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Refining

US expands imports of Nigerian oil as refiners turn to West African crudes

Nigeria was the fourth-largest supplier of foreign crude to the US last week, displacing Mexico and also competing with Iraq and Colombia, according to preliminary figures from the EIA.

Trading of Asian fuel oil nears monthly record

A total of 4.82 million tons of fuel oil have traded in the Singapore Market on Close (MOC) process so far in March, nearing last June's record of 5.97 million tons.

US gasoline inventories fall as refiners cut rates

Refinery crude runs fell by 176,000 bpd, while utilization rates dropped by 0.6 percentage points. Gasoline stocks fell by 4.6 million bbl, well above expectations for a 1.5-million bbl drop.

Britain sees first sustained improvement in fuel consumption since 2007

More traffic is resulting in the first sustained increase in fuel consumption since 2007, a development welcomed by refiners and retailers but which complicates the government's climate plans.

Russia’s Lukoil starts diesel exports by pipeline

Industry sources said that March supplies of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) from Vysotsk will total 350,000 tons, of which 100,000 tons will be shipped via the spurt of Sever (North) trunk.

Aruba refinery to begin hiring workers in April for plant repairs, upgrades

A team of Citgo technicians has been working since 2015 on a plan to restart and upgrade the plant. Catalysts used at Aruba's hydrodesulfurization unit (HDS) were removed several weeks ago.

Saudi Arabia leaves US shale-processing plants to Shell in Motiva split

The refineries in Port Arthur, Texas, and Convent, Louisiana, had been growing apart for several years before the companies recently announced plans to split ownership.

Morocco’s court orders liquidation of refiner Samir

Samir has 10 days to lodge an appeal against the decision. Samir, controlled by Corral Petroleum Holdings, halted production last August at its 200,000-bpd Mohammedia refinery.

Chinese refiners help boost crude imports from Saudi Arabia, Russia

China's total oil imports rose about 20% on year to the highest ever on a daily basis in February, when near 10-year low global oil prices drove buying from a group of new importers.

US on track for record summer gasoline demand

Recent data indicates the country is on track for its biggest-ever driving season this summer, which will keep refineries running flat-out turning crude into the motor fuel.