Americas
Facing fuel shortage in Cuba, Havana diplomats roll up sleeves
HAVANA (Reuters) -- When they are not tending to international affairs, diplomats based in Havana can be found these days stewing in interminable queues at gas stations and concocting ways to increase the octane in fuel as Cuba's premium gasoline shortage takes its toll.
Oil hits one-month high after US missile strike in Syria
LONDON (Reuters) -- Oil prices hit a one-month high on Friday after the United States fired missiles at a Syrian government airbase, sending shockwaves through global markets and raising concerns that the conflict could spread in the oil-rich region.
AFPM challenges decision on tank car surcharge
WASHINGTON -- The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) filed a petition for review in the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, challenging the Surface Transportation Board's (STB) dismissal of its complaint against the surcharge imposed by BNSF Railway Company on DOT-111 tanks cars carrying crude oil.
CB&I awarded multiple petchem technology contracts in china
THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- CB&I announced it has been awarded multiple technology contracts by Tianjin Bohua Chemical Development Co. Ltd. for a grassroots petrochemicals plant to be built in Tianjin, China.
Shell makes progress on site work for Pennsylvania petchem complex
HOUSTON – Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC has made progress on site preparations for its new major petrochemicals complex in Pennsylvania, USA. The early works program is in preparation for the start of main site construction in late 2017, with commercial production beginning early next decade.
Iran struggles to expand oil exports as sea storage cleared
LONDON (Reuters) -- Iran has sold all the oil it had stored for years at sea and Tehran is now struggling to keep exports growing as it grapples with production constraints, shipping and oil sources say.
French bank BNP sells its share in $2.5 B Dakota pipeline loan
(Reuters) -- BNP Paribas SA said Wednesday it has sold its $120 MM share of the loan for the Dakota Access Pipeline, becoming the second bank to divest from the project that faced opposition from Native Americans and environmentalists.
US crude inventories rise unexpectedly, product stocks dip
(Reuters) -- US crude stocks unexpectedly rose last week to a fresh record high, while gasoline and distillate inventories fell less than expected, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, interrupting a recent string of bullish news for the oil market.
Traders clear Europe's tanks by shipping more gasoline to US
LONDON (Reuters) -- Traders are shipping more gasoline from Europe to the US East Coast ahead of the summer driving season as a steady reduction in inventories there props up prices.
Alpek to acquire PetroquĂmicaSuape, Citepe from Petrobras
MONTERREY, Mexico – Alpek, S.A.B. de C.V. announced that it obtained all necessary corporate approvals to acquire 100% of PetroquímicaSuape and Citepe from Petrobras for $385 MM. This amount is payable on the closing date for the two companies on a debt-free basis, and is subject to adjustments in working capital, among others.

- Mideast conflict turbocharges diesel prices, squeezing Europe 6/23
- Pertamina is looking to import > 200,000/month of 90-octane gasoline 6/23
- Japan will mitigate potential gasoline price spike, prime minister says 6/23
- Linde to invest $400 MM to build the world-scale air separation unit 6/23
- OEG signs major partnership agreement in Qatar 6/23
- U.S. Supreme Court lets fuel producers challenge California emissions standards 6/23