Middle East
Business Trends: Global petrochemical overview—Part 2
Part 1 of this series provided an overview on the present state of the petrochemical industry, a breakdown on construction project numbers by region, as well as major trends in Africa, the Middle East and the US. Part 2 examines the landscape in Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe and Latin America.
Global Project Data
According to <i>Hydrocarbon Processing’s</i> Construction Boxscore Database, nearly 300 new downstream projects have been announced around the globe over the past year.
Iran secures two more European refiners as customers for its oil
Both refiners bought Iran's oil before sanctions against the country's nuclear program effectively halted its shipments to Europe, which had accounted for more than a third of its exports.
Saudi Aramco sets financing for industrial push
Aramco's board approved an additional equity contribution for its Sadara petrochemical JV with US firm Dow Chemical , the Arabian Sun said, without disclosing the size of the capital injection.
China’s stimulus may briefly boost gasoil margins for Asian refiners
There are two main factors at work that are improving the outlook for the region's major industrial and transport fuel, namely the expectation of stimulus spending in China and refinery maintenance in the region, as well as the Middle East.
UAE to raise gasoline, diesel costs in May
The price of a liter of octane 95 gasoline will rise to 1.67 dirhams (46 US cents) at the start of next month from 1.51 dirhams. The domestic diesel price will increase to 1.60 dirhams from 1.56 dirhams.
Saudi Aramco mulls proposals to invest in Indian downstream projects
India's oil minister met earlier this month with Saudi Aramco chairman Khalid al-Falih and sought Saudi investment in a planned 1.2-MMbpd refinery on India's west coast, the expansion of the Bina refinery and a petrochemical plant at Dahej.
Amec Foster Wheeler wins FEED to modernize major SOCAR refinery
The contract, awarded by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), is part of a major investment to increase the refinery’s capacity and improve the quality of the fuel produced.
PetroRabigh starts expanded Saudi ethane cracker
The expansion will increase ethane processing capacity from 95 million standard cubic feet/day (scfd) to 125 million scfd; boosting capacity to 1.6 MMtpy, according to PetroRabigh.
Kuwait oil, gas workers end three-day strike
Kuwaiti oil and gas workers have ended a three-day strike that had temporarily cut the OPEC member's crude production by nearly half, according to the trade union.
- 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
