Americas
Qatar's Texas LNG venture eyes exports by 2021
Top LNG exporter Qatar anticipates exports from its Golden Pass JV in Texas to begin in 2021. State-run Qatar Petroleum owns a 70% stake in an LNG receiving terminal in Texas that is backed by Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips.
US specialty chemicals market softens as oilfield usage leads decline
Weakness in oilfield chemicals and mining chemicals weighed on overall volumes. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments monitored, 11 expanded in April, three were flat, and 14 declined.
US chemical production growth stalls: ACC
In April, the US Gulf Coast was the only region to post a small gain. Output declined slightly in the Northeast, and all other regions were flat, according to the latest ACC data.
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.
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.
Argentina looks to stop light crude imports, boost domestic refining
Increased refining of domestic light crudes and further investment in the oil sector keep country rolling toward energy independence.
Pemex could give up majority stakes in refineries
Pemex's CFO says the company is seeking partners to operate its money-losing refineries and plans to "dilute" its ownership in the plants.
Arson blamed for 2013 Texas fertilizer plant blast
A call for tighter and more thorough regulations was issued following the deadly blast and ensuing fires.
- Brazil's Petrobras to invest $4.8 B in integration between Reduc refinery and Boaventura complex 7/8
- Braskem completes first sale of circular polyethylene in South America 7/8
- bp's 440,000-bpd refinery in Whiting, Indiana (U.S.), reported flaring due to operational conditions 7/8
- UK's insolvent Lindsey oil refinery secures some crude supply to keep running for now 7/8
- Brazil's energy minister hints at possible fuel price cuts 7/8
- Marathon Galveston Bay refinery (U.S.) hydrotreater to remain shut until September 7/8
