Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan announced this week that they had secured enough shipper commitments to move forward with development of the Western Gateway refined product pipeline.

Saudi East‑West pipeline reached 7 million barrels on Mar 28, 2026, redirecting tankers to Yanbu and covering ~7% of global oil demand (100 mbd), per Fortune.

The Canadian federal government is proceeding with plans to fast-track the development of a major pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia, despite concerns from environmentalists about the potential impact on endangered southern resident orca populations. The project, designated a 'national interest' initiative under the Building Canada Act, aims to expedite construction to meet a proposed October 1 deadline, with potential start of work as early as next September. Environmental advocates argue that the timeline is insufficient to conduct thorough environmental assessments or engage Indigenous communities, raising concerns about the adequacy of safeguards for the orcas' habitat. The government maintains that the project is subject to impact assessments and consultations with Indigenous communities, while also committing to initiatives like the Whales Initiative funding and expanded vessel distance regulations. Critics, including environmental lawyers, warn that the measures are insufficient to mitigate the risks posed by increased tanker traffic and infrastructure development in the Salish Sea, emphasizing the need for prioritizing orca recovery before further development. The debate highlights the tension between economic growth and environmental conservation, with calls for a more balanced approach to protect both the pipeline project and the endangered orca population.

White & Case FERC Meeting Agenda Review – April 2025 This summary outlines key items on the upcoming Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) meeting agenda, providing insights relevant to energy sector stakeholders. The items reviewed below highlight potential areas of focus and their possible ramifications. Regarding the Isabella Project (Agenda Items H and K), the Commission is slated to consider issuing a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed hydroelectric facility (H), and to review a request for a time extension for a previously authorized portion of the same project (K). Issuance of an EIS signals a potentially lengthy process, increasing project scrutiny and potentially uncovering environmental concerns. Frequent extension requests demonstrate ongoing development challenges. Another Isabella Project item (Agenda Item I) concerns a motion to vacate a previous order related to a proposed natural gas pipeline. This underscores the persistent legal obstacles affecting pipeline projects and casts uncertainty on the pipeline’s prospects, potentially leading to delays, revisions, or project cancellation and impacting investment decisions. The Colorado River Hydroelectric Project (Agenda Items J and L) also features prominently. Item J involves the Commission’s consideration of an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for a new hydroelectric facility, indicating ongoing development in the hydroelectric sector. Item L concerns a settlement agreement linked to an already approved project, reflecting a preference for dispute resolution outside of formal legal proceedings and potentially revealing the source of prior concerns. General observations indicate a heightened focus on hydroelectric projects, persistent difficulties for natural gas pipelines, and the prevalent need for project extensions—a clear sign of the intricate and sometimes unpredictable nature of energy project development.

Puma Energy Namibia has called for immediate investment in pipeline and rail infrastructure to meet the country’s rising demand for petroleum products and to reduce over-reliance on road transportation. Speaking on Namibia’s evolving energy landscape, Puma Energy Namibia general manager Adell Samuelson says the country’s fuel demand is projected to increase by 64% over the next 15 years, warning that the current dependence on road haulage is both inefficient and unsustainable. “Namibia’s fuel transport system is heavily reliant on roads, which is inefficient and costly. In 2022 alone, nearly 28 000 truckloads of fuel left Walvis Bay, travelling a combined 28 million kilometres. That figure could reach 40 000 truckloads annually by 2040,” she says. She highlights that only 14% of fuel in Namibia is currently transported by rail, placing immense pressure on the road network and raising safety concerns. “Reducing the transportation of fuel by road will prolong the life of Namibia’s road infrastructure and improve road safety. There is a clear case for investment in alternatives,” she says. Samuelson also emphasises Namibia’s critical role in regional fuel distribution, particularly to landlocked neighbours such as Botswana, which relies heavily on Walvis Bay for its fuel imports. This comes amid progress on the Trans Kalahari Railway Project, intended to link Mmamabula in Botswana with Walvis Bay. The initiative is estimated to cost N$10 billion. Upon completion, it is expected to boost Botswana’s fuel imports via Walvis Bay by 152% by 2040. “Strategic infrastructure projects like the Trans Kalahari Railway are vital. They are not only economically beneficial but also strengthen Namibia’s position as a regional fuel corridor,” Samuelson says. She further notes that Namibia is pressing ahead with the second phase of its transport infrastructure improvement programme, which includes the construction of a 207km rail line between Kranzberg and Otjiwarongo, supported by the African Development Bank. Beyond rail, Samuelson highlights pipelines as a more cost-effective and secure long-term solution for transporting fuel. “A proposed 1 500km pipeline from Walvis Bay to Gaborone could serve both Botswana and Zambia, offering competitive delivery costs. Smaller intra-country pipelines could also enhance distribution within Namibia,” she says. She references the 2022 agreement between Namibia and Zambia on the Nazop pipeline project as a positive example of regional collaboration to improve fuel supply security. “While the Nazop pipeline may not be immediately cost-competitive, it enhances supply security and signals a commitment to long-term cooperation,” Samuelson says. A recent report by African energy consultancy Citac, commissioned by Puma Energy, underscores the urgency of targeted investment in fuel supply infrastructure. The report advocates for improving affordability, accessibility, and supporting the shift towards lower-carbon energy systems. Puma Energy Namibia, which operates 61 retail sites and manages major fuel storage facilities at Walvis Bay, has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Namibian government and regional stakeholders to realise infrastructure goals, Samuelson says. “With the right investments, Namibia can transform into a strategic maritime and energy hub, fuelling growth across southern Africa,” she says. The post Puma calls for urgent rail, pipeline investment appeared first on The Namibian.