Naphtha
Qatar's Ras Laffan 2 condensate splitter to launch in October
Qatargas will start operations at its new Ras Laffan 2 condensate splitter by the end of October, doubling the Gulf state's capacity to process condensate.
Much of 2017’s oil demand growth may bypass refineries
US shale gas may displace a growing portion of the world's expanding energy demand, cutting into the need for oil products from refineries.
Technip awarded EPC contract for ENOC refinery expansion
Technip will serve as the main EPC contractor for Emirates National Oil Co.’s $1 B expansion of its Jebel Ali refinery.
China's Zhejiang Rongsheng eyes doubling refinery capacity in 2020
Chinese conglomerate Zhejiang Rongsheng Holding Group plans to double capacity of a joint venture refining project to 800 Mbpd in 2020.
No damage, injuries reported in Iran petrochemical fire
An explosion and fire in a naphtha storage tank at Iran's Bu Ali Sina petrochemical refinery has been extinguished. News reports claim that no personnel fatalities nor damage to the plant have been sustained.
Honeywell UOP introduces new hydrotreating catalysts to support cleaner gasoline and diesel
Honeywell UOP is introducing an expanded portfolio of new hydrotreating catalysts used to remove impurities and contaminants from petroleum and other refining feedstocks to produce cleaner-burning gasoline and diesel that meets new global emissions regulations.
Asahi Kasei Mitsubishi Chemical Ethylene Corp. naphtha cracker restarted
Asahi Kasei Mitsubishi Chemical Ethylene Corp.’s naphtha cracker in Mizushima has been restarted after production was suspended in July due to a malfunction in its refrigeration system.
Central American nations beef up import infrastructure, fuel production amid demand shift
   Methanex’s methanol facility in Trinidad.
Utilize APC solutions to resolve hydrocracker conversion optimization challenges
Improving profits and reducing costs remain priorities for owner/operators and management.
Industry Metrics
US product markets weakened despite unseasonably strong gasoline demand, and the gasoil crack spread hit the lowest level seen in more than five years, under pressure from increasing supplies amid thin demand due to warmer winter weather.
- Consortium launches study to create a consolidated hub for recycled plastics 5/22
- Eni strengthens its global LNG strategy with long-term supply agreements in Indonesia 5/22
- Breakthrough shows how electricity could replace heat to turn CO₂ into useful chemicals 5/22
- bp's Whiting Refinery offers revised proposal to union in ongoing talks 5/22
- Plains oil pipeline partly shut down after rupture in East Los Angeles (U.S.), could disrupt supplies to refineries 5/22
- Vitol moves to open Mexico fuel terminal years after bribery scandal 5/22
