Refining
Asian slump, Cyclone Alfred, slash Ampol's refinery margins by half
Australia's top fuel retailer Ampol reported a 49% drop in 1Q refining margins for its Lytton refinery in Queensland on Wednesday, citing lost production due to Cyclone Alfred and weak refining margins in Singapore — a bellwether for Asia.
Digital Feature: Utilizing steam stripping to remove benzene from wastewater and waste streams: A guide to maintaining compliant benzene levels with confidence
In February of 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an enforcement alert warning stating that chemical plants releasing significant amounts of carcinogens like benzene and other harmful chemicals into the air and water, in violation of environmental regulations, could face substantial penalties.
OQ, Royal Vopak partner to accelerate development of Duqm as an integrated industrial hub
OQ, spearheading the development of Duqm in Oman as a premier integrated hub for hydrocarbons, chemicals, and low-carbon products, and Royal Vopak entered into an exclusive partnership framework agreement in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). This is a significant step for a strategic alliance that aims to unlock future growth opportunities in industrial and energy terminal infrastructure and sustainable energy transition facilities in SEZAD.
Kuwait commences merger of state oil firms KNPC and KIPIC
Kuwait has begun taking executive steps to merge two of its state-owned oil firms, news agency Kuna reported on Tuesday, as the OPEC producer seeks to restructure its energy industry.
Russia well prepared for refinery maintenances with high fuel stockpiles
Russia has ample motor fuel inventories to offset possible shortages during refinery maintenances.
Japan's Fuji Oil restarts 143,000-bpd Sodegaura CDU after fire
Japanese refiner Fuji Oil has restarted the 143,000-bpd crude distillation unit (CDU) at its Sodegaura refinery.
Japan's Eneos restarts 129,000-bpd Chiba CDU after maintenance
Japan's biggest refiner, Eneos Corp., restarted the 129,000-bpd crude distillation unit (CDU) at its Chiba refinery near Tokyo on April 7, following scheduled maintenance.
Declining prices enable Brazil to raise biodiesel blend to 15%
Declining vegetable oil prices are clearing the way for Brazil to increase its mandatory biodiesel blend into diesel to 15%, up from 14%.
Nigeria plans petroleum products stockpile to counter global supply shocks
Nigeria plans to establish a national strategic petroleum products stockpile this year to safeguard its economy against disruptions in the international market.
UN shipping agency strikes deal on fuel emissions, CO2 fees
Countries at the U.N. shipping agency struck a deal on a global fuel emissions standard for the maritime sector that will impose an emissions fee on ships that breach it and reward vessels burning cleaner fuels.
- Ineos to invest £150 MM at Grangemouth site 12/17
- KBR’s methanol technology selected by Fikrat Al-Tadweer for the first biomethanol plant in Saudi Arabia 12/17
- Digital Exclusive: Root cause analysis on hydrochloric acid corrosion in a diesel hydrotreater unit 12/16
- Digital Feature: Enabling growth through strategic cost optimization for petrochemical and refining companies 12/16
- Rohm awards NextChem feasibility study for PMMA-polymer chemical recycling plant project 12/16
- Westlake to rationalize certain North American chlorovinyl and styrene assets 12/16

