Algerian power and paralysis
The Algerian government has set out steps intended to bring an end to the discontent that has left the country paralysed since February.
reform
Argentina’s President urges voters to defend her achievements in run-off
Argentina’s president Cristina Fernandez praised her government’s achievements in her first public comments since her party’s lacklustre election performance. She urged voters Argentines to defend them in the presidential run-off election next month. Ms Fernandez used a late night speech to remind Argentines of steps taken by her left-of-centre administration. This included the nationalisation of Aerolineas Argentinas and the YPF oil company, social welfare programmes for the poor and free education in public universities.
Mexico licensing auction: Too little, too late?
Mexico may have missed the mark in opening up its energy market to foreign investors as the oil price decline continues to hit, according to a leading expert. Derek Leith, UK head of oil and gas taxation at EY, said the fall in oil price may be a deciding factor in the historic auction for 14 licences in the South American country. Mexico has made the bold move as its rebounds from a decade long decline in oil production. It is estimated there has been an overall loss in that time of around a million barrels of oil per day.
Opinion: Messiah or Easter Bunny?
A backdated tax cut? Am I dreaming? The Budget was good news indeed. Proclaiming eternal life for the UKCS was always above the Chancellor’s pay grade, but George Osborne’s headlines certainly help. The devil will be in the detail, and no doubt there will be some surprises (and I’m not talking of a winter fuel allowance for 4x4 drivers). Beyond his party’s faithful, for George Osborne the question is has he given enough to get your cross at May’s General Election? Before we declare a National George Osborne Day, let’s see how it pans out. Like an Easter Egg, this budget is definitely chocolate on the outside.
Malcolm Webb: More jobs could go despite budget reforms
A North Sea leader has warned that more jobs will have to be cut in the sector despite a “regeneration” package announced in the Budget. Malcolm Webb, chief executive of Oil and Gas UK, said the industry must put pressure on itself to reduce costs and improve efficiency, but urged firms to do it in a “careful” way. He was speaking the day after the Treasury met demands for greater support during the downturn, announcing cuts to the supplementary charge, petroleum revenue tax and incentives for exploration. Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael claimed on Wednesday that the measures would help protect thousands and potentially tens of thousands of jobs. However, Mr Webb said there were still difficult decisions to be taken in the offshore sector.