Miriam Malek

Journalist since 2014, writing on climate, energy, culture & music.

Petroleum Economist • 9th January 2020

Iran-US conflict: more to come?

With the US’s killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, the risk of attacks on Mena oil infrastructure is likely to increase The Gulf region is wondering if General Soleimani’s assassination and the subsequent Iranian missile attacks on US bases in Iraq is the end of a chapter—or just the start. Despite US president Donald Trump’s more conciliatory remarks on Wednesday, analysts still favour the pessimistic view.

Petroleum Economist • 18th September 2018

Iran seeks energy allies as sanctions bite

Trump’s Iran sanctions target oil. But will all be lost or will Iran find investors in Russia and China? With the imposition of full US sanctions on Iran imminent, high-profile investors, such as France's Total have already confirmed they won't be seeking waivers to continue their operations. Instead, the major will opt out of developing the supergiant South Pars gasfield.

Petroleum Economist • 19th April 2018

REPORT: Nigeria's election hangs over energy sector

Nigeria's economy has made a sluggish recovery over the past 12 months. After a plunge into negative growth last year, higher global oil prices are beginning to heal the wounds to state finances. The next 18 months will be fraught with political risk, but if investors are smart, they can hover over lucrative market positions and prepare to take a spending plunge when th

Petroleum Economist • 4th April 2018

Militant threat looms ahead of Nigerian elections

President Muhammadu Buhari faces a difficult year, as he seeks to implement far-reaching reforms to the oil and gas sector against a background of intensifying campaigning ahead of presidential elections. To make matters more complex, militants are threatening another campaign of attacks in the Niger Delta, risking oil production levels that have only recently recovered after the last bout of unrest.