Middle East
Uganda fuel tanker collison sparks fire, killing 30
Ugandan police said that the fuel tanker was involved in a collision with a small vehicle along a major highway in Kampala, causing a spill. A fire broke out shortly, setting vehicles and people ablaze during the evening rush hour, according to Patrick Onyango, Uganda police spokesman.
Aramco, Sinopec to start operations at new Saudi refinery by late 2014
Aramco and Sinopec Group signed the deal to develop the 400,000-bpd refinery, known as Yasref, in January last year. Sinopec holds a 37.5% stake in the project, while Saudi Aramco owns 62.5%. The proposed commence date is slightly behind schedule, which was slated for September 2014.
Saudi Arabia to build world's largest butanol plant
At its first meeting in Jubail, the SaBuCo board observed that the new venture was a reflection of the strong cooperation between three leading Saudi petrochemical companies and their commitment to create economic value through efficient and effective utilization of the country's natural resources.
Israeli government approves some gas exports
Israel approved the export of 40% of natural gas from the country's offshore Leviathan reserve, opening the way for an inflow of billion of dollars into the domestic economy.
Sadara chemicals venture of Saudi Aramco, Dow secures key funding
The Sadara complex, one of the world's largest chemicals plants, is expected to produce more than 3 million tpy of petrochemicals once it is completed in 2016. Khalid al-Falih, CEO of Saudi Aramco, said in 2011 that Sadara would require large amounts of debt finance, and it was considering various options.
Siemens to install wet air oxidation system in Qatar for ethylene expansion
The Zimpro wet air oxidation system from Siemens will be part of QAPCO’s facility in Mesaieed Industrial City. The new WAO system will provide QAPCO with more efficient wastewater treatment while eliminating noxious spent caustic sulfide odors. The facility should be operational in December 2013.
IEA seeks new energy policy to cut GHG emissions
The International Energy Agency called on governments around the world to act to adopt better energy-efficiency measures, cut back on the use of inefficient coal-fired power plants, minimize methane emissions from oil and gas production, and accelerate the removal of fossil fuel subsidies.
Iraq awards project management work to Technip for Karbala refinery
The scope of Technip's work will cover two phases. Phase 1 involves the issue of enquiries for the EPC contract, bids clarification, evaluation and finalizing contracts with the EPC contractors. Meanwhile, phase 2 deals with overall management of the EPC contract execution.
US imposes sanctions on Iran petrochemical firms
The US Treasury Department said it identified eight Iranian petrochemical companies as being under the control of the Tehran government, which subjects them to sanctions from the US. Since last year, the US has brandished sanctions against anyone who buys Iran's oil.
Yemen foils Qaeda attempt to blow up gas pipeline
Soldiers opened fire on a vehicle that was speeding towards a gas pumping station, 80 kilometers northwest of Belhaf export terminal on the Gulf of Aden, killing the driver, said the Yemen army official. "The bomb-laden vehicle was driven by an Al-Qaeda suicide bomber," he said.
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