Americas
Ethylene downcycle puts nearly 25% of capacity at risk of closure
A series of unprecedented challenges to the global ethylene industry means that as much as 24% of global capacity is now under some threat of permanent closure according to new research by Wood Mackenzie.
Weak Asia refining margins see swing to crude from the Americas
The profit from turning a barrel of crude oil into fuels in Asia is at the lowest in seven months, which is leading refiners to turn away from expensive Middle East grades and seek cheaper alternatives from the Americas.
Russia gained newer diesel trade partners in 2023
In 2023, Brazil and Saudi Arabia replaced France and Germany as the countries with the second- and third-most seaborne diesel imports from Russia after sanctions related to Russia’s petroleum product trade went into effect in February 2023.
NOVA Chemicals launches Canadian Center of Excellence for Plastics Circularity
NOVA Chemicals Corporation announced the launch of its Center of Excellence for Plastics Circularity, a hub for knowledge exchange and technology development for the circular economy of plastics.
U.S. renewable diesel glut hits refiners' margins
A rush by U.S. fuel makers to recalibrate their plants to produce renewable diesel has created a supply glut for low-emissions biofuels, hammering profit margins for refiners and threatening to impede a young industry.
NextDecade plans to take FID on LNG train 4 in 2H of this year
In the company's Q1 business update, NextDecade's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Matt Schatzman, provided an update on the company's LNG terminal project in south Texas (U.S.).
Vertex Energy pauses renewable diesel output to switch back to fossil fuels, citing macroeconomic woes
U.S. refiner Vertex Energy will pause renewable diesel production at its refinery in Mobile, Alabama, and convert it to produce fossil fuels instead, citing macroeconomic woes which might persist through next year.
Citgo Petroleum reports Q1 profit of $410 MM
Oil refiner Citgo Petroleum reported its first quarter net fell 56% to $410 MM, from $937 MM in the same period a year ago.
Golden Pass LNG in discussions with contractor, may delay startup
Golden Pass LNG, a JV between QatarEnergy and Exxon Mobil, said it was in ongoing talks with a contractor that could have near-term impacts on activity at its site.
Diesel profit margins decline amid lower demand, more capacity
Profit margins for diesel are slumping as new refineries boost supplies and as mild weather in the northern hemisphere and slow economic activity eat into demand, putting oil prices under further downward pressure.
- Transitional Industries and CFEnergia sign feedstock supply contract for $3.3-B Pacifico Mexinol project 2/17
- Neste and World Fuel Services extend partnership, expanding SAF availability at more than 100 airports in Europe 2/17
- U.S. refined product exports by tanker increase to > 6.3 MMbpd in January 2/17
- Japan's oil and gas independence climbs to highest since 2009 2/17
- Dangote signs $400-MM equipment deal with China's XCMG to speed up refinery expansion 2/17
- Former Lukoil-owned ISAB refinery in Sicily exits crisis procedure 2/17
