Is there any relationship between how much it costs to fill up and the team that dominates the Final Four? One blogger, giving in to March Madness, thinks so.  More »

Oil prices hit a new 30-month high on Friday after the world’s top two oil consumers, the U.S. and China, issued positive economic reports that pointed to increased demand.  More »

Can you say Nove? Eni’s permit to drill a sidetrack off an existing well is the ninth deep-water permit issued, but it’s for the eighth well.  More »

Of the major oil-and gas-producing states, Oklahoma saw the biggest gain with 19 new rigs.  More »

Regulator Michael Bromwich channeled The Terminator in a tough letter to Transocean CEO Steve Newman, reminding us that the BOEMRE chief used to be a criminal prosecutor.  More »

The Houston-based oil and gas producer said it suspended drilling operations at a well in the Leviathan prospect in Israel because of wear on the wellbore casing. (Via Upstream Online)  More »

The energy secretary said companies realize it’s in their best interest to drill safely and have provided the government with newly required plans to contain any spill that might take place. “That’s why you’re seeing a dramatic increase in the licenses being issued in the past months,” he said.  More »

TO workers saying no to investigators. Apache gasses up airport parking. Pa. drilling fines need O.K. from the boss.  More »

Uruguay produces no oil and must import about 50,000 barrels of crude a day to supply the state energy company’s refineries. Now it will intensify its joint venture with Dallas-based Schuepbach Energy to explore a shale deposit in the province of Durazno.  More »

Brian Keith Alfaro, accused of fraudulently selling interests in oil-and-gas drilling ventures, recently disclosed receiving a Wells notice from federal regulators. The notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission gives recipients an opportunity to convince regulators that a civil enforcement action is unnecessary.  More »

A high-stakes political fight is being waged over whether to cut oil production taxes, an issue that could determine whether the trans-Alaska pipeline keeps pumping billions of dollars into the state. On one side are Gov. Sean Parnell, top House Republicans and the oil industry, who argue that the current tax structure stifles investment. On the other are House Democrats and leading senators, who say tax incentives could cost $2 billion a year and give Alaska little in return.  More »