Middle East
Unipetrol shuts Litvinov refinery for planned work
The Litvinov operations in the Czech Republic were hit by a blast at the steam cracker unit last August, and the plant's refinery has been running at reduced capacity.
Total, NPC sign deal for Iran petrochemicals plant
The complex will include a world-scale steam cracker unit in the coastal area. It will be based on a combination of feedstocks comprised of ethane, naphtha and LPG, as well as other available feed.
Saudi Aramco CEO eyes downstream conversion
The diversification would be underpinned by a widespread and rapid domestic expansion of small to medium enterprises that produce products in the petrochemicals conversion sector. the CEO said.
Global distillate markets remain oversupplied as freight demand lags
Recent data have been mixed. The consumer side of the US economy appears to be strong, but the industrial side is still struggling. And in the rest of the world, growth appears to be slowing.
SOCAR selects KBR venture to manage Baku refinery modernization
Total capacity will be increased from 6 MMtpy to 7.5 MMtpy, while the catalytic cracking unit will be raised from 2 MMtpy to 2.5 MMtpy. Euro 5 standards will be established for all refined products.
Kuwait refines crude pricing strategy in battle for European customers
Large sales from Iraq's Kurdistan into Europe have added to the competition and now Kuwait -- a usually little-noticed seller in Europe -- is both increasing sales and making its crude more attractive.
Saudis raise crude prices for Asian refiners as demand strengthens
The Saudis have become more convinced that the demand gains in oil from Asian refiners are sustainable, giving them the confidence to start raising prices.
Iran to raise oil exports in March amid more sales to European refiners
Litasco, the trading arm of Russia's Lukoil, Cepsa and Total have become the first buyers in Europe after the lifting of sanctions and lifted trial cargoes in February.
Dow Chemical ships reverse osmosis elements from new Jubail plant
A first of its kind built outside the United States, the new reverse osmosis (RO) production facility came on-stream in December 2015 to better serve the local Saudi Arabian market.
Meet EPA Tier 3 clean fuel regulations through improved blending processes
This article will examine the impact of Tier 3 regulations on gasoline blending at refineries and terminals, and illustrate options that can contribute to compliance while keeping costs under control.

- 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