Congo ends oil production-sharing agreements with Israeli investor Gertler

The US Treasury sanctioned Gertler and more than 30 of his businesses in December 2017 and June 2018. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 20 June 2021
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Congo ends oil production-sharing agreements with Israeli investor Gertler

  • The blocks, which have not produced any oil, lie across Lake Albert from blocks in Uganda

KINSHASA: Democratic Republic of Congo has ended production-sharing agreements for two oil concessions with companies controlled by Israeli investor Dan Gertler, the hydrocarbons ministry said in a letter seen by Reuters on Sunday.

The ministry said in the letter dated June 16 and addressed to Gertler’s representatives in Congo that the permits granted to Gertler’s Foxwhelp and Caprikat in 2010 for Blocks 1 and 2 near the Ugandan border had expired.

The letter, which was signed by Christian Kanku, the ministry’s secretary general, asked the companies to transfer all technical data and pay charges due under the contract. It did not say how much was owed. A spokesperson for Gertler had no immediate comment regarding the oil blocks.

The blocks, which have not produced any oil, lie across Lake Albert from blocks in Uganda being developed by French major Total and its partner China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

The US Treasury sanctioned Gertler and more than 30 of his businesses in December 2017 and June 2018, accusing him of leveraging his friendship with former Congo President Joseph Kabila to secure lucrative mining deals.

Gertler denies any wrongdoing.


Bahri profit rises 12% to $647m in 2025 as oil shipping boosts earnings 

Updated 11 March 2026
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Bahri profit rises 12% to $647m in 2025 as oil shipping boosts earnings 

RIYADH: The National Shipping Co. of Saudi Arabia, also known as Bahri, posted a 12.07 percent increase in annual profit as stronger tanker earnings and higher global freight rates boosted results. 

Net profit attributable to shareholders reached SR2.43 billion ($647.46 million) in 2025, compared with SR2.17 billion a year earlier, according to a filing on Saudi Exchange. 

Revenue for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, rose 9.12 percent to SR10.35 billion, compared with SR9.48 billion in 2024, while gross profit increased 14.71 percent to SR3.10 billion. 

Highlighting the main reason for the increase in net profit during the current year, the company said: “The increase in gross profit of Bahri Oil BU by SR755 million mainly due to improved operational performance and global shipping rates during the current year compared to the last year.”  

It added: “The increase in the company’s share of results of equity-accounted investees by SR134 million during the current year compared to the last year. 

However, the gains were partly offset by declines in other areas. Gross profit from the chemicals business unit fell by SR324 million, while the integrated logistics unit recorded a SR37 million decrease.  

The company’s operating profit climbed 4.67 percent year on year to SR2.73 billion, reflecting improved operational performance across several business units.  

Bahri said the increase in revenue was driven primarily by higher activity in multiple divisions, particularly its oil business unit, where revenue rose by SR1.26 billion due to increased operational activity and higher global shipping rates. 

The growth in revenue was partially offset by lower performance in other segments. 

Revenue from the chemicals business unit declined by SR396 million, while the dry bulk unit recorded a decrease of SR87 million compared with the previous year. 

Bahri also reported a SR138 million decline in other income, mainly due to lower capital gains from vessel sales.  

The company recorded SR216 million in gains from vessel sales in the previous year compared with SR6 million in the current year. Higher general and administrative expenses and increased finance costs also weighed on profitability. 

Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders reached SR2.38 billion, up 8.65 percent from SR2.19 billion in the previous year. 

 Total shareholders’ equity rose 12.07 percent to SR15.27 billion, compared with SR13.63 billion a year earlier, while earnings per share increased to SR2.63 from SR2.35. 

Separately, Bahri’s board of directors recommended the distribution of cash dividends totaling SR922.85 million for the 2025 fiscal year, equivalent to SR1 per share.  

The proposed dividend represents 10 percent of the share’s par value and will be distributed to shareholders owning 922.85 million eligible shares, subject to approval at the company’s upcoming general assembly meeting. The eligibility and distribution dates will be announced at a later stage.