Petrochemicals
BASF, Petronas scrap Malaysia chemicals proposal
The proposed partnership was terminated because both parties couldn't agree on the "terms and conditions" for the project in the southern state of Johor, the companies said in a joint statement released Monday.
US energy groups spar with chemical companies over proposed gas exports
By showing favor toward exports, NAM and the ACC risk alienating high-profile member companies in industries such as chemicals and steel. Those firms, including Dow Chemical and Celanese, say unlimited shipments to foreign buyers will create added demand for US gas, raising domestic prices.
Dow Chemical splits from US manufacturing lobby amid gas export dispute
In a letter to NAM president Jay Timmons on Friday, and obtained by Dow Jones Newswires, Dow Chemical accuses the group of siding with member companies that are in the natural-gas industry, rather than adopt "a position of neutrality on an issue that clearly splits its membership."
Hyundai Cosmo opens new Korea paraxylene plant
With the plant's annual output of 800,000 metric tons of paraxylene and 120,000 tons of benzene, the two companies aim to grab a sizeable chunk of Asia's growing petrochemical market. Hyundai Cosmo Petrochemical (HCP) is a 50-50 venture between Japan’s Cosmo Oil and South Korea’s Hyundai Oilbank.
NOVA restores idled Moore LDPE plant in Canada
The company says that during the period between the incident in late 2011 and now, it committed resources and capital to not only rebuild the reactor, but also enhance its ability to operate more safely and reliably, with a streamlined product slate to better serve customers.
KBR to revamp, expand Hungary ammonia plant
As a leading supplier of ammonia process technologies, KBR has been involved in the licensing, design, engineering and/or construction of more than 200 ammonia plants worldwide, representing approximately half of current global ammonia production. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Jacobs wins engineering work for new Reliance cracker complex in India
The engineering work under this contract is for the construction of offsites and utilities facilities, according to Jacobs officials. Officials did not disclose the contract value. The new cracker complex is part of a major expansion of Reliance’s petrochemical capacities at Jamnagar and other sites in India.
Nitrogenmuvek awards work to KBR for revamp of Hungary ammonia plant
As a leading supplier of ammonia process technologies, KBR has been involved in the licensing, design, engineering and/or construction of more than 200 ammonia plants worldwide, representing approximately half of current global ammonia production. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Westlake launches ethylene expansion project at Lake Charles complex
This expansion will be completed in conjunction with a planned maintenance turnaround and will increase ethane-based ethylene capacity by approximately 230-240 million lbs/year in support of the company's ethylene integration strategy, according to Westlake company officials.
US shale boom to spur manufacturing growth, but not energy independence
The US currently imports approximately half its daily consumption of 19 million bpd of oil and remains both the largest importer and consumer of oil. Conservation and the shale revolution would not eliminate upward pressure on prices from rising emerging market demand.

- Chevron Phillips Chemical completes low-viscosity PAO expansion in Belgium 8/12
- AFPM: U.S. RFS proposal misses the mark on affordability, security by an ‘Iowa mile’ 8/12
- Sasol expects profit rebound on higher chemical prices and lower impairments 8/12
- Indonesia's Pertamina delivers first used cooking oil aviation fuel 8/12
- India's HMEL plans to shut refinery for 40-day maintenance, sources say 8/12
- Indian refiners using term deals as hedge against Russian supply risk 8/12