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EIA: Growing octane needs widen price spread between premium, regular gasoline

In late 2016, the difference between US average retail prices for premium and regular gasoline reached 50 cents/gal. This price spread has been generally expanding since 2000, and the rate at which the spread has grown has accelerated over the past 3 yr. Many factors on both the supply and demand sides are likely influencing this trend.

Koch-Glitsch forms partnership for data analytics solutions

WICHITA, Kan. — Koch-Glitsch and EFT Analytics announced a partnership to provide full service process engineering and advanced data analytics solutions to enhance operations for refineries and petrochemical plants.

Tallgrass Energy announces crude oil terminal acquisitions, developments at Pony Express

LEAWOOD, Kan. — Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP announced two strategic acquisitions by its Tallgrass Terminals business and several significant commercial developments that continue to expand the variety of services offered by Pony Express in key crude oil producing basins it serves.

EIA: US gasoline prices increased in 2017

US regular retail gasoline prices averaged $2.41/gal in 2017, 27 cents/gal (13%) higher than in 2016, but two cents/gal less than in 2015.

Gasoline prices unnerve Mexicans as election year begins

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) — Mexico's government on Wednesday denounced forecast price hikes by fuel retailers, saying increases were unjustified as it sought to allay public concern about high inflation at the start of a presidential election year.

Winter storm challenges US East Coast energy complex

NEW YORK (Reuters) — The US energy industry is facing a massive test of its infrastructure as an intense winter storm roars up the Atlantic Coast, threatening power outages, refinery shutdowns and spikes in heating prices.

EIA: Crude oil prices increased in 2017, Brent-WTI spread widened

Crude oil prices ended 2017 at $60/bbl, the highest end-of-year price since 2013. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices averaged $51/bbl in 2017, up $7/bbl from the 2016 average, and ended the year $6/bbl higher than at the end of 2016.

US chemical production continues to rise by end of 2017

WASHINGTON — According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the US Chemical Production Regional Index (US CPRI) rose 1.2% in November, following a 0.5% gain in October, and a 1.2% decline in September. The upturn reflects the rebounding overall manufacturing activity in addition to continued recovery from the hurricanes. During November, chemical output increased in all regions.

Brazil 2017 oil exports up 25% over prior year

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) — Brazilian oil exports rose nearly 25% to 51.96 MMt in 2017 compared with the prior year, Brazilian government data showed on Tuesday.

Chevron Phillips ethane cracker at Cedar Bayou hits milestone

​Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP announced that its world-scale ethane cracker at Cedar Bayou in Baytown, Texas successfully achieved the major milestone of mechanical completion.