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Refining

Europe, Iran have coping plans for EU oil embargo

The European Union and Iran both say they have plans to make up for the bloc's planned embargo on Iranian oil, as the EU added it was seeking a coordinated import cut with some Asian nations. The sanctions were agreed upon Monday by foreign ministers in response to Tehran's nuclear program.

Hess, PdVSA to shut Hovensa refinery venture in Virgin Islands

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

Hovensa will shut down its 500,000 bpd St. Croix refinery in the US Virgin Islands amid weak demand, new competition.

Total not interested in buying Europe refineries of Petroplus

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

France's Total says it isn't interested in buying Petroplus' refineries. Petroplus shut down three in January after it ran out of cash and was unable to buy crude supply.

Canada oil could be shipped to northern seaports after Keystone rejection

The latest possible route to get Alberta oil to overseas markets will have many scrambling for an atlas. Where pelts once travelled south, petroleum may soon travel north. Alberta needs to diversify its market for bitumen beyond the US Midwest, and using a trusty old fur-trading river system may be the best way, given the current political climate, to reach Asian markets.

US oil industry seeks policy changes as EIA unveils annual energy outlook

With changes in policy, America's oil and natural gas industry could produce at home far more of the energy the nation requires, further enhancing its energy security and providing very large benefits to the economy, according to the CEO of the American Petroleum Institute.

European Union imposes ban on Iran crude imports

The 27-nation European Union agreed on Monday to block all crude-oil imports from Iran, as it steps up pressure on the Gulf nation to scale back its nuclear-enrichment program. The Council also agreed to freeze assets of the Iranian central bank within the EU.

Global oil, gas leaders see higher 2012 spending as industry confidence rises - poll

Oil and gas industry leaders have forecast improved performance and higher levels of capital expenditure in 2012 despite concerns over global economic instability, according to a new report on the future of the sector. North America is emerging as the area with the greatest opportunities in 2012, the poll shows.

Petroplus looks to sell France refinery, mulls additional sales

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

Petroplus plans to sell its Petit Couronne refinery in France amid credit woes. It is also examining options for oil refineries in Antwerp, Belgium, and Cressier, Switzerland.

Keyera acquires Canadian iso-octane plant from Neste Oil, ChevronTexaco

Competition authorities in the US and Canada have approved the sale of Neste Oil's 50% holding in an iso-octane production plant in Edmonton, Canada, to Canadian-based Keyera. The announcement was first made on December 8, 2011.

US fuel demand tanks amid low gasoline use - API

US petroleum deliveries in December 2011 were down 5.9% from December 2010, declining to an average of 18.6 million bpd to hit their lowest December level in 15 years. Overall, total petroleum deliveries (a measure of demand) fell 1.2% in 2011 to an average of 18.9 million bpd.