Total defies the odds
Succession of acquisitions and project ramp-ups help strengthen the company’s portfolio in a tough environment for the sector
Last year was an ordeal to test the finances of any commodity-focused energy producer—global prices stubbornly resisted all but the most short-term bullish triggers while grinding lower on fears of stuttering oil demand growth. Intensified tensions in the Middle East brought a double whammy of only the briefest price spikes while injecting volatility and investor uncertainty. But, while economic conditions were challenging, full-year financial results from Total show that not every international oil company (IOC) must necessarily suffer, if an individual firm is correctly positioned to cope with a rapidly changing industry and prolonged uncertainty. The French major recorded $28.5bn in free
Also in this section
18 February 2026
With Texas LNG approaching financial close, Alaska LNG advancing towards a phased buildout and Magnolia LNG positioned for future optionality, Glenfarne CEO Brendan Duval says the coming year will demonstrate how the company’s more focused, owner-operator approach is reshaping LNG infrastructure development in the North America
18 February 2026
The global gas industry is no longer on the backfoot, hesitantly justifying the value of its product, but has greater confidence in gas remaining a core part of the global energy mix for decades
18 February 2026
With marketable supply unlikely to grow significantly and limited scope for pipeline imports, Brazil is expected to continue relying on LNG to cover supply shortfalls, Ieda Gomes, senior adviser of Brazilian thinktank FGV Energia,
tells Petroleum Economist
17 February 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 26–30 April 2026, will bring together leaders from the political, industrial, financial and technology sectors under the unifying theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All”
