Global Oil & Gas Sector: May 2025 Highlights
April brought a wave of significant developments across the global oil and gas industry, pointing to fresh momentum in energy production and infrastructure investments worldwide.
EQT Makes Strategic $1.8B Acquisition: In one of the month’s headline deals, EQT acquired upstream and midstream assets from Olympus Energy, Hyperion Midstream, and Bow & Arrow Land for $1.8 billion. The assets cover 90,000 contiguous net acres in Southwest Pennsylvania and produce around 500 mmcfd, strengthening EQT’s core position in the Marcellus region.
Policy Shifts to Accelerate US Oil Production: In the Gulf of Mexico, the US Department of the Interior introduced new parameters that could boost offshore production by 100,000+ bpd over the next decade. The change allows greater pressure differentials in downhole commingling-potentially unlocking more output from Paleogene reservoirs.
Environmental Reviews Rolled Back Across Western US: In a move aligned with the Trump administration’s energy agenda, environmental impact assessments have been waived for over 3,200 oil and gas leases across states like Colorado, North Dakota and Wyoming. The policy shift could accelerate exploration and drilling across public lands.
US LNG Exports Continue Growth Amid Trade Uncertainty: Liquefied natural gas exports from the US to Europe are expected to rise, maintaining momentum as Europe diversifies away from Russian supplies. However, growing caution surrounds US energy policy, as President Trump’s trade stance-leveraging energy exports adds uncertainty for global buyers.
Carbon Capture Pipeline Advances in the UK: The UK government and Eni are close to approving a 38-mile carbon capture pipeline connecting industrial clusters in Liverpool and Manchester to offshore storage. The project supports Eni’s broader low-carbon strategy and the UK’s net-zero goals.
India and Saudi Arabia Deepen Downstream Ties: India and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to build two new oil refineries in India, strengthening bilateral ties amid global supply chain shifts. The partnership also extends into sectors like tourism and technology.
$3 Billion Boost for Africa’s Refining Capacity: The African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) has committed $3 billion to fund refined product purchases within Africa. The move aims to reduce the continent’s reliance on fuel imports by improving access to gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, and diesel, and supporting intra-African trade.
Upstream Momentum: Market Moves & Expansion Projects
EnQuest Enters Indonesia
EnQuest and its partners secured two production sharing contract (PSC) blocks- Gaea and Gaea II, in West Papua, Indonesia. With significant gas potential, this marks EnQuest’s first step into the Indonesian market and supports its Southeast Asia expansion, following recent moves in Malaysia and Vietnam.
Indonesia Awards Five New Blocks
To boost domestic reserves, Indonesia has awarded five oil and gas blocks to major players including BP, EnQuest, CNOOC, Petronas, and INPEX. Blocks such as Gaea I, Gaea II, and Binaiya are believed to contain multi-billion-barrel oil reserves and vast gas resources.
Saipem Extends Aramco Partnership
Saipem renewed its offshore agreement with Saudi Aramco until 2027. The extension allows Saipem and its local joint venture partners to compete for new construction and maintenance projects in Saudi waters, supporting local employment and in-country operations.
BW Energy Invests in Brazil
BW Energy has approved a $107 million investment to boost production at the Golfinho field offshore Brazil. Targeting a 3,000 bpd increase by 2027, the project includes pump upgrades, reactivating idle wells, and enhanced field logistics, with 12 million additional barrels expected.
Key updates above are based on insights from GlobalData’s May 2025 industry report.
Fueling Expertise: Aurora’s Oil & Gas Placements in 2025 (YTD)
From January 2025 to date, Aurora Talent has successfully placed over 20 professionals across key technical and engineering roles in the oil & gas sector. Here’s a snapshot of our recent key placements:
Senior Naval Architect Engineer
Marine Engineering Coordinator
Sustainability Engineer
Engineering Coordinator
Senior Chemist
Process Manager
Lead Mechanical Completion
Senior Planner
Senior Procurement Specialist