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Refinery upkeep costs poised to rise, says Tyco

HP Editorial Staff: HP News Services

Refinery maintenance will likely become more expensive in the next few years as operators have to make costly changes to comply with new environmental regulations.

Enterprise, Enbridge finish reversal project for US Seaway crude pipeline

Enterprise Products and Enbridge announced that modifications to the Seaway crude oil pipeline allowing it to transport crude oil from Cushing, Oklahoma to the US Gulf Coast have been completed. The first flows of crude oil into the line are expected to begin this weekend.

US oil demand rising in gasoline, down for jet fuel

US gasoline deliveries were up 0.9% in April to 8.8 million bpd, monthly API trade data showed, continuing a positive domestic trend for the segment. However, April jet fuel and residual fuel deliveries declined, leading to a 0.3% drop in overall petroleum demand for the month.

Repsol nixes LNG shipments to Argentina for 2012

Repsol YPF has decided to cancel 10 shipments of liquefied natural gas to Argentina scheduled for 2012 because it says an Argentine public energy company has failed to meet the terms of the contract. Repsol said it reserved the right to take legal action against Enarsa for breach of contract.

Imperial Oil exploring sale of Nova Scotia refinery, may convert to terminal

Imperial Oil will explore selling its 88,000 bpd Dartmouth refinery in Nova Scotia, citing rising global competition and lower demand for refined products. The company, which ExxonMobil holds a majority stake in, said it will also consider conversion to a terminal, as well as other alternatives.

Albemarle to shutter phosphorous product lines

Albemarle said Thursday that it plans to exit its existing phosphorous flame retardants business, citing a need to restructure its business portfolio and address underperforming assets. Production at both facilities will cease upon completion of customer contracts, according to the company.

Enbridge to expand Canada, US oil pipeline system

Enbridge said Wednesday it's moving ahead with C$3.2 billion ($3.2 billion) in pipeline expansions, mostly to send more crude oil from Canada and North Dakota to the Midwest and eastern Canada. The expansions will accommodate rising crude oil production in Canada and the western US.

SABIC chief seeks more collaboration for US, Saudi business leaders

Mohamed Al-Mady, CEO of SABIC, is calling for “more productive engagement” between US companies and the Saudi private sector to further enhance business relations.

Shell partners with Asian energy giants for Canada LNG export project

Energy companies from China, South Korea and Japan have put aside political and commercial rivalries to ship billions of dollars worth of Canadian liquefied natural gas to Asian markets, but they will face stiff competition for supplies and customers from a raft of competing projects. Exports are expected by 2019.

Lightning sparks fire at Pennsylvania coatings plant of Dow Chemical

Dow Chemical said an early Wednesday lightning strike hit two storage tanks holding ethyl acetate and butyl acetate at its Bristol coatings plant near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The fire broke out at 3:35 a.m. local time. Employees at the site were evacuated and none were injured, Dow said.