Refining
Iraq delays opening of key crude export terminal
Iraq has delayed the opening of a key oil terminal due Friday, with officials giving mixed reasons for the move. The SPM is one of four new floating terminals along with three sea pipelines that Leighton Offshore is constructing in the Arabian Gulf in order to boost Iraq's export capacity to 5 million bpd from 1.8 million bpd.
Brazil to maintain reduced ethanol mix in gasoline
Brazil's government will keep the amount of ethanol mixed with gasoline at reduced levels despite complaints about low prices for the biofuel, a government official told local business daily Valor Economico in an interview published Thursday. The government will meet with ethanol producers next week.
UOP technology chosen for diesel, lube production at Pakistan refinery expansion
Honeywell’s UOP says that its new process technology designed to help refiners get more product from each crude barrel has been selected by National Refinery Limited (NRL) to maximize diesel and lubricant production in Pakistan. The facility will produce 40,000 bpd of diesel fuel and 4,500 bpd of lube base oils.
Petrobras reports oil leak at Osorio tanker terminal
The transportation arm of Brazilian state energy company Petrobras reported an oil leak at its Osorio terminal in Rio Grande do Sul state. Transpetro said that it immediately deployed personnel and equipment to contain and remove the spill.
US business lobby likes Obama plan on China
A US business lobby group voiced support for President Barack Obama's proposal for export financing for US companies competing against Chinese rivals in third-country markets, seeking a more "level playing field" with Chinese companies.
NPRA finalizes name change, becomes American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
The long-standing US refining and petrochemical trade group National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) on Wednesday officially changed its name to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM). The name change is the fourth in its history.
Europe, Iran have coping plans for EU oil embargo
The European Union and Iran both say they have plans to make up for the bloc's planned embargo on Iranian oil, as the EU added it was seeking a coordinated import cut with some Asian nations. The sanctions were agreed upon Monday by foreign ministers in response to Tehran's nuclear program.
Hess, PdVSA to shut Hovensa refinery venture in Virgin Islands
Hovensa will shut down its 500,000 bpd St. Croix refinery in the US Virgin Islands amid weak demand, new competition.
Total not interested in buying Europe refineries of Petroplus
France's Total says it isn't interested in buying Petroplus' refineries. Petroplus shut down three in January after it ran out of cash and was unable to buy crude supply.
Canada oil could be shipped to northern seaports after Keystone rejection
The latest possible route to get Alberta oil to overseas markets will have many scrambling for an atlas. Where pelts once travelled south, petroleum may soon travel north. Alberta needs to diversify its market for bitumen beyond the US Midwest, and using a trusty old fur-trading river system may be the best way, given the current political climate, to reach Asian markets.
- Evonik launches high performance isodewaxing catalysts for fuels and lubricants production 4/16
- EU warns of prolonged energy shock, forced cuts if Iran war continues 4/15
- Europe's summer flights at risk as Iran war exposes refining decline 4/15
- Slovak refiner says no deal yet on Adria pipeline tests 4/15
- Japan's weekly gasoline prices largely flat as subsidies offset price spikes 4/15
- Botswana has not requested stake in Lobito refinery, Angola's Sonangol says 4/15
