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Cyprus Accelerates Natural Gas Strategy With ExxonMobil Partnership

Advancing Offshore Energy Capabilities

Cyprus is set to bolster its position as a key player in offshore energy with plans to intensify natural gas drilling in blocks 5 and 10. In a strategic meeting at the Presidential Palace, President Nikos Christodoulides discussed future drilling programs and an expanded collaboration with ExxonMobil, signaling a robust drive towards energy development and self-sufficiency.

Substantial Reserves And Refining Estimates

During the high-level meeting, President Christodoulides emphasized that gas reserves in the Glaucus and Pegasus deposits of block 10 may range between 6 and 9 trillion cubic feet. ExxonMobil Vice President John Ardill explained that further drilling on the Pegasus field will narrow these estimates. “We have sufficient quantities to move forward with development,” Ardill stated, highlighting the potential for significant returns.

Deepening Strategic Partnerships

The fruitful partnership between the Cypriot government and ExxonMobil has already marked significant milestones. From the initial discovery of the Glaucus field in 2019 to confirming substantial reserves in the Pegasus field in 2025, both parties are now focused on comprehensive assessments to guide future development strategies.

Steps Toward Commercial Viability

At the forefront of the discussion was ExxonMobil’s plan to secure a Declaration of Marketability by the first half of the upcoming year, laying the groundwork for definitive engineering designs and a final investment decision. If current projections hold, commercial production could commence between 2030 and 2035, positioning Cyprus as a significant contributor to regional energy markets and aiding in the mitigation of energy costs.

With renewed drilling activities resuming in January 2025 after a prolonged pause, Cyprus and ExxonMobil are forging a pathway that could reshape the island’s energy landscape through diligent planning, technical excellence, and strategic global partnerships.

Cyprus Fuel Prices Expected To Rise As Oil Prices Increase

International Oil Market Dynamics

Fuel prices in Cyprus are expected to rise gradually in the coming weeks as international crude oil prices continue to increase. Recent reports show that heavy crude prices moved from about $93 per barrel to a peak of $117 before settling near $107, reflecting continued volatility in global energy markets.

Projected Retail Impact And Stage-Wise Price Adjustments

Sabbas Prokopiou, president of the Pan-Cypriot Fuel Stations Owners Association, said these international price movements are expected to gradually affect retail fuel prices in Cyprus. A recent increase of around two cents per litre has already been recorded. Additional price adjustments may follow in the coming weeks as international fuel costs pass through the supply chain and reach the retail market.

Geopolitical Tensions And Market Reactions

Geopolitical developments have also contributed to recent price movements. Concerns about potential regional conflict initially pushed crude prices higher. In a single trading session, prices reportedly rose by about $10 per barrel. More recently, attacks targeting oil storage facilities have added further pressure to international crude markets.

Strategic Outlook And Industry Insights

Prokopiou said further increases in fuel prices remain possible depending on developments in international oil markets. However, he noted that estimating the scale of retail price adjustments remains difficult during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. Similar market patterns were observed in 2022 following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, when international crude prices rose sharply.

Market participants, including fuel importers and the Consumer Protection Service of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, continue to monitor developments in international energy markets.

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