Asia/Pacific
IEA cuts global oil demand outlook, warns on supply
The downward revision by the Paris-based consumer group reflects similar moves by other industry forecasters as concerns over the global economy continue to weigh on demand expectations. The decline reflects very weak demand from industrialized countries, particularly in Europe.
Linde to build gas purification, air separation units for Reliance at Jamnagar
Under the new deal, Linde's engineering division will supply four large air separation units (ASUs) for the production of gaseous oxygen. In addition, to treat the synthesis gas generated during this gasification process, Linde will deliver two RECTISOL acid gas removal units to Reliance.
Shell taps Jacobs to design Hong Kong project for transformer oil processing
Under terms of the contract, Jacobs is providing detailed design engineering services for modifications to Shell’s existing terminal facility to enable the processing of transformer oil. Shell's 47-acre Tsing Yi installation supplies Hong Kong and Macau with a range of oil, gas and chemical products.
Global chemical industry to see modest growth, driven by M&A activity
In its 2013 outlook, Deloitte finds that the financial influences of globalization, market maturation in China, and raw material trends will position M&A as an effective strategic tool.
EMGC '13: Gas gurus discuss resource potential of Eastern Mediterranean
During EMGC’s Tuesday technical program, executives from operating, service and technology companies shared insight into development opportunities and their regional implications.
Japan, India officials to discuss high LNG prices
The Japanese government has been seeking ways to reduce its LNG import bill amid soaring domestic demand, and has tried to rally support from other buyer countries like South Korea and India. Japan is the world's largest LNG importer, and buys most of its LNG needs from Malaysia, Qatar, Australia and Russia.
Petrovietnam to upgrade Dung Quat refinery, but expansion plan scrapped
Petrovietnam had earlier said it planned to sell a 49% stake in the refinery to foreign investors and use the proceeds to expand capacity to 200,000 bpd. "Upgrading the refinery so that it can process a diversified feedstock will cost less than expanding its capacity," a top project official said.
KBR, Yokogawa form ammonia technology alliance
Company officials say the fertilizer automation package will couple KBR’s ammonia process technology expertise with Yokogawa’s know-how of process control systems to streamline the work process, develop standard configurations and simplify interfaces between various suppliers.
Shell looks to sell Geelong refinery in Australia
The number of refineries in Australia has dwindled in recent years as vast new processing facilities have sprung up in India, Singapore and elsewhere in the region, producing products such as gasoline, jet fuel and motor oil more cheaply. Geelong is now Shell's only oil refinery in Australia.
US chemical group aligns with Indian oil industry to improve process safety
This communication may lead to joint meetings and conferences and peer review of each other’s publications. Leaders of both organizations say such cooperation is critical to incorporating process safety into companies’ management systems to prevent the recurrence of existing and former problems.

- CNOOC completes construction on $2.9-B, 1.8-MMtpy integrated complex in east China 8/22
- bp's Whiting refinery (U.S.) continues to flare days after severe thunderstorm 8/22
- Bachmann introduces latest version M-Target for Simulink 8/22
- U.S. to rule on biofuel waivers, but big oil refiners may need to wait 8/22
- Chinese independent refiner Hongrun buys Canadian, Brazilian crude 8/22
- Ukrainian attack suspends Russian oil flows to Hungary, Slovakia 8/22