Europe
OPEC sees no shortage of oil in any region
OPEC's secretary general said Monday that there is currently no shortage of oil anywhere, despite current supply concerns. Oil markets have been jittery by interruption of supply from countries such as Sudan and fears Iran may preempt a planned European embargo on its oil exports.
Samsung, Total plan $1.8 billon expansion on South Korea petrochemical venture
Construction at the Daesan complex will include a second aromatics1 unit and an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer unit.
EU sees no need for new shale gas regulations
There is no need for new legislation to regulate shale gas exploration in the European Union, according to a study that proposed the bloc adopt a low profile on what is a controversial issue among its member countries. Exploratory drilling is taking place at more than 20 sites in the EU, half of which are in Poland.
Europe, Iran have coping plans for EU oil embargo
The European Union and Iran both say they have plans to make up for the bloc's planned embargo on Iranian oil, as the EU added it was seeking a coordinated import cut with some Asian nations. The sanctions were agreed upon Monday by foreign ministers in response to Tehran's nuclear program.
Total not interested in buying Europe refineries of Petroplus
France's Total says it isn't interested in buying Petroplus' refineries. Petroplus shut down three in January after it ran out of cash and was unable to buy crude supply.
European Union imposes ban on Iran crude imports
The 27-nation European Union agreed on Monday to block all crude-oil imports from Iran, as it steps up pressure on the Gulf nation to scale back its nuclear-enrichment program. The Council also agreed to freeze assets of the Iranian central bank within the EU.
Global oil, gas leaders see higher 2012 spending as industry confidence rises - poll
Oil and gas industry leaders have forecast improved performance and higher levels of capital expenditure in 2012 despite concerns over global economic instability, according to a new report on the future of the sector. North America is emerging as the area with the greatest opportunities in 2012, the poll shows.
Poland opens new natural gas pipeline, sees more imports from Germany
A new natural gas pipeline in southwestern Poland will allow the country to import gas from Germany more cheaply than from Russia. Poland will want to boost the capacity of the link with Germany in the future and plans to eventually use the pipeline to export Polish gas.
Petroplus looks to sell France refinery, mulls additional sales
Petroplus plans to sell its Petit Couronne refinery in France amid credit woes. It is also examining options for oil refineries in Antwerp, Belgium, and Cressier, Switzerland.
Novamont, Genomatica sign Europe JV for bio-BDO
Novamont and Genomatica have signed a definitive agreement establishing a joint venture (JV) for the first industrial plant in Europe producing butanediol (BDO) directly from renewable feedstocks. Initial production is expected in 2013. Novamont will have a majority of the equity in the JV, and Genomatica a minority interest.
- XRG to expand its global chemicals reach with takeover of Covestro 11/21
- thyssenkrupp Uhde selected by Dangote Fertilizer Ltd. to license four urea granulation units in Nigeria 11/21
- Indian and Chinese refineries are moving to comply with U.S. sanctions on Russia 11/21
- China's first coal-to-chemicals project with green hydrogen starts commercial operations 11/20
- Norsk e-Fuel and Braskem partner to turn captured carbon into long-lasting products 11/20
- Nigeria's Dangote refinery delays CDU maintenance to end of January 2026 11/20
