Americas
NPRA finalizes name change, becomes American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
The long-standing US refining and petrochemical trade group National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) on Wednesday officially changed its name to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM). The name change is the fourth in its history.
Albemarle expands US polyolefin catalysts capacity
Albemarle says it successfully completed the latest expansion of its process development center (PDC) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by installing a new production train for finished polyolefin catalysts and a number of supporting auxiliaries. The company did not disclose specific capacity figures on the expansion.
Hess, PdVSA to shut Hovensa refinery venture in Virgin Islands
Hovensa will shut down its 500,000 bpd St. Croix refinery in the US Virgin Islands amid weak demand, new competition.
Conoco to shut more natural gas output in 2012
ConocoPhillips plans to shut in only a small portion of its natural-gas production in Canada and the lower 48 states due to lower commodity prices as the bulk of its production is tied to oil liquids output and is still profitable. The Houston company is one of the largest natural-gas producers in the US.
Canada oil could be shipped to northern seaports after Keystone rejection
The latest possible route to get Alberta oil to overseas markets will have many scrambling for an atlas. Where pelts once travelled south, petroleum may soon travel north. Alberta needs to diversify its market for bitumen beyond the US Midwest, and using a trusty old fur-trading river system may be the best way, given the current political climate, to reach Asian markets.
US oil industry seeks policy changes as EIA unveils annual energy outlook
With changes in policy, America's oil and natural gas industry could produce at home far more of the energy the nation requires, further enhancing its energy security and providing very large benefits to the economy, according to the CEO of the American Petroleum Institute.
European Union imposes ban on Iran crude imports
The 27-nation European Union agreed on Monday to block all crude-oil imports from Iran, as it steps up pressure on the Gulf nation to scale back its nuclear-enrichment program. The Council also agreed to freeze assets of the Iranian central bank within the EU.
Global oil, gas leaders see higher 2012 spending as industry confidence rises - poll
Oil and gas industry leaders have forecast improved performance and higher levels of capital expenditure in 2012 despite concerns over global economic instability, according to a new report on the future of the sector. North America is emerging as the area with the greatest opportunities in 2012, the poll shows.
Keyera acquires Canadian iso-octane plant from Neste Oil, ChevronTexaco
Competition authorities in the US and Canada have approved the sale of Neste Oil's 50% holding in an iso-octane production plant in Edmonton, Canada, to Canadian-based Keyera. The announcement was first made on December 8, 2011.
US fuel demand tanks amid low gasoline use - API
US petroleum deliveries in December 2011 were down 5.9% from December 2010, declining to an average of 18.6 million bpd to hit their lowest December level in 15 years. Overall, total petroleum deliveries (a measure of demand) fell 1.2% in 2011 to an average of 18.9 million bpd.
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