Refining
BHP Billiton chairman urges US to promote exports of onshore oil, natural gas
Jacques Nasser, BHP Billiton chairman since 2010, says the export of onshore oil and gas, which has surged in recent years as new extraction techniques have been developed, will bring geopolitical benefits around the world and also create a large number of highly skilled jobs.
SABIC signs research pact with MIT to develop unconventional feedstocks
The agreement paves the way for SABIC and MIT to work together to develop new practical innovation for the company’s solutions and processes in order to meet global needs from developing unconventional feedstocks to innovating new material solutions, SABIC said in a statement.
Pemex picks Spanish companies to build Mexican refinery cogeneration plant
Pemex said the future facility will be equipped with a heavy-duty type gas turbine as well as with a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), with supplementary combustion associated to the gas turbine, which will generate 115 t/h of steam at a pressure of 19 kg/cm² and 275 º C.
Eni crude business in Iran may lead to US sanctions
Eni's daily output in Iran averaged 3,000 bbl of oil equivalent in 2012, representing less than 1% of the company's total production. Eni said its refining and marketing division bought 498,000 metric tons of Iranian crude in 2012, paying the country's state oil company $396 million.
Saudi downplays shale boom outside US, Canada
The extra supply is not a competitive threat because it costs more to produce than oil in most of OPEC's member countries, a Saudi official said. "There are many difficulties that face the production activities of shale oil... most importantly, the high production cost which amounts to about $70 to $80/bbl."
Algeria to double refining capacity within five years
Algeria's state-run energy group, Sonatrach, has said it plans to invest $80 billion in oil and natural gas projects until 2016 as it seeks to expand the gas resource base, boost refining and petrochemical capacity and curb dependence on imported fuel. The nation produced 1.16 million bpd of oil last month.
Shell offers to sell stake in top Czech refinery
"We received an offer from Shell and it's led to negotiations," Industry Minister Martin Kuba said. The minister is also said that Shell offered its stake to the two other shareholders in the refinery, which have an option to purchase the stake before it's offered to third parties.
Petrovietnam to upgrade Dung Quat refinery, but expansion plan scrapped
Petrovietnam had earlier said it planned to sell a 49% stake in the refinery to foreign investors and use the proceeds to expand capacity to 200,000 bpd. "Upgrading the refinery so that it can process a diversified feedstock will cost less than expanding its capacity," a top project official said.
Shell looks to sell Geelong refinery in Australia
The number of refineries in Australia has dwindled in recent years as vast new processing facilities have sprung up in India, Singapore and elsewhere in the region, producing products such as gasoline, jet fuel and motor oil more cheaply. Geelong is now Shell's only oil refinery in Australia.
Phillips 66 to build rail-unloading facility for crudes at Washington refinery
The unloading facility would allow a train with 100 or more railcars to pull up at the refinery and have its cargo pumped to existing storage tanks, according to an application filed with the Northwest Clean Air Agency. The unloading facility would be able to transfer about 12,800 bbl of oil per hour.
- CTCI awarded $417-MM EPC contract to build ethylene storage in Qatar 11/15
- Russian refineries cut oil runs due to losses, closures loom 11/15
- Spain's Moeve swings to quarterly loss on weak refining margins 11/15
- Asia naphtha supply expected to remain tight over next two years 11/15
- Countries, companies lag in response to tackle methane emissions, U.N. says 11/15
- U.S. energy draws up a wish list for new Trump administration 11/15
