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Americas

Higher-cost crude could squeeze margins at US refiners

HOUSTON (Reuters) — US refiners could face a continued squeeze on profit margins in the months ahead as dwindling supplies of heavy crude from Venezuela and elsewhere are leading several to switch to higher-priced but easier-to-refine light, sweet crude.

EIA: Seasonality of US distillate consumption, stock levels declining

Changes in demand trends, trade patterns, and fuel specifications have significantly reduced the role of traditional seasonal factors in driving US distillate markets. Historically, distillate use in the United States was highly seasonal because of its use as a home heating fuel. In recent years, use of distillate as a heating fuel has decreased significantly, while its use as a transport fuel has remained relatively flat.

Sempra Energy's IEnova Unit, Valero sign contracts for liquid fuels projects in Mexico

SAN DIEGO — Sempra Energy announced that its Mexican subsidiary, Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.B. de C.V. (IEnova), signed long-term contracts with a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corp. for the storage capacity of the liquid fuels marine terminal to be constructed in Veracruz and two inland storage facilities to be constructed in Puebla and Mexico City.

Ryder to provide fuel management solutions for Hydrotex’s clean diesel program

MIAMI — Ryder System, Inc., a commercial fleet management, dedicated transportation and supply chain solutions company, announced that Ryder, through its Ryder Fuel Services division, has been selected as a preferred fuel services partner for Hydrotex, a manufacturer of high-performance lubricants, fuel improvers and advanced filtration solutions.

Brazil court issues injunction suspending fuel tax hike

SAO PAULO (Reuters) — A Brazilian federal court in Rio de Janeiro state issued an injunction late on Thursday suspending a tax hike on fuels, saying the government decision is unconstitutional.

US to reject biofuel program tweaks in blow to refiners, Icahn

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) — The Environmental Protection Agency will reject a proposed overhaul of the US biofuels program that would have shifted blending responsibility away from refining companies further down the fuel supply chain, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

Jacobs to acquire CH2M to create $15 B global solutions provider

DALLAS & DENVER — Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. and CH2M HILL Companies Ltd. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Jacobs will acquire all of the outstanding shares of CH2M in a cash and stock transaction with an enterprise value (EV) of approximately $3.27 B, including approximately $416 MM of CH2M net debt.

Quanta selected by Enbridge Pipelines for line 3 replacement program in Canada

HOUSTON — Quanta Services, Inc. announced that it was selected by Enbridge Pipelines Inc. for two spreads of the Canadian section of the Line 3 Replacement Program.

Marathon Petroleum to pay $86 MM to settle Texas fire lawsuits

(Reuters) — US oil refiner Marathon Petroleum Corp said on Thursday it would pay $86 MM to settle lawsuits that allege injuries due to a January 2016 fire at its Galveston Bay, Texas refinery.

India's BPCL buys first cargo of US WTI Midland oil

NEW DELHI (Reuters) — State-run Bharat Petroleum Corp has bought 1 MMbbl of low-sulfur WTI Midland grade, the first purchase of the US grade by an Indian company, through a tender, an industry source with knowledge of the deal said.