Business
OPEC+ raises September output target by 100,000 bpd
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, known as OPEC+, have agreed to raise global oil output, pushing Brent crude above $100 a barrel.
The group disclosed this at the end of the 31st OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting held on Wednesday.
The oil cartel added a minuscule 100,000 bpd to the market in September, citing low investment in the global oil sector, and unavailability of excess capacity, among others.
The decision is coming despite President Joe Biden’s trip to Saudi Arabia last month to persuade OPEC’s leader to pump more to help rein in prices boosted by rebounding demand and Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
OPEC+ said it considered the dynamic and rapidly evolving oil market fundamentals, necessitating continuous assessment of market conditions.
It noted that the “severely limited availability of excess capacity necessitates utilising it with great caution in response to severe supply disruptions”.
It also said “chronic underinvestment in the oil sector has reduced excess capacities along the value chain (upstream/midstream/downstream)”.
“The Meeting highlighted with particular concern that insufficient investment into the upstream sector will impact the availability of adequate supply in a timely manner to meet growing demand beyond 2023 from non-participating non-OPEC oil-producing countries, some OPEC Member Countries and participating non-OPEC oil-producing countries,” it said.
The oil cartel said preliminary data for “OECD commercial oil stocks level stand at 2,712 mb in June 2022, which was 163 mb lower than the same time last year, and 236 mb below the 2015-2019 average, and that emergency oil stocks have reached their lowest levels in more than 30 years”.
The meeting also noted that “Declaration of Cooperation conformity averaged 130% since May 2020, supported by voluntary contributions of some participating countries”.
It decided to “reaffirm the decision of the 10th OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting on April 12th, 2020, and further endorsed in subsequent meetings, including the 19th OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting on the 18 July 2021”.
“Adjust upward the production level for OPEC and non-OPEC Participating Countries by 0.1 mb/d for September 2022 as per the attached table. This adjustment does not affect the baselines decided on the above-mentioned meeting on July 18, 2021,” the group said.
The oil cartel scheduled its next meeting for September 5.
Business
Nigeria’s GDP rate grew by 3.46% in Q3 2024, says NBS
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.
The NBS, in its GDP report published on Monday, said the growth rate is higher than the 3.19 percent recorded in Q2 2024.
Business
Dangote refinery reduces ex-depot price of petrol to N970 for oil marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.
This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.
The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.
Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.
“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”
Business
Allegation of missing fund untrue, says Access Bank
Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.
The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.
“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.
“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.
“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.
“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.
“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.
“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.
“We remain committed to serving our customers.”
-
Business1 week ago
Lagos state government to commence upgrade of major junctions in Ikeja axis, seeks residents’ cooperation
-
Politics1 week ago
DSS operatives arrest man with bags of cash during Ondo guber
-
Celebrities1 week ago
Daddy Freeze, Akah Nnani clash over Emmanuel Iren
-
Special Features3 days ago
Iyabo Ojo, Brainjotter, Dayo Oketola, Penzaarville, Tomiwa and others to speak at the Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0
-
News1 week ago
Alice Loksha, abducted UNICEF nurse, escapes captivity after 6 years
-
News1 week ago
Nnamdi Emeh: Suspect Facing Charges In Court, Process Independent Of Police Influence
-
Health1 week ago
Five ways to rid your home of ants
-
Politics1 week ago
Aiyedatiwa takes commanding lead in Ondo guber poll after winning 15 of 18 LGAs