration licences was lawful, London’s High Court ruled on Friday, dismissing a challenge by campaigners who said the government failed to consider the impact on climate change.
Marine conservation organisation Oceana UK brought the case over 28 licences granted in May 2024 under Britain’s previous government, which it also argued did not properly assess the risk to protected marine life. Read More
Ludwig Fazel Appointed New Head of Group Strategy at Volkswagen Group
Ludwig Fazel will assume his new position on December 1, 2025, as Head of Group Strategy, Group Product Strategy, and the General Secretariat of the Volkswagen Group. In this role, he will report directly to CEO Oliver Blume. Until now, he has worked as Chief Operating Officer of Volkswagen Group Components and in parallel as Head of Strategy and Platform Business at Volkswagen Group Technology. He succeeds Stefan Weckbach, who is leaving the company at his own request. Read More
Baker Hughes Rig Count: International -25 to 1059, U.S. -10 to 544 Canada -7 to 188
U.S. Rig Count is down 10 from last week to 544 with oil rigs down 12 to 407, gas rigs up 3 to 130 and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 7.
Canada Rig Count is down 7 from last week to 188, with oil rigs down 7 to 121, gas rigs unchanged at 67 and miscellaneous unchanged at 0.
International Rig Count is down 25 from last month to 1,059 with land rigs down 8 to 833, offshore rigs down 17 to 226
The Worldwide Rig Count for October was 1,800, down 12 from the 1,812 counted in September 2025, and down 164, from the 1,964 counted in October 2024.
| Region | Period | Rig Count | Change |
| U.S.A | November 26, 2025 | 544 | -10 |
| Canada | November 26, 2025 | 188 | -7 |
| International | October 2025 | 1059 | -25 |
| Baker Hughes |
The UK Government has announced a relaxation of restrictions on new oil and gas licences in the North Sea as part of a package of measures associated with the Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled plans to introduce new Transitional Energy Certificates that will allow new exploration as extensions to existing fields as part of the government’s North Sea Strategy. The move comes after publication in August of an independent review by Professor John Underhill, Director of Energy Transition at the University’s Interdisciplinary Institute which identified the policy change could offer a solution for investment and growth, increase energy security, address environmental sustainability and global climate impacts while remaining consistent with Labour’s manifesto commitment of no new licences. Read More
More Energy, Oil & Gas Stories !!! �The squeaky wheel gets the oil�
OilandGasPress Energy Newsbites and Analysis Roundup | Compiled by: OGP Staff, Victor Cole , victor@oilandgaspress
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