David Blair's Blog, page 137

TNK-BP considers role in Rosneft tie-up

The management of TNK-BP has told the board that the company should join BP 's proposed alliance with Rosneft , raising the stakes in the confrontation over the deal.

Gazprom and Europe are trying to end their interdependence

The story of Gazprom is the story of interdependence. The Russian energy giant, benefiting from monopoly control of natural gas exports, is one of the central pillars of the state.

Manufacturers urge rethink on carbon policy

Manufacturers have urged the government to "rethink" its proposal to impose a price on carbon dioxide emissions, warning that this could damage the sector's competitiveness.

Rise in oil demand beats expectations

Global oil demand rose more strongly than previously thought last year, with the world consuming an extra 2.8m barrels a day, 3.3 per cent more than in 2009, according to the International Energy Agency.

Huhne accused of green energy confusion

Chris Huhne, the energy and climate change secretary, has announced a "comprehensive review" of the tariff system designed to encourage solar power, sparking accusations that he is creating more "uncertainty" for the renewable energy sector.

Power groups fined over connection deadlines

Three power network companies have been fined a total of £1m for missing deadlines for connecting homes and businesses to the electricity system.

Leaked cables reveal faith in Suleiman

Omar Suleiman, the new Egyptian vice-president championed by the Obama administration as central to an orderly transition, is a long-time ally of Washington, whose diplomats have repeatedly dubbed him President Hosni Mubarak's "consigliere".

Egyptian army seen as riven by factionalism

Throughout the crisis in Cairo , the Egyptian army has presented itself as a united and professional force, dedicated to protecting the nation's security.

EDF follows rivals in raising UK prices

EDF Energy has become the last of the UK's "big six" suppliers of gas and electricity to announce a price rise, increasing the average annual bill by £72.

Egyptian troops deployed to vital pipeline

Egypt has deployed troops to guard an oil pipeline linking the Red Sea with the Mediterranean as concern rises for the security of a significant artery in the global supply network.