Middle East
Shell, ORTEC form alliance on technical consulting
Shell and ORTEC formed a global cooperation alliance, focusing on the optimization of supply chain processes and strategic decision making in up - and downstream engineering disciplines like planning & scheduling, gas field production capacity optimization, spare parts management, and cost estimating.
OPEC sees no shortage of oil in any region
OPEC's secretary general said Monday that there is currently no shortage of oil anywhere, despite current supply concerns. Oil markets have been jittery by interruption of supply from countries such as Sudan and fears Iran may preempt a planned European embargo on its oil exports.
Iraq delays opening of key crude export terminal
Iraq has delayed the opening of a key oil terminal due Friday, with officials giving mixed reasons for the move. The SPM is one of four new floating terminals along with three sea pipelines that Leighton Offshore is constructing in the Arabian Gulf in order to boost Iraq's export capacity to 5 million bpd from 1.8 million bpd.
UOP technology chosen for diesel, lube production at Pakistan refinery expansion
Honeywell’s UOP says that its new process technology designed to help refiners get more product from each crude barrel has been selected by National Refinery Limited (NRL) to maximize diesel and lubricant production in Pakistan. The facility will produce 40,000 bpd of diesel fuel and 4,500 bpd of lube base oils.
Global oil, gas leaders see higher 2012 spending as industry confidence rises - poll
Oil and gas industry leaders have forecast improved performance and higher levels of capital expenditure in 2012 despite concerns over global economic instability, according to a new report on the future of the sector. North America is emerging as the area with the greatest opportunities in 2012, the poll shows.
BP unveils global energy outlook through 2030, boosts demand estimate
Global energy demand will continue to grow over the next 20 years, albeit at a slowing annual rate, fueled by economic and population growth in non-OECD countries, BP said in its Energy Outlook 2030 report. The demand projection is up 1.2% from the year-earlier estimate.
UAE, China ink energy cooperation agreements
United Arab Emirates said Tuesday that its Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., or ADNOC, signed an energy cooperation agreement with China National Petroleum Corp., or CNPC. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as petrochemicals, technical services, engineering and construction services.
Saudi Aramco, Sinopec sign Yanbu refinery deal
State-giant Saudi Arabian Oil Co., or Aramco, signed a deal with China Petrochemical Corp., or Sinopec, to develop a 400,000 bpd oil refinery at Yanbu, on the Saudi Red Sea coast. The Aramco-Sinopec deal marks the latest effort by China and Saudi Arabia to strengthen energy ties.
EU remains uncertain on timing of Iran oil embargo
A European Union embargo on Iranian oil could be enacted after a six-month grace period under one of the options being considered, but there is still no consensus on the matter. EU diplomats familiar with the discussions said Friday that while six months is one of the possible options, there is no convergence yet.
Chevron warns of weakening downstream results
Chevron expects 2011 fourth-quarter downstream earnings to be down significantly from the third quarter amid lower margins and refinery input volumes. In the US, Gulf coast refining margins fell substantially in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, the company said.
- SkyNRG starts construction on its first SAF plant in Delfzijl, the Netherlands 2/13
- India's Reliance wins U.S. license for Venezuelan oil 2/13
- Singapore light distillates stocks hit over 3-yr high on robust imports 2/13
- Three contractors injured at ExxonMobil facility in Beaumont, Texas (U.S.) 2/13
- China's epic renewables boom lifts it into rare clean capacity club 2/13
- TotalEnergies booked loss in France due to refining activities, CEO says 2/13

