A New LNG Hub in Africa on the Horizon The recent large offshore natural gas discoveries in Africa have focused the attention of the international oil and gas industry on large LNG export projects that are essential to monetize these resources. BP's entry into Mauritania and Senegal with Kosmos Energy as partner and the New Gas Discoveries in Mozambique and Tanzania points to Africa as an emerging major natural gas player. Even as, BP chief executive officer Bob Dudley said, "We believe our expertise in integrating the gas value chain, together with a talented exploration partner in Kosmos, along with the support of the Mauritanian and Senegalese governments brings together all the elements needed to create a new LNG hub in Africa." In this edition, you will read about the Africa LNG market and opportunities. The three current global LNG markets. In the meantime, OPEC has decided to play its traditional role of stabilizing the world oil price- is it a Trump effect or the animosity against US shale is over? Take a poll on our website to share your thought. Still in this New Year edition- API Recommended Practices for the First Time, Imposes Minimum Requirements on pipeline operators- just as PHMSA issues Interim Final Regulations on Underground Natural Gas Storage. Carbon dioxide CO2 emissions from U.S. consumption of energy, excluding biomass, totaled 3,876 million metric tons. Of that total, petroleum accounted for 45 percent, coal for 29 percent, and natural gas for 25 percent. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Sales Totaling Nearly 190 Million Barrels to Start in January 2017 Thru 2025. You will also see- Shale natural gas proved reserves, reserves changes, and production. Finally-The largest infrastructure conference for Upstream, Midstream and Downstream- International Pipeline, Oil and Gas Safety Conference POGS will take place in Houston Texas -March 14-16, 2017. Visit the event site for more details- www.oilandgassafetyconference. Gloria Towolawi- Don't forget to take our poll for the month by visiting our website- http: //usaoilandgasmonitor.com