Middle East
China, Saudi Arabia top buyers of Russian fuel oil in September
China and Saudi Arabia were the top destinations for Russian seaborne fuel oil and vacuum gasoil (VGO) exports in September.
Fertiglobe becomes ADNOC’s platform for low-carbon ammonia growth globally
ADNOC announced the completion of its acquisition of OCI Global’s 50% + 1 shareholding in Fertiglobe, increasing its share in the Company to 86.2%, with 13.8% remaining in free float on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
Global refinery margins fall to multi-year seasonal lows in September
Refinery margins for petroleum refiners across the world are shrinking, indicating reduced profitability from refining crude oil and selling petroleum products.
Sealmatic partners with Saudi Thalate in Saudi Arabia
Sealmatic India Ltd. has signed an agency agreement with Saudi Thalate General Manufacturing Industrial Co. Ltd., marking a significant step in the company's expansion into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Fewer tankers transit the Red Sea in 2024
The amount of crude oil and oil products flowing through the Bab el-Mandeb, the southern chokepoint at the mouth of the Red Sea, decreased by more than 50% in the first eight months of 2024.
TotalEnergies expands global LNG bunkering footprint
TotalEnergies has signed a charter contract with Spanish shipowner Ibaizabal for a new LNG bunker vessel of 18,600 m3 capacity. This new vessel will expand the Company’s global presence in bunkering hubs.
QatarEnergy signs 20-yr naphtha supply deal with Shell
QatarEnergy has entered into a long-term naphtha supply agreement with Shell, supplying up to 18 MMt of naphtha over 20 years from April 2025.
Iraq's Kerbala refinery non-operational due to maintenance
Iraq's Kerbala refinery is under extensive maintenance and has been non-operational since Sept. 25, knocking out 150,000 bpd of processing capacity.
Borouge partners with Inion Pipes Industry to support circular economy with recycled polyolefins
Borouge Plc., a leading petrochemical company known for its innovative and differentiated polyolefin solutions, today announced the signing of an AED20-MM ($5.45-MM) agreement with Union Pipes Industry (UPI), a leading UAE-based manufacturer, to supply UPI with 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) polypropylene that will be used to produce customized pallets for Borouge’s logistics operations.
Abu Dhabi's ADNOC to buy German chemicals firm Covestro for $16 B
Abu Dhabi's ADNOC has struck a deal to buy German chemicals maker Covestro for €14.7 B ($16.3 B), including debt, in the energy giant's biggest ever acquisition.

- KazMunayGas starts building polyethylene plant with Sinopec, SIBUR 4/1
- Blue Tide, Shell Lubricants complete re-refining facility to develop high-performance lubricants 4/1
- Lummus successfully starts up PFAS demo unit to destroy "forever chemicals" 4/1
- Solvay partners with Cavalinho to reduce emissions at Brazilian chemical plant 4/1
- Shell completes Singapore refinery sale to Chandra Asri-Glencore JV 4/1
- Japan's Maruzen Petrochemical to shut ethylene unit in Chiba 4/1