Petrochemicals
Celanese to build Mexico R&D technology hub for chemical customers
With the opening of a commercial and technology center in Mexico, Celanese will be positioned to offer customers a diversified portfolio of products and solutions – from intermediate chemicals and engineered materials, to technical expertise and support.
BASF opens testing, research lab in Germany for FCC refining catalysts
The new laboratory will provide physical and chemical analyses and characterizations of hydrocarbons and FCC catalysts, fine particles and slurries. It will also develop advanced refining catalysts test methods, complementing BASF’s existing FCC catalysts laboratory in Iselin, New Jersey.
Chemical safety board calls for modernization of PSM regulations in US
As a result of these findings, the CSB made recommendations at the federal, state, and local levels to prevent major incidents by adopting a more rigorous regulatory system that requires covered facilities to continuously reduce major hazard risks.
Mexichem completes acquisition of German PVC manufacturer Vestolit
Mexichem says it views this transaction as an opportunity to expand its European footprint, enter a new market segment and acquire new technology and best practices.
Mexico’s major grassroots effort: Ethylene XXI project
The federal government, through Pemex Gas and Petroquímica Básica, using the law that regulates Mexican oil, decided to promote private investment to build a new major petrochemical complex called Ethylene XXI.
Editors’/Readers’ Choice 2014
According to Hydrocarbon Processing’s Construction Boxscore Database, over $1.143 trillion in announced global projects are at various stages of development. Using the Boxscore Database, HP editors identified 12 projects that will have the highest impact to the global or regional downstream industry. HP readers voted online to select the top project in each category.
HP Viewpoint: US shale revolution set to spill over into downstream
The US shale boom is rapidly changing from an upstream story to a broader energy evolution with increased margins migrating to midstream and, more particularly, to downstream. In downstream oil, disco..
HP Forecast: 2015 downstream forecast reaches all-time high
In 2015, the HPI’s capital, maintenance and operating budgets are expected to exceed $324 B. Global announced project spending continues to surge to satisfy increasing demand for petroleum products.
HP Industry Metrics
Oil prices continued their downward plunge throughout October and into early November. The decline is due to bearish market fundamentals accompanied by a strong US dollar. Saudi Arabia is not expected..
HP Industry Perspectives: Oil price—How low can it go?
Oil price volatility returned with a vengeance in October amid worries of slower economic growth, weakening oil demand, an unexpected increase in Libya’s output, and an indication by Saudi Arabia..
- OXEA confirms final investment decision for major capacity expansion at plant 7/10
- TotalEnergies ships to Asia the first cargo produced by the ECA LNG plant 7/10
- ADNOC L&S expands LNG fleet with order for four new carriers 7/10
- India's ONGC plans to build 13-MMbbl national strategic oil reserve 7/10
- Russian refineries, oil terminal, tankers hit, Ukraine says 7/10
- Tajikistan says it has 60 days' fuel in reserve amid Russian supply crunch 7/10

