Octane
Shell sells most of Chilean downstream businesses to Quiñenco
Shell today announced it has agreed to sell most of its downstream business in Chile to Quiñenco for a total consideration of some $614 million.
Obama Administration issues statement on US energy security
On March 30, the office of the press secretary at the US White House issued the following statement concerning the US’ energy security.
Purvin & Gertz releases global petroleum market outlook
Purvin & Gertz announces the release of its Global Petroleum Market Outlook 2011. The study provides an in-depth analysis of global and regional markets for crude oil and refined products within a framework of world energy demand and economic activity through 2030.
Shell sells Stanlow refinery to Essar Oil (UK)
Shell has signed a sales and purchase agreement for its 270,000 bpd Stanlow refinery in the UK and certain associated local marketing businesses with Essar Oil (UK) Ltd. for a total expected consideration of some $1.3 billion. Today’s announcement follows a formal offer Essar made for Stanlow in mid-February.
ExxonMobil increases fuel supply to Tohoku region of Japan
In an ongoing effort to quickly and safely supply much needed fuel to the areas in Japan hardest hit by the earthquake, ExxonMobil Group Japan has increased fuel supply into its Tohoku region dealer service station network by 140% above pre-earthquake levels.
Sibur and Lukoil sign agreement for the supply of associated petroleum gas
The petrochemical holding company Sibur and the Lukoil Oil Co. have signed a long-term agreement for the supply of associated petroleum gas (APG).
ExxonMobil opens Shiogama terminal in area affected by earthquake, tsunami
ExxonMobil Japan Group has reopened its Shiogama terminal, enabling delivery of increased fuel supplies into the Tohoku area of Northeast Japan, which was affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
GE introduces new desalter emulsion breaker chemistry
GE today announced it has introduced the next generation of its Embreak emulsion breakers. Coupling the new chemistry for light and medium density crude oils with the first generation heavy crude oil emulsion breakers, GE now offers a full suite of products that span the entire range of crudes, delivering optimal desalter performance, potentially reducing total costs of operation and increasing environmental benefits.
Haldor Topsøe's contract with Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.
Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) and the Danish company Haldor Topsøe have signed a contract for the Centro de Refinación Paraguaná Project.
Update on dire refining situation in Japan
The 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan on March 11th has caused considerable interruption to oil refinery operations in the country. Hydrocarbon Processing’s Boxscore Database has complied data indicating that with a total of 28 oil refineries, Japan is the second largest refining country after China in the Asia-Pacific region.

- Lummus Technology completes acquisition of NAPCON from Neste, expanding digital and AI capabilities 6/2
- IATA expects sustainable aviation fuel production to double in 2025 6/2
- RIC Energy and Siemens to jointly develop renewable H2, green ammonia and eFuels 6/2
- Trump administration (U.S.) axes $3.7-B in green energy projects 6/2
- European chemical industry pessimistic for 2025, recovery not until 2026 says new report 6/2
- U.S. ethanol output eases off record pace as summer travels heat up 6/2