Asia/Pacific
Shale gas could ease China energy shortfall - PwC
China's conventional gas production is stretched to the limit, a new report says. However, vast reserves of shale gas and coal-bed methane might ease the shortfall. The industry then needs to overcome major pricing, regulatory, distribution and water challenges.
Nord Stream mulls expansion for Russia-to-Europe gas pipeline system
Nord Stream, the consortium that operates a natural gas pipeline that ships Russian gas to western Europe via the Baltic Sea, said over the weekend it is considering further expanding the pipeline. It didn't say by how much the expansion could increase gas shipping capacity.
Siemens wins turbine maintenance deal for Santos LNG venture in Australia
Siemens Energy has been awarded a contract to provide long-term maintenance services for the pioneering Santos GLNG project in Queensland, Australia. The agreement will help to ensure predictable reliability and maintenance costs for the SGT-400 gas turbines at the Santos GLNG project.
IEA predicts sharp rise in global refining production
Refiners are poised to ramp up production after seasonal spring maintenance and expected stronger demand for oil products through the summer, the IEA says. Fuel demand traditionally picks up in the northern hemisphere summer but especially in the US, the world's largest oil consumer.
Fire at Petronas gas processing plant in Malaysia kills one, injures many
A gas processing plant belonging to Petronas Gas Bhd. in the northeastern Malaysia state of Terengganu caught fire Thursday, leading to one death and injuring many others. The fire, which occurred at complex A at the site in Kerteh, Terengganu, was brought under control within 30 minutes.
Reliance raises $2bn loan for India petrochemical expansion projects
Reliance Industries has signed a $2 billion-equivalent loan with nine banks covered by German credit insurance provider Euler Hermes. This deal will help diversify the company’s funding sources and extends the maturity profile of its long term debt in a cost-effective manner, Reliance said.
PetroChina eyes idled Valero refinery in Aruba
PetroChina is reportedly in talks to buy the 235,000 bpd refinery for $350 million. After a January restart, Valero suspended operations in March, citing poor economics.
Foster Wheeler inks engineering pact with Shell for Asia downstream projects
Foster Wheeler has signed an enterprise framework agreement (EFA) with Shell Global Solutions International in Asia. Work will be released under individual work orders, and Foster Wheeler will record bookings as work orders are received. The agreement is for a five-year period.
Evonik selects Jacobs for engineering work on new polyamide 12 plant in Asia
Jacobs Engineering Group was awarded a contract from Germany's Evonik to provide basic engineering services for a grassroots polyamide 12 production facility in Asia. Jacobs says it has been working closely with Evonik's project team in to develop the conceptual design for the new plant.
Reliance taps Fluor for project management in India on downstream expansions
Reliance Industries has selected Fluor to perform project management services for projects being executed at its world-scale Jamnagar refining and petrochemical complex on the west coast of India in Gujarat. The proposed coke gasification facility is among the largest-such projects ever built.

- Argentina raises biofuel prices for domestic market 7/14
- Technip Energies' develops low-emission furnace design to reduce the carbon footprint of ethylene production 7/14
- Biofuel demand to soak up more than half of U.S. soyoil production next year, USDA says 7/14
- Russia's June seaborne oil product exports down 3.4% m/m 7/14
- Serbia seeks fifth U.S. sanctions waiver for Russian-owned oil firm NIS 7/14
- EIA: U.S. hydrocarbon production supported by export growth in long-term projections 7/14