Crude oil
US energy R&D spending forecast up 23% for 2012
Energy-related research and development (R&D) sponsored by US manufacturers and technology firms will reach nearly $6.7 billion in 2012, up 23.1% from 2011, according to a forecast from research group Battelle. Overall, global spending by energy-related companies is expected to grow by 7.8% to reach $17.9 billion.
US fuel prices may become volatile after Northeast refinery closures
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) warns that a lack of supply flexibility could lead to price spikes in early 2012.
ExxonMobil to consolidate businesses of fuels marketing, lubricants
The ExxonMobil board of directors will approve the consolidation of ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Co. and ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Co. into ExxonMobil Fuels, Lubricants & Specialties Marketing Co., effective February 1, 2012.
PBF plans $1bn Delaware City refinery expansion, includes new hydrocracker
US-based refiner PBF Energy and affiliate Delaware City Refining Co. on Thursday announced the $1 billion PBF clean fuels project, which includes the construction of a mild hydrocracker and hydrogen plant to be built at their Delaware City refinery. When completed, it will process streams from both the Delaware City refinery and PBF’s Paulsboro, N.J. refinery.
US coal industry sees limited 2012 upside - report
Softer export markets and natural gas displacement will outweigh benefits of lower stocks and consolidation for US coal producers in 2012, according to a new report. Domestic steam coal demand is in slow decline, and Fitch Ratings says it expects supply to remain disciplined.
Enterprise, Enbridge seek shipper commitments for US Seaway pipeline expansion
Enterprise Products and Enbridge will hold concurrent open seasons from January 4 through February 10, 2012, to solicit capacity commitments from shippers for an expansion of the Seaway pipeline and an extension of the pipeline into the Port Arthur/Beaumont refining market. ConocoPhillips was the previous owner of Enbridge's 50% stake.
Magellan, Copano plan Eagle Ford condensate line
Copano Energy and Magellan Midstream have formed a joint venture to deliver Eagle Ford Shale condensate to Corpus Christi, Texas. The initial capacity of the pipeline will be 100,000 bpd.
Foster Wheeler wins EPCm for BP gas separation project in Scotland
Foster Wheeler has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCm) contract for BP Exploration’s enhanced gas separation project (EGSP) in Scotland. The project is expected to be completed in 2013.
Total wins Exxon tender for Slagen refinery lifting
Total has won ExxonMobil Corp.’s 2012 tender for lifting from its 110,000 bpd Slagen refinery in Norway, a fuel oil trader familiar with the matter said Wednesday. Annual fuel oil tenders from Exxon's Northwest Europe refineries are widely followed by traders in the region.
BP to invest $15bn in Angola over next 20 years
BP plans to invest $15 billion in Angola over the next two decades, CEO Bob Dudley said at a press conference in Luanda. BP has already invested $15 billion in various projects in Angola and plans to invest another $15 billion for the next two decades, the CEO said.

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- SIBUR produces test batch of first hexane plant in Russia 8/28
- Universal Fuel Technologies’ SAF accepted into ASTM Clearinghouse for qualification 8/28
- Honeywell technology to fuel Syzygy Plasmonics' SAF project 8/28
- Sinopec wins engineering contract for Saudi Arabian green hydrogen/ammonia project 8/28
- Russia's idle oil refining capacity record high after Ukrainian drone attacks 8/28