Refining
US finalizes new fuel efficiency standards for autos
The final rule sets an average fuel economy requirement of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 for each auto maker’s fleet, the same level the administration initially proposed in November 2011. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney opposes the standards set by the Obama administration.
Sunoco to supply crude to Continental for reopened Kentucky refinery
Continental Refining purchased the then-closed Somerset refinery in December 2011 and immediately began updating the process plant’s operations. Now reopened, the Continental plant is the only oil refinery within a 170-mile radius, which results in significantly decreased transportation costs.
US Gulf refiners shut down operations ahead of likely Hurricane Isaac
The storm appears poised to affect US refining operations, about 19% of which are in Louisiana and Mississippi. Forecasters say Isaac should make landfall by Wednesday, most likely in southeast Louisiana.
Venezuela refinery explosion boosts prospects for US Gulf refiners
Whether the Amuay refinery can return to normal rates with a reduced storage capacity is in doubt, analysts said, adding that “the outage has reportedly forced” state-owned PdVSA to buy products from US refiners.
Gunvor starts former Petroplus refinery in Germany
All regulatory and merger control approvals have been obtained. The official closing date was August 23, and the first crude vessel has already discharged to supply the refinery. The production capacity is 100,000 bpd.
Explosion at Amuay refinery in Venezuela kills 41; fire still burning
Crews battling the fire, which broke out early Saturday following a likely gas leak explosion that killed 41 people and injured over 80 more, were dealt a setback by shifting winds overnight. The government has a stance that the plant could resume operations in just a couple days.
Flint Hills plans Corpus refinery upgrade in Texas
Flint Hills says Corpus Christi is the most advantaged location to process new supply. "To be able to process more Texas crude, we need new processing capabilities," said refining manager Phil Gaarder.
Kinder Morgan to supply Phillips 66 Texas refinery with Eagle Ford shale crude
Kinder Morgan will provide Phillips 66 with a significant portion of the lateral pipeline's initial 30,000 bpd of capacity, which is expandable to 100,000 bpd. Pending receipt of environmental and regulatory approvals, construction is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Romney outlines his proposed US energy policy
Romney's plan would let states apply their own energy regulations and permit rules to federal lands, a move aimed at streamlining energy exploration. It also looks to expand offshore-drilling leases in states such as Virginia and the Carolinas and work closely with Canada and Mexico to raise production.
BP recalls contaminated fuel from Indiana refinery
BP issued a recall for the unleaded regular gasoline shipped from Whiting between Aug. 13 and 17, saying it could cause hard starting, stalling and other drivability issues. The fuel would have been sold to motorists at various gas stations, not just BP-branded outlets, according to the company.
- 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
