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Crude oil

IEA lowers forecast for China oil demand, output

The IEA said Wednesday that it would slightly lower its 2012 forecast for Chinese oil demand and output due to a slowing domestic economy and the unexpected decline of both onshore and offshore production. But China's crude runs may remain high due to new refineries in Yinchuan and Beihai.

Obama rejects TransCanada pipeline Keystone XL

The Obama administration on Wednesday formally rejected TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline expansion. However, TransCanada and other companies will be allowed to reapply with an alternate route going through Nebraska, where an important regional aquifer is located.

TransCanada will reapply for Keystone XL permit

TransCanada said late Wednesday that it had received the US Department of State's decision that the Presidential Permit for its proposed Keystone XL pipeline has been denied. However, the company will reapply for a permit and hopes to start up pipeline service as soon as 2014.

UAE, China ink energy cooperation agreements

United Arab Emirates said Tuesday that its Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., or ADNOC, signed an energy cooperation agreement with China National Petroleum Corp., or CNPC. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as petrochemicals, technical services, engineering and construction services.

Sunoco completes spinoff of SunCoke Energy unit

US-based transportation fuels firm Sunoco completed the spinoff of its metallurgical coke manufacturing business SunCoke Energy. The planned separation was first announced in January 2011.

Oil India plans to buy up to $200mn in US, Australia shale gas assets

State-run Oil India plans to buy shale gas assets worth up to $200 million and is scouting for potential acquisitions in the US and Australia as it seeks to gain expertise in the field ahead of India's plans to auction blocks in the country, a senior executive said Monday. India is seeking to tap into its shale gas resources to meet rising gas demand from power plants and factories.

Origin Oil partners with US DoE on conversion of algae into renewable crude

Renewables firm OriginOil plans to co-develop an integrated system with the US Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for direct conversion of raw algae into a renewable crude oil that can be used by existing petroleum refineries.

EU remains uncertain on timing of Iran oil embargo

A European Union embargo on Iranian oil could be enacted after a six-month grace period under one of the options being considered, but there is still no consensus on the matter. EU diplomats familiar with the discussions said Friday that while six months is one of the possible options, there is no convergence yet.

Chevron warns of weakening downstream results

Chevron expects 2011 fourth-quarter downstream earnings to be down significantly from the third quarter amid lower margins and refinery input volumes. In the US, Gulf coast refining margins fell substantially in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, the company said.

Samsung lands EPC contract for clean diesel unit at Qatar refinery

South Korea's Samsung Engineering has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction contract for a clean diesel-producing unit at the Qatargas-operated Laffan refinery, as the Gulf state looks to increase refined product exports. The project will come on-stream in the 2014 first quarter.