Americas
Venezuela's PdVSA signs gas supply contract with Eni, Repsol
Venezuelan state energy giant Petroleos de Venezuela signed a supply contract with Italy's Eni SpA and Spain's Repsol YPF that will allow for development of the South American country's massive offshore Perla gas field. Project development has been slow, which some critics attribute to red tape and regulatory uncertainty emanating from President Hugo Chavez's government.
US energy R&D spending forecast up 23% for 2012
Energy-related research and development (R&D) sponsored by US manufacturers and technology firms will reach nearly $6.7 billion in 2012, up 23.1% from 2011, according to a forecast from research group Battelle. Overall, global spending by energy-related companies is expected to grow by 7.8% to reach $17.9 billion.
US fuel prices may become volatile after Northeast refinery closures
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) warns that a lack of supply flexibility could lead to price spikes in early 2012.
Praxair to acquire Houston welding-gas supplier
Praxair has agreed to acquire Houston-based Texas Welders Supply Co. (TWSCO), the companies confirmed on Friday, noting that the deal should close by December 31. TWSCO, a long-time distributor of Praxair, is the largest independent gas and welding products distributor in the greater Houston area.
ExxonMobil to consolidate businesses of fuels marketing, lubricants
The ExxonMobil board of directors will approve the consolidation of ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Co. and ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Co. into ExxonMobil Fuels, Lubricants & Specialties Marketing Co., effective February 1, 2012.
HB Fuller to acquire global industrial adhesives business from Forbo
HB Fuller Co has signed an agreement to purchase the global industrial adhesives business of Forbo Group. Forbo is known for the breadth of its product line in all of HB Fuller’s core market segments, particularly packaging and durable assembly, according to Fuller officials.
Williams buys Marcellus gas assets in $750m deal
Williams Partners agreed to acquire a gas gathering system and other assets in the Marcellus shale from Delphi Midstream Partners in a deal valued at roughly $750 million based on Wednesday's close. The gathering system includes natural-gas pipelines in Pennsylvania and southern New York, as well as associated gathering facilities.
PBF plans $1bn Delaware City refinery expansion, includes new hydrocracker
US-based refiner PBF Energy and affiliate Delaware City Refining Co. on Thursday announced the $1 billion PBF clean fuels project, which includes the construction of a mild hydrocracker and hydrogen plant to be built at their Delaware City refinery. When completed, it will process streams from both the Delaware City refinery and PBF’s Paulsboro, N.J. refinery.
US coal industry sees limited 2012 upside - report
Softer export markets and natural gas displacement will outweigh benefits of lower stocks and consolidation for US coal producers in 2012, according to a new report. Domestic steam coal demand is in slow decline, and Fitch Ratings says it expects supply to remain disciplined.
Enterprise, Enbridge seek shipper commitments for US Seaway pipeline expansion
Enterprise Products and Enbridge will hold concurrent open seasons from January 4 through February 10, 2012, to solicit capacity commitments from shippers for an expansion of the Seaway pipeline and an extension of the pipeline into the Port Arthur/Beaumont refining market. ConocoPhillips was the previous owner of Enbridge's 50% stake.
- Argentina raises biofuel prices for domestic market 7/14
- Technip Energies' develops low-emission furnace design to reduce the carbon footprint of ethylene production 7/14
- Biofuel demand to soak up more than half of U.S. soyoil production next year, USDA says 7/14
- Russia's June seaborne oil product exports down 3.4% m/m 7/14
- Serbia seeks fifth U.S. sanctions waiver for Russian-owned oil firm NIS 7/14
- EIA: U.S. hydrocarbon production supported by export growth in long-term projections 7/14
