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Crude oil

Refining deals up sharply in 2011 amid shedding of global assets

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

Refiners realigned their corporate strategies in 2011, with many shedding refining assets and others choosing to exit the sector altogether, according to a new report.

Brazil prosecutor files criminal charges in Chevron oil spill case

A federal prosecutor in Brazil will file criminal charges Wednesday against executives from US oil major Chevron and drilling-rig operator Transocean, charging the employees with environmental crimes related to an offshore spill in November. A federal judge will decide whether to bring the charges to trial.

US to exempt EU, Japan on Iran oil sanctions

The US has decided to grant exemptions to Japan and 10 European Union (EU) countries under a new set of Iran oil sanctions, a key lawmaker said. Aimed at shutting down Iran's nuclear program, the sanctions target financial institutions that do business with Iran's Central Bank, a main conduit for Iran's oil sales.

Romney to attack Obama over US gasoline prices

An improving job market is prompting Mitt Romney to focus on rising gas prices as evidence President Obama has mismanaged the economy. Obama's political team is concerned rising gas prices will diminish some of the political advantage the president may gain from the improving economy.

Hess to explore sale of St. Lucia oil terminal

Hess Corp. announced Monday that it is exploring the sale of its St. Lucia crude oil and refined products storage and transshipment terminal in the Caribbean. The news comes two months after Hess unveiled plans to shut down its Hovensa refinery venture in St. Croix.

Essar commissions diesel hydrotreater unit in India

Essar Energy plc, the India-focused integrated energy company, announced that Essar Oil Ltd. has successfully commissioned diesel hydrotreater unit 1 (DHDT-1) as part of the Phase I expansion at its Vadinar refinery in India.

EIA raises oil price forecast for 2012

In its March "Short-Term Energy Report," the DOE/EIA raised its oil price forecast for 2012 to $106/bbl, up $5/bbl from the previous forecast amid concerns over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, growth in world demand and supply constraints in non-OPEC countries.

OPEC pins high oil prices on speculators, IEA warns of supply woes

Leaders of some of the world's largest oil producing nations Wednesday pinned current high oil prices primarily on market speculators, just as consuming nations warned that even present increased output levels are being more than offset by numerous supply problems.

Oil producers start to worry about rising prices

As they prepare to meet with consumers at an energy summit in Kuwait, some of the world's top oil producers voiced concern that rising oil prices may backfire by jeopardizing a global economic recovery. The UK's Brent contract has risen by 17% since the start of the year amid tensions with Iran.

Chevron says oil, gas output to jump 20% by 2017

Chevron said Tuesday its oil and gas production will inch up this year but it expects output to jump 20% in five years as massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Australia commence operations. Chevron officials noted that annual production could vary depending on oil prices.