May 14 2008

China: PetroChina buys a third more diesel for June

China has been importing loads of diesel since late last year, partly due to coal shortages, with imports at 132,000 barrels per day (bpd) from November to March, quadruple from 28,000 bpd a year ago.

China: The new realities of record oil

The IEA said China faces ongoing shortages in both its electricity and transportation fuels as a result of booming overall demand, distorted markets and lack of transportation capacity.

Egypt: Surchauffe sur les routes

Suddenly, in the few service stations that sell 80 octane, queues of vehicles common form from 6 am. These stations are being transformed into a real battlefield. After the price increase, many drivers have folded on 80 octane, but the quantities available are limited," says the owner of one of these stations.

Greece: Greek PM intervenes in fuel truck - owners strike

Yesterday’s long meeting between representatives of truck and fuel truck owners with Economic Ministry officials ended without significant results as they decided to continue mobilizations although the government agreed to meet many of their demands. They insist on 10%-13% rises for their services while the Economic Ministry agrees with 5% rises.

Iraq: GE gets deal to supply Iraq gas-powered generators

Iraq has endured more than a decade of chronic power shortages. Blackouts are expected to worsen as its sweltering summer approaches, with air conditioners increasing demand for power. Temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit).

Kenya: Fuel shortage threatens South Rift wheat output

Wheat farmers in the Southern Rift Valley on Tuesday said they were unable to prepare their land for planting due to a serious shortage of diesel.

Kosovo: Blackouts blight Kosovo business

Sometimes it's a loud roar. Most often, a constant hum. But pretty much everywhere you go in Pristina, the petrol generator reverberates.

New Zealand: Rio Tinto Extends NZ Aluminum Output Cuts on Power Shortage

Rio Tinto Group, the world's second- biggest aluminum producer, deepened output cuts at its New Zealand smelter to conserve dwindling hydroelectric reserves.

Nigeria: Solving Electricity Problem In Abuja Is Imperative

Energy is the wheel of any human endeavour. The influx of people into the Federal Capital Territory, for one reason or the other, has reached a very high proportion such that almost all facilities and services have been seriously overstretched to their limits.

Pakistan: Peshawar faces worst power outages

The worst power crisis hit the Peshawarites on the second day Tuesday as authorities were trying to restore electricity supply from the transmission line that was damaged by unidentified miscreants.

Philippines: SP energy committee backs PNOC EDC

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said it vital for PNOC EDC to enter the buffer zone to meet the power shortage in Negros, while Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra and some environment groups are opposing this, saying it will destroy the rich biodiversity in the area

South Africa: S.African power supply still tight-Eskom

State-owned power utility Eskom warned South Africans on Wednesday to expect more power outages but said disruptions would likely be minor.