Middle East
Weak Asia refining margins see swing to crude from the Americas
The profit from turning a barrel of crude oil into fuels in Asia is at the lowest in seven months, which is leading refiners to turn away from expensive Middle East grades and seek cheaper alternatives from the Americas.
Iran's Persian Gulf Mehr refinery scheduled for completion in early 2025
Phase 1 construction of Iran's Persian Gulf Mehr refinery is progressing, with project completion expected in early 2025.
Iran announces 15 petrochemical projects to expand domestic production to nearly 80 MMtpy
Morteza Shahmirzaei, head of the National Petrochemical Co. (NPC), in Iran, announced plans to launch 15 petrochemical projects that will increase the country's domestic production to nearly 80 MMtpy.
Russia gained newer diesel trade partners in 2023
In 2023, Brazil and Saudi Arabia replaced France and Germany as the countries with the second- and third-most seaborne diesel imports from Russia after sanctions related to Russia’s petroleum product trade went into effect in February 2023.
Iran to boost gasoline, diesel production as new units go online
Jalil Salari, Managing Director, National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC), provided an update on the country's refining units going online this year, which will significantly boost domestic gasoline and diesel production.
Kuwait Petroleum renews oil supply deal to Unipec
Kuwait Petroleum Corp has renewed its contract to supply 300,000 bpd of crude oil to China's Unipec, the trading arm of Asia's largest refiner Sinopec, until 2033.
Diesel profit margins decline amid lower demand, more capacity
Profit margins for diesel are slumping as new refineries boost supplies and as mild weather in the northern hemisphere and slow economic activity eat into demand, putting oil prices under further downward pressure.
ADNOC signs third long-term Heads of Agreement for Ruwais LNG project
ADNOC has signed a 15-yr Heads of Agreement (LNG agreement) with EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW), one of the largest energy companies in Germany, for the delivery of 600,000 metric tpy of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Heavy oil shortages are driving up refiners' cost
Mexican export cuts and a rerouting of Canadian output are shrinking already limited supplies of heavy crude in the Atlantic basin, driving up refiners' costs with a likely knock-on effect to industries ranging from shipping and construction to Middle Eastern power plants.
Shell in talks to sell Malaysia fuel stations to Saudi Aramco
Shell is in talks with Saudi Arabia's state-owned Saudi Aramco to sell its gas station business in Malaysia, a deal that could be worth up to $1 B.
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