Petrochemicals
US chemical production growth stalls: ACC
In April, the US Gulf Coast was the only region to post a small gain. Output declined slightly in the Northeast, and all other regions were flat, according to the latest ACC data.
Global oversupply of polyethylene, polypropylene challenges margins
The excess capacity will help North American converters be more competitive due to the increased competition associated with PE capacity expansions. However, on the producer side, economics will be challenged as global capacity expansions exceed demand growth.
Arson blamed for 2013 Texas fertilizer plant blast
A call for tighter and more thorough regulations was issued following the deadly blast and ensuing fires.
Saudi Aramco finalizes IPO options, plans more global expansions
Saudi Aramco's continued investment in downstream industry is seen as a crucial element of economic diversification plans.
Aramco eyes oil-to-chemicals project with SABIC
SABIC has previously said the proposed project could cost as much as $30 billion, processing petrochemicals directly from crude oil instead of first refining the oil into products such as naphtha.
Mitsubishi Plastics selects Jacobs as engineer on US plant expansion
Under the terms of the agreement, Jacobs is providing engineering services for the $100 million investment, which includes installation of a polyester film production line.
Total plans to sell specialty chemicals unit Atotech
Pouyanne did not give details about the planned sale of Atotech or if it was talking to potential buyers, but said Total was looking for a buyer that was committed to sustaining Atotech's current strategy.
Cepsa expects Indonesian chemical JV to start up by end of this year
"We are targeting to produce 75% of capacity initially after commissioning by end of the year but it also depends on the markets," said Jose Manuel Martinez, CEO of Cepsa Quimica.
Primus, Tauber Oil sign US methanol offtake deal
Tauber Oil will offtake all methanol produced by the Primus Green Energy plant -- utilizing low-cost Marcellus gas feedstock -- to market, sell and distribute into the regional market.
Saudi Arabia’s SABIC targets US shale as leading chemical feedstock
Saudi petrochemicals businesses have benefited in the past from feedstock subsidies that are being phased out as the government looks to bridge a substantial budget deficit after oil's two-year downturn.
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