Americas
Phillips 66's profit misses on lower refining margins
(Reuters) -- US independent oil refiner Phillips 66 posted a lower-than-expected quarterly profit as margins were squeezed by the narrowing gap between US crude prices and globally-traded Brent crude, to which prices of refined products are tied.
Suncor Energy closes sale of Petro-Canada Lubricants
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- Suncor Energy announced it has closed the previously announced sale of its Petro-Canada Lubricants Inc. business to a subsidiary of HollyFrontier Corporation for gross proceeds of $1.125 billion, subject to customary closing adjustments.
Washington state pipeline disruption jury fails to reach verdict
(Reuters) -- A jury weighing charges against an activist behind a coordinated protest that disrupted the flow of millions of barrels of crude oil into the United States failed to reach a verdict in a case in Washington state, prosecutors said on Wednesday.
Oil prices fall after sharp rise in US stockpiles
SINGAPORE/TOKYO (Reuters) -- Oil prices fell on Thursday after official data showed US crude and gasoline stockpiles rose sharply, although signs that OPEC and other producers are holding the line on output cuts helped support prices.
Industry Metrics
European refinery margins weakened due to slower gasoline export opportunities, despite the colder weather.
Global Project Data
According to Hydrocarbon Processing’s Construction Boxscore Database, new project announcements have averaged 11 per month since mid-2016.
Business Trends: Anticipated market and pricing impacts from new marine fuel regulations
In October 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced that it will implement a new regulation that calls for the sulfur content in marine fuels to be reduced from 3.5% to 0.5%. The new regulation will go into effect in January 2020. This action by the IMO will have a profound impact on the maritime and refining industries worldwide, as well as on the environment. This month’s Business Trends section provides an overview on the anticipated impacts of the IMO’s decision on petroleum product markets.
Industry Perspectives: Global desulfurization capacity to skyrocket over the long term
According to OPEC’s World Oil Outlook 2016, desulfurization capacity additions represent the largest capacity increases among all process units to 2040. This trend is due to increased regulations on the amount of sulfur allowed in transportation fuels.
Editorial Comment: The future of refining lies in clean fuels
Each year, <sub>Hydrocarbon Processing</sub> devotes an issue to the topic of clean fuels—and rightly so. As the world continues to welcome more vehicles on the road, and as emerging economies invest in civil, industrial and energy projects, global fuels demand is forecast to increase through the end of the decade.
Performance testing: The key to successful revamps
Process unit revamps often do not result in a refiner achieving its desired objectives. This is typically not the result of mechanical defects with process equipment.
- Pemex to invest $5 B to revive petrochemicals and fertilizer industries 6/8
- Aramco selects McDermott for project management consultancy long-term agreement 6/8
- Celanese to optimize engineered materials compounding footprint in Asia region 6/8
- India launches gasoline blended with 85% ethanol at lower price 6/5
- U.S. oil exports surge, draining domestic crude inventories toward rock bottom 6/5
- Indian companies willing to deepen presence in Venezuela 6/5
