Asia/Pacific
Honeywell opens new technology hub in India
The company says the center will expand its development in downstream sectors such as refining, petrochemicals and nylon technologies and applications.
Taiwan considers reducing crude imports from Iran
Taiwan is considering cutting imports of crude oil from Iran in cooperation with US and European efforts to choke off Iran's oil revenue over the nation's nuclear program, a foreign affairs official said Thursday. The US has held talks with several of its Asian partners about the effort to cut off Iran's oil exports.
Thai Oil to build $300mn linear alkyl benzene plant
Thai Oil plans to build a $300-million linear alkyl benzene facility at its oil refinery in Thailand's eastern Sri Racha province, the Bangkok Post reported Thursday, citing CEO Surong Bulakul. Linear alkyl benzene is often used as a raw material in the production of detergents.
Indian Oil to use hte catalyst testing system in R&D
High throughput experimentation company hte said that Indian Oil will implement hte's parallel reactor technology to enhance its R&D efficiency in the field of oil refining. The X4500 16-fold system is optimized for the high throughput testing of hydroprocessing catalysts under industrial conditions.
Reliance plans petrochem expansion at Jamnagar refinery in India - report
Reliance Industries will expand petrochemicals production at its Jamnagar refinery in India, according to a Bloomberg report. The expansion is projected to cost from $10 billion to $12 billion and last three to four years, said K.K. Sreeramachandran, general manager in the company’s refining business.
Jacobs wins engineering work on four Arkema PVC projects in China
Jacobs said it won four contracts from Arkema France for basic engineering services to support the provision of Arkema's proprietary suspension and emulsion technology to four of its clients in China. As currently planned, the four new projects in China will add more than 4 million tpy of PVC capacity.
SABIC, Sinopec in talks with Trinidad to build $5.3bn methanol complex
SABIC and Sinopec have agreed to start negotiations with Trinidad and Tobago to possibly build a $5.3 billion methanol complex in that country. Last month Sabic signed a protocol of cooperation with Sinopec to explore new business opportunities.
Halliburton, Petronas form partnership to develop global shale resources
Halliburton and PETRONAS Carigali have signed an agreement for the evaluation and development of global shale resources, the companies said on Friday. They plan to set up a shale technical center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which is where the deal was signed.
JKC venture wins $15bn of engineering work for Ichthys LNG in Australia
KBR said its JKC joint venture with JGC Corp. and Chiyoda Corp. has signed the formal contract for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) activities on the Ichthys LNG project in northern Australia. The Ichthys LNG project is a joint venture between INPEX (76%, the operator) and Total (24%).
IEA cuts 2012 outlook for global oil demand growth, cites weaker economy
The IEA lowered its estimate for global oil demand growth in 2012 to 800,000 bpd, compared to its previous forecast of 1.1 million bpd amid weaker economic predictions. Global GDP growth is revised down to 3.3% for 2012, from the 4.0% level assumed since September, the agency noted.

- px Group signs LOIs for major SAF and green hydrogen/ammonia projects in Europe 6/19
- U.S. EIA forecasts new export licensing requirements will reduce U.S. ethane exports 6/18
- Nigeria to export first gasoline cargo to Asia from Dangote refinery 6/18
- Indian refiners cancel palm oil orders for July-September as prices surge 6/18
- U.S. set to object to green jet fuel recommendation at UN aviation council 6/18
- Phoenix Contact introduces intrinsic safety versions of the MINI Analog Pro Ex conditioners for hazardous areas 6/18