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Americas

Motiva says it's poised to embark on growth journey

HOUSTON — Following announcements at the Saudi-US CEO Forum earlier this week, Motiva Enterprises LLC confirms it has embarked on a growth journey to become the safest and most profitable downstream business in the US.

Plains weighs idling oil pipeline due to new competition

NEW YORK (Reuters) — Plains All American LP is considering idling its 1.2-MMbpd Capline pipeline, the nation's largest crude pipeline, as competing lines begin service, according to a bank report on the company's investor presentation this week.

Big drop in US oil stocks finally on the way, traders say

NEW YORK (Reuters) — Oil traders and analysts are expecting large volumes of crude to draw from storage tanks across the United States in coming weeks, in what would be the most tangible sign of an inventory overhang reduction that has punished prices over the last two years.

Tesoro announces expected closing date for Western Refining acquisition

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Tesoro Corporation announced that the waiting period applicable to its proposed acquisition of Western Refining pursuant to the Hart Scott Rodino (HSR) Act has terminated. This satisfies one of the final conditions to the closing of the pending acquisition. Tesoro expects the closing of the acquisition to occur on June 1, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining customary conditions to closing.

EIA: Gas prices ahead of Memorial Day higher than 2016, but 2nd lowest since 2009

Gasoline prices heading into Memorial Day weekend average $2.40/gal nationally, up from last year's price of $2.30/gal. Despite the year-over-year increase, 2017 marks the second-lowest price ahead of the Memorial Day weekend since 2009, when the national average price of retail regular gasoline was $2.31/gal.

Britain's Spirax-Sarco to buy thermal tech firm Chromalox for $415 MM

(Reuters) — Britain's Spirax-Sarco Engineering Plc said it had agreed to buy Pittsburgh-based thermal technology company Chromalox Inc from private equity firm Irving Place Capital for $415 MM on a cash-free, debt-free basis.

Emerson completes acquisition of MYNAH Technologies

AUSTIN, Texas — Emerson announced it has completed the purchase of MYNAH Technologies, a long-time Emerson alliance partner and a provider of dynamic simulation and operator training software.

KBR returns to Malaysia via JV with BIV Builders

HOUSTON — KBR, Inc. announced it has signed a JV agreement with BIV Builders for a standalone, self-sufficient, long-term JV based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The JV will be known as KBIV.

Venezuela says considering options to repay debts

VIENNA (Reuters) — Venezuela is considering several options to repay its debts, the oil minister said on Thursday, after a deep recession and low crude prices hit output and prompted Caracas to seek funds from China and Russia.

US crude inventories slump amid near record refining

(Reuters) — US crude oil inventories fell for the seventh straight week as refiners processed a near record amount of crude last week, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, even as gasoline and distillate stockpiles also dipped.