India is entering a pivotal phase in the development of its upstream oil and gas sector, with the government seeking to unlock the potential of deepwater and ultra-deepwater resources amid rising energy demand. Recent reforms have focused on improving access to acreage, strengthening fiscal and contractual terms, streamlining regulations, and reducing the risks associated with frontier exploration, while the Samudra Manthan initiative aims to expand subsurface data and introduce new cost-sharing measures for exploratory drilling.

In this bonus episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, Asia Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty examines India's evolving upstream landscape with India's Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Neeraj Mittal and Atul Arya, chief energy strategist at S&P Global Energy. The discussion throws light on what the reforms mean for international investors and operators, and the practical steps needed to accelerate the path from exploration and discovery to production.

Latin America is becoming a critical engine of global oil supply growth. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets Podcast, Jeff Mower is joined by Washington-based policy editor Kate Winston and Mexico editor Sheky Espejo to examine Venezuela's reopening to international energy companies, Brazil's record production and exploration push, and why the region is attracting renewed investment. As concerns persist over Middle East crude supplies and key shipping routes, the team explores how new barrels from the Atlantic Basin could reshape global oil markets.

Prices for Russian crude strengthened in September, amid lower domestic production and Middle East supply concerns while Russia's refining sector continues to face major challenges as a result of Ukrainian attacks. Russia has extended its diesel export ban and the US is considering introducing similar restrictions, driving prices higher and raising the risk of diesel deficits in the coming months. Recent comments from Russian and US officials have underlined the importance of diesel in negotiations between Russia, the US and Ukraine aimed at securing an energy ceasefire ahead of the winter season.

In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast by S&P Global Energy, OPEC+ lead reporter Rosemary Griffin discusses the impact of refinery attacks, sanctions and a possible energy ceasefire on the Russian and global oil markets with senior price reporter Jan Kedzior, associate director, near-term oil markets Rebeka Foley, and senior reporter Elza Turner.