Asia/Pacific
Coca-Cola plans to have 100% plant-based bottle
Coca-Cola expects to have a plastic bottle made entirely from plant-based materials ready for commercial use in the next few years as it looks to reduce its reliance on petroleum used in traditional plastic bottles. Coca-Cola believes it can have the plant-based bottle developed by 2015 so that, by 2020, all of its plastic bottles can be using the new material.
Momentive, UPC form China phenolic resin venture
Momentive Specialty Chemicals and UPC Technology Corp. have now signed a definitive joint venture agreement creating Momentive Union Specialty Chemicals, a venture that will build manufacturing capacity in China to produce specialty phenolic resins.
IEA trims 2012 world oil demand growth forecast on economic woes
The International Energy Agency on Tuesday trimmed its forecast for world oil demand growth in 2012 versus its earlier 2012 projection based on the worsening global economic backdrop and persistently elevated oil prices, but said demand will remain robust and markets tight until 2013. The IEA forecast global oil demand at 90.3 million bpd in 2012, up from 89 million bpd this year.
Global refinery runs to rise in first quarter - IEA
Refinery runs across the globe will bounce back in the coming months as refineries return from heavy autumn maintenance and ramp up production even as profits on oil products fall, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday in a monthly report. Refinery runs will rebound to 75.8 million bpd, or 1.2 million bpd higher than the year-earlier quarter, after relatively weak growth since April.
Formosa Petrochemical, CPC in supply deal talks
CPC Corp. is in talks to procure base petrochemicals, such as propylene and ethylene, from Formosa Petrochemical to ensure future supply as a CPC 23-million metric ton-a-year naphtha cracker is set to close in the first quarter for a year-long capacity upgrade, senior executives from the companies said Monday.
Refining estimates lowered in Q4 for oil majors
Morgan Stanley has lowered by 7% its refining estimates for major oil refineries in the fourth quarter of 2011, the company said in a note Monday. Factors included a narrowing spread between Nymex crude and Light Louisiana Sweet crude.
Cheniere finalizes export pact with GAIL India for Sabine Pass LNG
Cheniere subsidiary Sabine Pass Liquefaction entered into a liquefied natural gas (LNG) sale and purchase agreement with GAIL India, under which GAIL will buy 3.5 million tpy of LNG. Sabine Liquefaction is developing a liquefaction project at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal that includes up to four liquefaction trains capable of up to 18 million tpy of LNG.
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.
UOP adsorbents removing radiation in Japan water
Honeywell’s UOP said Friday that its adsorbent ion exchange products are successfully being used by Toshiba Corporation and Shaw Global Services for the cleanup of radiation-contaminated water at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan.
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.
- 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
- EIA: U.S. crude inventories fall by most in a year, fuel stocks build 6/18
