Congo’s disappearing discovery
The Republic of Congo’s announcement of a major discovery appears to be targeted more at extorting EU environmentalists and multilateral lenders than attracting IOCs
One year ago, the cash-strapped Republic of Congo announced it had discovered enough oil in its jungle interior to quadruple daily production. A find of this scale would transform the finances of the central African country (also known as Congo-Brazzaville) and strengthen ruler Denis Sassou Nguesso’s grip on power in the one-party state ahead of presidential pseudo-elections in 2021. Yet as the discovery’s anniversary approaches, scant information has been forthcoming and the government’s keenness to hype a seemingly bogus find underscores the waning credibility of Sassou’s endemically corrupt administration. “Some of the figures published in 2019 about this oil ‘discovery’ were totally ab
Also in this section
19 March 2026
The regional crisis highlights the undervalued role of fixed pipelines in the age of tanker flexibility
18 March 2026
Rising LNG exports and AI-driven power demand have raised concerns that US gas prices could climb sharply, but analysts say abundant shale supply and continued productivity gains should keep Henry Hub within a range that preserves the competitiveness of US LNG
18 March 2026
Risks of shortages in oil products may cause world leaders to panic and make mistakes instead of letting the market do what it does best
17 March 2026
The crisis in the Middle East has put LNG’s ability to offer security and flexibility under uncomfortable scrutiny
