Refining
French union calls for widespread shutdown of refineries by workers
The vote, aimed at pressuring the socialist government of President Francoise Hollande to withdraw a labor reform bill which the unions consider as unfavorable to workers, could stoke concerns over refined products supply in France.
Global oversupply of polyethylene, polypropylene challenges margins
The excess capacity will help North American converters be more competitive due to the increased competition associated with PE capacity expansions. However, on the producer side, economics will be challenged as global capacity expansions exceed demand growth.
EPA’s biofuel plan frustrates US refiners, farmers
The increase did not go far enough for the farm lobby and biofuels companies like Poet LLC, which have spent millions to produce advanced biofuels. Meanwhile, oil industry advocates, who have criticized previous targets as unrealistic, renewed calls for an overhaul of the program.
Argentina’s refiners buy Nigerian crude as second foreign cargo of 2016
Because of quality issues -- Argentina has a surplus of heavy crude that is regularly exported, but it does not produce enough light grades -- refining companies plan to import at least 3 MMbbl of crude.
US EPA proposes modest increase in 2017 biofuels blending targets
Releasing the blending targets ahead of 2017 is part of the US EPA's efforts to get the controversial policy program for domestic refiners back on track after many years of delays.
India sees road building as route to boost fuels
Past experience from the US and other advanced economies suggests massive highway construction will promote the creation of a more integrated national economy and increase freight and passenger traffic further. That will spur further rapid growth in transport fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
US gasoline, distillate inventories drop as refiners raise operating rates
Gasoline stocks fell 2.5 MMbbl, compared to forecasts for a 150,000-bbl drop. Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, fell 3.2 MMbbl, versus expectations for a 642,000-bbl drop.
Rosneft, Pertamina to sign framework deal on Indonesian refinery
Indonesia's Pertamina currently has 1 MMbpd in refining capacity, which it plans to raise to 2.3 MMbpd through upgrades and additional plants.
Nigerian union proceeds with fuel protest strike
The government hopes lifting costly fuel subsidies, causing prices to rise by up to two thirds at the pumps, will help alleviate the worst crisis in decades in Africa's biggest economy.
Analyst: Rising gasoline use in India drives global oil demand growth
Provided India's economy continues to grow, and fuel prices remain moderate, India's thirst for gasoline will be the most important source of oil demand growth over the next few years.
- U.S. labor board judge rules Exxon's Texas refinery union lockout was legal 11/28
- U.S. crude stocks fall, gasoline and distillate inventories rise 11/28
- Maersk could use 15%–20% alternative fuels for its fleet in 2030 11/28
- Germany's BSW pushes to restore Russian oil to Schwedt refinery, seeks regional legitimacy 11/28
- Asia likely to benefit from cheaper Canadian, Mexican oil if Trump imposes tariffs 11/28
- Singapore distillates stocks tick up for fifth week 11/28
