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Asia/Pacific

Idemitsu partners with AltaGas to export LNG, LPG from Canada to Japan

Under the 50:50 plan by oil refiner Idemitsu and gas pipeline operator AltaGas, the two may build an LNG export terminal near Kitimat in British Columbia, possibly starting LNG exports mainly to Japan as early as 2017. The venture also plans to develop a liquefied petroleum gas export business.

Vietnam inks refinery deal with Japan, Kuwait firms

State-owned PetroVietnam will own a 25.1% stake in the joint venture while Japan's Idemitsu Kosan and Kuwait Petroleum International will each hold 35.1%. Mitsui Chemicals of Japan will own the remaining 4.7%. The refinery will be able to process 10 million tpy of crude oil, the government said.

Indonesia may opt for preferential LNG exports

Indonesia is a key LNG exporter to Asian countries like Japan and South Korea, but increasing domestic demand due to a growing economy and political pressure to control local resources is forcing the government to divert exports to local consumers, according to new reports.

JBF picks Technip for engineering on India purified terephthalic acid project

The contract covers the basic engineering, front-end engineering design, detailed engineering and procurement services for the ISBL (inside battery limit) and the OSBL (outside battery limit). The scope of work also includes supply of materials and construction management services for the ISBL.

Petronas, Evonik form venture to build Malaysian specialty chemical plants

The plants are expected to produce up to 250,000 tons of hydrogen peroxide, 220,000 tons of isononanol and 110,000 tons of 1-butene annually, according to a joint statement. The chemicals are used in the production of plastics, films, wallpapers, floorings and cables, among others.

Sinopec, BASF form venture to build world-scale isononanol plant in China

The full integration of the new INA plant into the existing petrochemical site of MPCC in Maoming will allow for a comprehensive system for managing energy as well as minimizing water use, emissions, and waste. The approval process has begun for the environmental impact assessment.

BASF, Petronas scrap Malaysia chemicals proposal

The proposed partnership was terminated because both parties couldn't agree on the "terms and conditions" for the project in the southern state of Johor, the companies said in a joint statement released Monday.

Osaka Gas believes US will soon approve Freeport LNG exports to Japan

Osaka Gas and Chubu Electric Power Co. recently signed a 20-year contract with Freeport LNG Development to import up to 2.2 million tpy each of LNG from Freeport's facility on the US Gulf Coast. The facility is slated to start operations in 2017. The Freeport contract will be effective once the US grants a license.

Praxair starts up new air separation plant in India

The new plant utilizes Praxair’s energy-efficient technology and has a production capacity of approximately 130 tpd of gaseous oxygen and 65 tpd of gaseous nitrogen. Praxair has supported Usha Martin’s Jamshedpur steel mill since 2000, where the company has operated two oxygen plants.

IEA raises forecast for global oil demand in 2013, citing strength in China

In China, which alone accounted for two-thirds of total oil demand growth in the four years to 2011, infrastructure spending, stronger electricity use and increased rail usage could underpin an increase in demand, the IEA said. In Europe, however, the picture still remains bleak.