Americas
Obama calls for expediting southern portion of Keystone XL pipeline
With the pipeline, TransCanada would bring oil from Cushing, Oklahoma, to US Gulf refineries, helping ease a supply glut.
US oil demand down in February as consumers switch to natural gas - API
Total US petroleum deliveries fell 2.3% this February compared with February 2011, pulled down by a decline in residual fuel oil (40.2%) and other oil (liquid petrochemical feedstocks, naphtha and gasoil) deliveries. The steep decline in residual fuel demand related to users switching to natural gas.
US chemical production rising in all regions - ACC
The US chemical production regional index (CPRI) rose by 0.5% in February, following a revised 0.5% gain in January, according to new ACC figures. Gains occurred in industrial gases, inorganic chemicals, plastic resins, synthetic rubber, pesticides, adhesives, coatings, specialties, and consumer products.
Alfa Laval to supply plate heat exchangers for Brazil oil company
Sweden-based Alfa Laval has won a plate heat exchanger order from a major oil company in Brazil. The Alfa Laval plate heat exchangers will be installed at offshore production platforms where they will be used for heat recovery in the main separation process, the company said.
Global refining catalyst market driven by growth in hydroprocessing
The market improvement is led by demand for cleaner fuels, increasing use of heavier and dirtier feedstocks and additions to refining capacity, a new study says.
Siemens wins $30mn deal from Ecopetrol for water treatment at Colombia refinery
The industry automation division at Siemens will equip the Reficar refinery in Cartagena, Colombia, with an integrated water treatment solution. It is part of a project to expand and modernize the refinery, which is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2013.
Refining deals up sharply in 2011 amid shedding of global assets
Refiners realigned their corporate strategies in 2011, with many shedding refining assets and others choosing to exit the sector altogether, according to a new report.
SNC-Lavalin wins management work in Venezuela for PDVSA gas projects
SNC-Lavalin has signed a project management contract with PDVSA for the Delta Caribe Oriental Project. SNC-Lavalin will supervise the work of contractors who will be providing engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning for offshore and onshore gas facilities.
DuPont launches new innovation center in Brazil
US-based chemicals major DuPont has opened a new Innovation Center in Brazil with the goal of leveraging DuPont’s global science powerhouse to help meet local needs. The company opened one such center earlier this month in Mexico and four others last year in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and India.
Chevron blasts "outrageous" Brazil oil spill charges
Chevron responded sharply to the criminal charges that were filed against it and some of its executives in Brazil, saying the company is a "scapegoat" in a broader dispute over the country's oil wealth. The company said the charges "were outrageous and without merit" and that it plans to defend itself vigorously.
- Indonesia expects EU to adjust palm oil biofuel stance after EU ruling 1/17
- First-ever ammonia and propane co-loaded vessel completes voyage from U.S. to Europe 1/17
- China's vast refining sector faces shakeout as fuel demand peaks 1/17
- Oman Oil Marketing Co. and TFG Marine establish bunker fuel supply JV 1/17
- Beware Egypt's smokestack onshoring as cement exports surge 1/17
- Petrobras reports record high refinery output in 2024 1/17
