American private equity firm Carlyle Group has signed a non-exclusive agreement to acquire Lukoil's international assets, including its Romanian operations such as over 300 petrol stations, the Petrotel refinery, and a significant stake in the Trident gas field in the Black Sea. The deal remains subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as Lukoil is under U.S. sanctions for its ties to Russia. The transaction also requires due diligence and approvals from other regulatory bodies. Lukoil, under pressure from Western sanctions, is seeking buyers for its overseas holdings amid geopolitical tensions. Other potential buyers include ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Middle Eastern firms. Carlyle, which already has a presence in Romania through Black Sea Oil & Gas, aims to expand its energy portfolio in the region.

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