OPEC+ spare capacity is shrinking fast, with only Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iraq holding meaningful extra production capability. Analysts warn that actual spare capacity may be overstated. As OPEC+ unwinds its remaining cuts and producers hit physical limits, the world’s oil buffer is thinning. The OPEC+ group continues to return modest volumes of supply…
Key Takeaways Central bank reserves are considered critical for global economic stability, helping countries meet balance of payments obligations and buffer against economic or geopolitical shocks The top 10 countries collectively hold $9.4 trillion in currency and gold reserves, accounting for over 60% of the global total Central bank reserves can be considered as a…
A three-day national strike prompted by layoffs at the Dangote refinery has led to production losses of 600,000 barrels, the chief executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company has said. “I think it was unfortunate that the Dangote and PENGASSAN issue led to strike and whenever there is strike and critical staff manning critical facilities…
The resolve, determination, precision and speed with which the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN took on Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, frightened the ruling elites. They clearly had written off the Nigerian working people and their ability to strike if necessary. The elites had come to the conclusion that the…
It's good news for Americans looking to make Portugal their home through its golden visa program. A recent announcement by the Portuguese government to increase taxes on foreign nationals buying homes in the country is unlikely to impact golden visa holders. Plus, the Portuguese government's recent ratification of its new immigration law also benefits golden…
Key Takeaways The first U.S. government shutdown was in 1981 under President Ronald Reagan, and lasted two days. Including the latest shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, there have been 15 U.S. government shutdowns amounting to 97 days of suspended federal operations. The U.S. entered its 15th government shutdown on October 1, 2025, under…
OPEC+ has agreed to modest monthly production boosts, keeping oil prices range-bound around $65 per barrel, which benefits consumer countries like the US but creates challenges for producer nations. Saudi Arabia's strategy of unwinding production cuts has been seen as a gift to President Trump, aiming to keep fuel prices low and potentially impacting Russian…
On Sunday, OPEC+ agreed to raise oil output by 137,000 barrels per day (bpd) from November. The increase is equal to the one adopted in October, with markets seeing it as a cautious step amid persistent fears of an oversupplied market. This relatively modest increase came after the group hit back at rumors of a potential 500,000 bpd…
By Dakuku Peterside Voter turnout is democracy’s vital sign, and ours has been fading. Since 2007, participation has fallen from 57% to 26.7% in 2023—our lowest since the return to civilian rule. Out of 93.47 million registered voters, only 24.9 million cast their votes. These are not just statistics; they are signals from the body…