Naphtha
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.
Industry Metrics
Asian margins showed a strong recovery due to higher winter heating fuel demand, supporting middle distillate crack spreads.
Improve refinery margins with new crude selection concept
A refinery with an active crude selection strategy encompassing dedicated staff, preapproval of all new crudes and an updated crude acceptance window can gain $0.5/bbl–$1/bbl vs. a more passive strategy.
Improve refinery flexibility and responsiveness
The hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) has changed significantly with an abundance of available discounted crude oils, a rise in markets served beyond the traditional local or regional demands, and a renewed focus on being both competitive and profitable while complying with ever-changing regulations.
HP Industry Metrics
Refinery utilization rates in the US, encouraged by the high driving season demand, continued to rise following the end of the heavy maintenance season. Regional demand in Asia continued lending suppo..
China’s ‘energy revolution’ strives for sustainable growth
China's energy demand, particularly for petroleum and other liquids, is rapidly increasing as its industrial and transportation infrastructures expand.
HP Petrochemicals: Higher international sales boost 2015 earnings above forecast for many chemical leaders
Raw materials costs continue to stay low in the US thanks to the shale boom, but the global decline in oil markets has eroded selling prices for many of the nation’s domestic chemicals and plastics producers.
HP Innovations
What's new in HPI innovations
- Indian Oil buys first Colombian oil under Ecopetrol contract 12/31
- Ukrainian drone attack sparks fire, damages equipment at Tuapse refinery 12/31
- Chile's $2.5-B Volta green ammonia project wins environmental permit 12/31
- China begins issuing second batch of 2026 crude import quotas to refiners 12/31
- EIA: U.S. crude, fuel inventories rose in the week ended December 19 12/30
- Ghana's Tema oil refinery restarts after 9-yr shutdown 12/30
