Americas
Outlook bleak for Europe, US refiners at end of dismal year
A dismal year for the European and US refining market is set to end on a sour note as profit margins are squeezed by high oil prices and lackluster product demand.
DuPont cuts profit outlook on weakening demand
US-based chemicals major DuPont on Friday lowered its 2011 full-year earnings outlook to a range of $3.87-$3.95 earnings per share (EPS), excluding significant items – down from a forecast last month of $3.97-$4.05/share. The projected earnings still represent an 18% to 20% increase from 2010.
Pacific Ethanol increases stake in US biorefineries
Pacific Ethanol has entered into an agreement with a group of institutional investors to raise $8 million in financing while acquiring an additional 7% interest in four ethanol production facilities. Upon closing, the company's total ownership interest will increase to 34%, the company said.
Encana sells two western Canada gas processing plants to Veresen
Encana Corp. said it will sell two natural-gas processing plants in Alberta and British Columbia for C$920 million to energy infrastructure company Veresen. Encana, North America's second-largest natural gas producer after ExxonMobil, trimmed back its growth plans and put assets up for sale this year as it faced pressure from persistently low natural gas prices in North America.
Dresser-Rand buys US parts supplier Synchrony
Rotating equipment supplier Dresser-Rand has agreed to acquire technology development firm Synchrony, with the deal expected to close in January 2012. Synchrony's portfolio includes active magnetic bearings (AMB), high speed motors and generators, and power electronics for rotating machinery.
Plains converting Oklahoma LPG pipeline to crude
Plains All American Pipeline announced Thursday that it is converting an existing Oklahoma liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline into crude oil service. The pipeline will provide an initial crude oil throughput capacity of 12,000 bpd by January 2012 and will be expanded to 25,000 bpd by July 2012.
Chevron to spend record $32.7 billion on capital projects in 2012
Chevron said it expects to spend a record $32.7 billion on capital projects in 2012 as it continues to invest in massive oil and gas projects worldwide. Rivals ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil recently announced double-digit capital budget increases for next year, showing major oil companies are confident about the sustainability of high oil prices.
Halliburton defends itself against BP oil spill claims
Halliburton responded Wednesday to recent court filings by BP, which accused it of unfavorable results from tests on cement used to plug the leaking well in the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
US regulators issue more spill-related fines to BP
US regulators have issued additional violations to BP for its role in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, raising the level of fines that the company is likely to pay. The violations lay the foundation for civil penalties that are likely to be imposed by the federal government.
Marathon Oil boosting capital spending by $1 billion
Marathon Oil Corp. said Wednesday that it will increase its capital spending by $1 billion in 2012 as it moves to develop acreage in the Eagle Ford shale of South Texas. The firm plans to spend $4.82 billion on capital projects in 2012, up from its plan to spend $3.89 billion in 2011.
- EU warns of prolonged energy shock, forced cuts if Iran war continues 4/15
- Europe's summer flights at risk as Iran war exposes refining decline 4/15
- Slovak refiner says no deal yet on Adria pipeline tests 4/15
- Japan's weekly gasoline prices largely flat as subsidies offset price spikes 4/15
- Botswana has not requested stake in Lobito refinery, Angola's Sonangol says 4/15
- Petrobras selects Honeywell's ethanol-to-jet technology for large-scale SAF plant 4/14
