Americas
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.
Chile to begin LNG exports to Argentina this week
Chilean state producer ENAP and Argentine state producer ENARSA have been in negotiations in recent months to seal a deal, after Argentina's new business-friendly President Mauricio Macri indicated he was keen to get fuel flowing between the two.
- Indonesia allocates 15.65 MM kiloliters of biodiesel for 2026 12/23
- Egypt, Qatar's Al Mana Holding sign $200-MM SAF deal 12/23
- China's teapots boost Russian ESPO buying amid record discounts 12/23
- Bahrain's BAPCO sends first diesel cargo to Australia in 2.5 yrs 12/23
- Asia oil floating storage seen declining on lower exports, China buying 12/23
- Gazprom in talks with Hungary's MOL over NIS stake sale 12/23
