The U.S. is urging Bulgaria to diversify its energy sources to end its dependence on Russia, as web rumours suggest that Russia is behind recent anti-fracking protests there, part of a bid to scupper plans to create an independent Bulgarian natural gas industry. Petrobras has announced plans to lease 26 deepwater oil drilling rigs from Brazil’s Sete Brasil and Cyprus’ Ocean Rig for the next 15 years, at a total cost of $76.3 billion. Italy is finally seeing its gas shortfall from Russia narrowing, after a week of low supplies. This article looks at the possible risks involved in Russian scientists drilling into a pristine Antarctic lake. The International Energy Agency says that South Sudanese oil may remain absent from world markets if a revenue-sharing agreement cannot be finalised.