Sahara v Sonara: John Jessup Reviews the Court of Appeal’s Approach to Contract Interpretation

19th February 2026

3PB's specialist commercial, personal and corporate barrister, John JessupJohn JessupCall: 2014, has written an article titled ‘Sahara Energy Resource Limited V Société Nationale De Raffinage S.A. (Sonara)’.

In his article, John examines Sahara’s sale of crude oil to Sonara and the consequences of Sonara’s late payment. He analyses the resulting claims for Incremental Interest and FX Differential and considers whether those claims were governed by the parties’ written agreement known as the Joint Report.

John also explores the wider significance of the Court of Appeal’s decision for contractual interpretation and commercial practitioners.

To read John’s full article please click here.

To construct or instruct John, please contact his Chambers Director David Fielder via email on [email protected] or phone 0207 583 8055.