Americas
Mexico to fine Pemex for monopolizing diesel, gasoline distribution
Antitrust commissioners voted 3-2 that Pemex's legal monopoly over the production and sale of motor fuels doesn't extend to distribution of the fuel, and that it can't force gas station owners to use its distribution network. The regulatory body gave Pemex 30 business days to present a plan for compliance.
Gevo opens renewable paraxylene plant in Texas
The paraxylene facility is located adjacent to Gevo's existing jet fuel plant in Silsbee, Texas, and establishes the site as a biorefinery serving the renewable chemicals and true drop-in biofuels markets.
US fuels demand surges to three-year high in July
US demand for distillate fuel, the umbrella group for diesel fuel and heating oil, rose 8% from a year earlier, to 3.835 million bpd, a six-year high for July. Within that figure, demand for ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, used to power trucks and trains, was 9.1% higher at 3.661 million bpd.
CB&I, Clariant look to develop new polypropylene catalyst technologies
By leveraging the successful licensing and process design experience of Lummus Novolen and the strong catalyst R&D capabilities of Clariant, the two companies expect to further strengthen their joint position in polypropylene catalysts. Clariant and Lummus Novolen will jointly invest in the new line.
Global LNG trade likely to decline again in 2013
Analysts say LNG supply is lagging demand due to a lack of new projects for exporting gas and falling supply from key exporters like Indonesia, the Middle East and Africa.
Technip, Sasol form engineering alliance on GTL
Technip and Sasol, the owner of the world’s leading gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, have established an alliance for front-end engineering services on future projects.
Entry of new players into US LNG market shows importance of funding
By contrast, a newer set of players has begun to participate in LNG export projects in North America, including large independent exploration and production (E&P) companies, utility/pipeline companies, and master limited partnerships (MLPs), all with different credit profiles.
NCRA to expand Kansas refinery, picks Technip to upgrade hydrogen plant
The project will utilize Technip's top-fired steam reformer to produce high-purity hydrogen and export steam and the latest nitrogen oxide reduction technology to ensure minimum emissions. The contract covers engineering, fabrication, supply, installation, pre-commissioning and start-up assistance.
LSB lets contract for new Arkansas ammonia plant
LSB Industries reached an agreement with SAIC Constructors to build a 375,000 tpy ammonia plant at an LSB site in El Dorado, Arkansas. The deal provides for SAIC to provide certain engineering services and to manage the construction of the ammonia plant and associated facilities.
LanzaTech works with India to develop low-carbon fuels from waste CO2
This unique application of LanzaTech's gas fermentation technology will enable a new supply of biofuels, according to the company, creating economic growth and reducing CO2 emissions across India.

- USA BioEnergy secures Johnson Matthey and Honeywell technologies for new SAF facility in Texas (U.S.) 9/10
- BASF launches the world’s first thermoplastic polyamide with high water permeability 9/9
- Worley awarded FEED contract for renewable diesel and aviation fuel project in Sweden 9/9
- U.S. tariffs worsen petrochemical sector challenges, executives warn 9/9
- Clariant to supply catalyst to SYPOX for world’s largest electric steam methane reformer 9/9
- Mitsubishi Chemical to adopt a "product traceability platform" to build a reliable chemical recycling supply chain 9/9