Americas
Eni crude business in Iran may lead to US sanctions
Eni's daily output in Iran averaged 3,000 bbl of oil equivalent in 2012, representing less than 1% of the company's total production. Eni said its refining and marketing division bought 498,000 metric tons of Iranian crude in 2012, paying the country's state oil company $396 million.
Saudi downplays shale boom outside US, Canada
The extra supply is not a competitive threat because it costs more to produce than oil in most of OPEC's member countries, a Saudi official said. "There are many difficulties that face the production activities of shale oil... most importantly, the high production cost which amounts to about $70 to $80/bbl."
KBR wins construction work for revamp, expansion of Texas ammonia furnace
KBR will provide turnaround construction and project management services for the shutdown, maintenance and retubing of the ammonia furnace scheduled to take place in August 2013. The plant turnaround services are expected to increase efficiencies and extend the operational life.
Global chemical industry to see modest growth, driven by M&A activity
In its 2013 outlook, Deloitte finds that the financial influences of globalization, market maturation in China, and raw material trends will position M&A as an effective strategic tool.
Mitsubishi eyes new methanol complex in Trinidad
In the first phase, the proposed plant would produce 1 million tpy of methanol and 100,000 tpy of dimethyl ether. The partners expect to reach a final investment decision by March 2014 and start commercial operations by March 2017, the two Japanese companies said in a statement.
EMGC '13: Gas gurus discuss resource potential of Eastern Mediterranean
During EMGC’s Tuesday technical program, executives from operating, service and technology companies shared insight into development opportunities and their regional implications.
Air Liquide starts up new nitrogen liquefier in Texas
The new liquefier is the second of two now in operation at the Cleburne facility. It will enable Air Liquide to increase its supply of liquid nitrogen to customers in a range of industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, glass, electronics, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Sasol buys ethylene compressor trains for planned Louisiana ethane cracker
The compressor trains are a critical long-lead item for Sasol's proposed world-scale ethane cracker at its Lake Charles site in southwest Louisiana. Sasol announced the commencement of the FEED phase for the cracker last December. The cracker will also include downstream derivative units.
KBR, Yokogawa form ammonia technology alliance
Company officials say the fertilizer automation package will couple KBR’s ammonia process technology expertise with Yokogawa’s know-how of process control systems to streamline the work process, develop standard configurations and simplify interfaces between various suppliers.
US ethane glut to boost petrochemical margins
Ethane production in the US is likely to grow to 1.11 million bpd in 2013, 125,000 bpd more than in 2012, the report finds. Petrochemical demand, however, will not keep up with the flood of ethane supply.
- China's Wanhua Chemical starts operation at new east China cracker 4/4
- Brookfield Infrastructure announces the acquisition of Colonial Enterprises for $9 B 4/4
- PBF restarts some units at Martinez refinery after February fire; fire-damaged units remain shut 4/4
- Japan to curb gasoline prices from June to cushion U.S. tariff blow 4/4
- Evonik presents innovative "Debonding on Demand" concept for more sustainable bonding 4/3
- Oil, gas and refined product imports exempted from Trump’s sweeping tariffs 4/3
