The Oil Man: Sound Energy, Gulf Keystone, Wood Group

WTI $51.35 +$1.54, Brent $53.14 +$1.21, Diff -$1.79 -33c, NG $3.28 +8c

Enter Vlad into the oil price process; speaking at the Istanbul Forum he said that Russia was "ready to join the joint measures to cap production" and called for other producers to join in.

Rather a shame that the head of Rosneft said almost immediately afterwards that it was a non-starter, but then that's what Gulags are for, I suppose.

Also speaking at the same conference was Bo Diddly, who said that "the oil market is pretty much in balance" right now and suggested that BP's costs, which were $60, had now fallen to under $55 and expected to be $53 next year.

I suppose that depends on what salary increase he can get through the remuneration committee, although the strong dollar makes the monthly cheque look bigger and bigger…

Finally Goldman Sachs remains bearish, which I suppose gives everyone a little hope.

Sound Energy

Another good day for Sound as a "large UK financial institution" rocked up looking to secure an equity position. Greenberry was on standby for such an occasion and sold them 10 million warrants at a price of 50p, which, if exercised with the 30p exercise price, would make it 80p, a 5.9% discount when the deal was struck.

This makes everybody happy as a number of boxes are ticked: the arrival of a top institution on board, cash in to the company and non-dilutive into the bargain - what's not to like? And you never know, they and others like them might want some more...

Wood Group

Wood Group has a three-year agreement for Suncor Energy's heavy oil project in Alberta under the new multi-use contract award. The "cookie cutter" pad design is intended to substantially bring the costs of the pad down.

Gulf Keystone Petroleum

News that a Gulf Keystone bondholder had swapped $10.92 million (£8.88 million) of bonds to equity and new notes must have pleased the management, who remain very much under the cosh.

Also under the cosh are the equity holders, who have had to stump up again for what must at the moment remain modest prospects - although the asset, now alone in the portfolio, is "world class".

And finally…

Tonight provides more World Cup qualifiers and it may be the end of the road for Wayne Rooney, as he sits out England's game in Slovenia on the bench.

With Scotland in Slovakia needing at least a point and Northern Ireland away in Germany, it could be a tough old night.

And Tyson Fury looks like he may lose his World Boxing Organisation title unless he does a little bit of humble pie-eating; not his style and especially not when powdering his nose…

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