For both the crude and natural gas markets, the dollar has played a significant role in trading activity in 2009. Supply and demand took a back seat as oil traders were forced to focus on the intricacies of currency exchange rates and global macroeconomics and the relationships therein, observed Phil Flynn, vice president at futures trading firm PFG Best.

Songa Offshore announced that a one (1) well firm, plus one (1) optional well extension agreement to the existing one-well contract have been reached with CNOOC Africa Limited EG Branch for continued use of the drillship Songa Saturn for work in Equatorial Guinea.

Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Basil Omiyi retired last month after 39 years of meritorious service. He will be succeeded by Mutiu Sunmonu, who combines the portfolio with his current role as Managing Director of The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Vice President, Production, Sub-Saharan Africa.

By Tordue Salem ABUJA—Rep. Gbenga Makanjuola, a member of the House of Representatives from Kwara State, has lamented the deplorable state of the country’s agriculture sector. The lawmaker who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture said: “There is little or nothing to show for more than N100 billion invested in the sector […]

Chevron Corporation Cabinda joint venture is spending $2.3 billion over five years to reduce flaring–the burning of natural gas from oil fields–and instead utilize the gas, a top company official said this month.