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Asia/Pacific

China launches investigation into synthetic rubber product

China's Commerce Ministry said it is launching an anti-dumping investigation imports of a synthetic rubber product from the United States, South Korea and the European Union following a request from major petrochemical producers.

Indonesia tests biodiesel in cars amid push for palm oil consumption

Indonesia began testing biodiesel with a bio-content of 30% in cars, its energy ministry said, as the Southeast Asian nation pushes to boost local markets for its vast palm oil crop.

Japan plans maintenance at seven naphtha crackers in 2018

TOKYO (Reuters) — Seven naphtha crackers in Japan are expected to be shut in 2018 for scheduled maintenance, industry and company sources said.

Japan's Idemitsu, Showa Shell to combine crude loading programs

TOKYO (Reuters) — Japanese oil refiners Idemitsu Kosan and Showa Shell Sekiyu have started work to integrate the so-called loading programs through which they purchase crude, Idemitsu's CEO said.

China says will limit oil, refined product exports to N.Korea

BEIJING (Reuters) — China's Commerce Ministry said on Friday it will limit exports of crude oil, refined oil products, steel and other metals to North Korea, in line with tough new sanctions imposed by the United Nations for Pyongyang's missile tests.

Singapore fuel oil stocks drop despite shrinking exports

SINGAPORE (Reuters) — Singapore weekly onshore fuel oil inventories fell 10%, or 2.462 MMbbl (about 367 Mt), to a two-week low of 22.728 MMbbl (3.392 MMt) in the week ended Jan. 3, data from International Enterprise (IE) Singapore showed on Thursday.

Indonesia to extend biodiesel subsidy to mining sector

JAKARTA (Reuters) — Indonesia’s government plans to expand biodiesel subsidies to cover consumption of palm oil-blended fuels by the mining sector this year as part of ambitious plans to develop the energy source, an energy ministry official said on Thursday.

Taiwan's Formosa petchem plans to run Mailiao refinery near full capacity

SINGAPORE (Reuters) — Taiwan’s Formosa Petrochemical Corp plans to run its 540 Mbpd Mailiao refinery at near full capacity in January and February before cutting runs in March due to scheduled maintenance, its spokesman said on Thursday.

Taiwan releases man on bail in suspected North Korean oil transfer

TAIPEI (Reuters) — A court in Taiwan has released on bail a man prosecutors allege to have made false declarations in the case of a Hong Kong-flagged tanker suspected of transferring oil to North Korea in violation of international sanctions.

Oil hits new two-and-a-half year highs as higher output looms

SINGAPORE/LONDON (Reuters) — Oil prices rose on Wednesday to new two-and-a-half year highs as robust output in the United States and Russia balanced tensions from a sixth day of unrest in OPEC member Iran.