Category Archives: Energy markets

Michael Hudson: Pamama – Laundering Haven for War Budgets

Michael Hudson explains the history of Panama as a center to launder earnings for the oil and the gas industries, and the mining industry.

Did Italy And Malta Actually Agree To Swap Oil Rights For Refugees?

Accusations by a Maltese political leader that Malta and Italy engaged in an oil-for-refugees swap has gotten legalistic responses.

Is the Oil Price-GDP Link Broken?

Explanations of the oil price decline are starting to acknowledge deflationary factors, even though the “d” word seems to be outside the pale .

A Wake-Up Call on Climate Change and Clean Energy

Why 2017 could be an event horizon as far as climate change is concerned.

Mainstream Media Ignores Blockbuster Expose of Massive Bribery in Iraq by Unaoil

Fairfax and Huffington Post have broken a monster story on bribery by Unaoil in Iraq that implicates major multinational corporations and officials all over the Middle East. So why the media blackout?

The Oil and Gas Fire Sale: How Bad Will Losses to Banks and Investors Be?

Energy-bust inflicted to banks and other lenders has only just begun to bite.

Banks Once Burned, Now Twice Shy About Taking on More Takeover-Deal-Related Junk Debt

Banks have gotten a painful reminder that originating risky assets like junk bonds and loans can leave them holding the bag.

Reducing Carbon Emissions Won’t Halt Economic Growth

The big obstacle to reducing carbon emissions isn’t economic costs, but inertia and the impact on powerfully placed special interests.

The Rationale Behind Russia’s Withdrawal From Syria

Russia has already secured important aims in Syria.

Why a Serious Oil Rebound Is Not Coming Soon

Why the oil price recovery is still a way away.

John Helmer: US War Aim Fails, Putin Gains, Medvedev Loses

Approval ratings for Putin remain high despite corruption scandals because they believe no one is as capable of defending them against the US

Could This Lawsuit Be the Straw That Breaks the TPP’s Back?

TransCanada has filed a $15 billion lawsuit against the US under NAFTA or scuttling its cross-border pipeline. The TPP gives foreign investors even stronger rights.

Energy Wars of Attrition

What looked like a masterstroke by the Saudis has turned out to be the energy industry version of trench warfare.

A Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline is Next to a Nuclear Power Plant. What Could Go Wrong?

Someone needs to remind the overseers of old nuclear power plants that tail risks are greater than they think.

35% Of Public Oil Companies Could Face Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy looms for many exploration and development companies, particularly US shale players.