Economics
Nizhnekamskneftekhim receives first ton of ethylene at new EP-600 plant in Russia
PJSC Nizhnekamskneftekhim, part of SIBUR petrochemical holding, has received the first ton of the monomer as part of commissioning work at the new EP-600 ethylene plant, and plans to bring it to design capacity by the end of 2025.
Trump lifts freeze on U.S. LNG export permit applications
President Donald Trump issued an order on Monday for the U.S. to resume processing export permit applications for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, part of an effort to raise U.S. energy output and dismantle his predecessor's policies.
Thai cabinet approves collection of carbon tax
Thailand's cabinet agreed to levy a carbon tax of 200 baht/ton ($5.88/ton) of carbon emissions as part of the country's efforts to reduce GHG emissions. Products to be subject to the carbon price mechanism include gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel biodiesel, LPG and others.
Asia's fuel oil premiums more than double as Russian sanctions spark supply risks
Spot premiums of fuel oil have more than doubled in Asia ever since the U.S. imposed broader sanctions on Russian oil and tankers, clouding the supply outlook.
China's crude oil imports may grow only 1% in 2025, CNPC says
China's crude oil imports will likely rise only 1% this year, and the country's reliance on oil imports is projected to remain at around 70% between 2026 and 2030.
Russian fuel exports fall in 2024 as drone attacks, bans add to sanctions pressure
Russian seaborne oil product exports fell by almost 10% in 2024 after Ukrainian drone attacks damaged major refineries and as higher funding costs and a government gasoline export ban added to pressure from Western sanctions.
India refiners ask ADNOC to offer oil delivered price as freight spikes
Indian state refiners have asked Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) to offer pricing its crude on a delivered basis as well to manage costs, after fresh U.S. sanctions disrupted supplies and caused freight rates to spike.
Indonesia expects EU to adjust palm oil biofuel stance after EU ruling
Indonesia welcomed a ruling by the World Trade Organization in a case against European Union on palm oil-based biodiesel, expecting the bloc to adjust its regulations to comply with the ruling.
First-ever ammonia and propane co-loaded vessel completes voyage from U.S. to Europe
Trafigura, in collaboration with CF Industries, announced the completion of the first co-loaded ammonia and propane shipment operation of its kind. In early January, the Green Power Medium Gas Carrier (MGC) completed a single voyage from the U.S. to Europe loaded with ammonia from CF Industries and with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane) in separate tanks.
China's vast refining sector faces shakeout as fuel demand peaks
Up to 10% of China's oil refining capacity faces closure in the next 10 yr as an earlier-than-expected peak in Chinese fuel demand crushes margins and Beijing's drive to wring out inefficiency begins to squeeze older and smaller plants.
- Valero Energy Q4 profit beats estimates; shares surge 1/30
- Dow launches "Transform to Outperform" to raise the competitive industry benchmark for productivity and growth to enable improved returns 1/30
- Russian oil refineries' peak maintenance expected in January and September 1/30
- U.S. lifts some Venezuela sanctions to ease oil sales 1/30
- Keppel, Aster plan sustainable aviation fuel project in Singapore 1/30
- Boeing, Israel's Technion to develop sustainable aviation fuel, as sector grapples with 2050 goal 1/30
