Economics
Valero books $1.1-B impairment, may idle California refinery
Valero Energy Corp. said on Wednesday it was taking a $1.1-B pre-tax impairment related to its California (U.S.) refineries and told state regulators it would permanently shut or restructure its San Francisco-area refinery in Benicia, California by the end of April 2026.
Top Turkish refiner Tupras resumes buying Russian Urals crude
Turkey's largest oil refiner Tupras has returned to buying Russian Urals crude cargoes, after it stopped doing so earlier this year due to US sanctions on Moscow, according to three trading sources and shipping data.
Asian slump, Cyclone Alfred, slash Ampol's refinery margins by half
Australia's top fuel retailer Ampol reported a 49% drop in 1Q refining margins for its Lytton refinery in Queensland on Wednesday, citing lost production due to Cyclone Alfred and weak refining margins in Singapore — a bellwether for Asia.
OQ, Royal Vopak partner to accelerate development of Duqm as an integrated industrial hub
OQ, spearheading the development of Duqm in Oman as a premier integrated hub for hydrocarbons, chemicals, and low-carbon products, and Royal Vopak entered into an exclusive partnership framework agreement in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). This is a significant step for a strategic alliance that aims to unlock future growth opportunities in industrial and energy terminal infrastructure and sustainable energy transition facilities in SEZAD.
Axens completes site expansion to produce hydrogenation tail gas treatment catalysts in Saudi Arabia
The expansion of Axens Catalyst Arabia Limited comprises an additional capacity for Axens to manufacture tail gas treatment catalysts on site.
Fortescue, CMB.TECH sign agreement for ammonia-powered ore carrier
CMB.TECH NV has signed an agreement with Fortescue to charter a new ammonia-powered vessel. This emphasizes the commitment of both companies to decarbonize the shipping industry.
Digital Feature: Guidance for developing first-of-a-kind projects and processes
New products and processes have the potential to drive new value through performance or cost improvements targeted to evolving market needs in the oil, gas and chemical industry. To realize this value, however, organizations must navigate a challenging path through development and scale-up of first-of-a-kind processes.
U.S. oil, biofuel group recommends 5.25 Bgal in biomass diesel mandates
A U.S. and biofuel coalition recommended that the Environmental Protection Agency propose federal mandates for biomass diesel blending for 2026 at 5.25 billion gallons (Bgal), which would be a significant increase from previous mandates.
Ukraine will add bioethanol to petrol from May, seeks first imports from EU
Ukraine will introduce the mandatory addition of 5% bioethanol to motor fuel from May 1 to meet EU sustainability regulations, and some European refineries have already started producing fuel for Ukraine.
S&P analysis: Global refined product demand growth likely to weaken, absolute decline cannot be ruled out
Despite the announced pause in U.S. tariffs, recent market volatility and ongoing uncertainty are going to have a dramatic impact on global refined product demand, a new analysis S&P Global Commodity Insights analysis says.

- Alpek will cease operations at its PET facility in North Carolina (U.S.) 6/6
- ANDRITZ to acquire Diamond Power Intl. businesses 6/6
- ABB launches AMXE Marine Motor to enhance vessel efficiency 6/6
- Private refiners tap India's drivers as export markets tighten 6/6
- Irving Oil invests $100 MM in Saint John refinery upgrade 6/6
- IEA: Global energy investment set to hit record $3.3 T in 2025 6/6