BHI: US rig count surges up by 27 to 624

The US rig count has recorded an increase of 20 or more units twice in the last 4 weeks, accelerating a drilling rebound that spans more than 6 months. Source: News


Lakes Oil to sue Victorian government

Lakes Oil Ltd. of Melbourne is suing the government of Victoria for $2.7 billion (Aus.) in damages following the state’s ban on onshore gas exploration. The writ was filed in the Supreme Court. Source: News


Nigerian operator lets contract for gas processing plant

Southfield Petroleum Ltd., Lagos, has let a contract to China Machinery Engineering Corp. (CMEC), Beijing, to provide engineering, procurement, and construction services for a 250-MMcfd natural gas processing plant at Utorogu field in oil mining lease 34 about 42 km southeast of Warri, Nigeria. Source: News


Swiss-Qatari combine to buy Rosneft stake

Glencore PLC and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund plan to buy a 19.5% interest in Rosneft for €10.2 billion. Source: News