Economics
Russia's idle oil refining capacity in September seen up 34% vs August
Russia's offline primary oil refining capacity in September is set to jump 34% from August due to technical outages, Ukrainian drone attacks and seasonal maintenance. Offline capacity is seen at 3.87 MMt this month, or 14.5% of Russia's total oil refining capabilities. That is up from 2.95 MMt in August.
Chemicals maker Dow lowers 3Q revenue forecast on partial outage at Texas plant
U.S. chemicals maker Dow has lowered its 3Q revenue forecast due to a partial outage at one of its plants in Texas following Hurricane Beryl this past summer.
Ineos to cease refinery operations at Grangemouth
Petroineos has announced its intention to cease refinery operations at Grangemouth and transition to a finished fuels import terminal and distribution hub during Q2 2025.
Aramco signs agreements with Rongsheng and Hengli Group
Aramco has signed a Development Framework Agreement with Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd. and a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Hengli Group. This agreements focus on the possible expansion of Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Company (SASREF) facilities and the possible acquisition of a 10% stake in Hengli Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
Refiner Neste warns of weaker biofuel outlook, shares drop
Finnish refiner Neste on Wednesday cut the margin outlook for its biofuel business for the third time this year due to falling prices and also lowered its expected sales volumes, sending the company's share price down 10%.
Emissions-free truck prices need to drop by 50% to compete with diesel, study says
Prices of emissions-free trucks need to fall by as much as half to make them an affordable alternative to diesel models, a study by consultancy firm McKinsey published on Wednesday said, a necessary step to help achieve European Union climate targets.
U.S. EIA lifts oil demand forecast, says prices will recover to above $80/bbl
Global oil demand is set to grow to a bigger record this year while output growth will be smaller than prior forecasts.
Comment: What challenges lie ahead for Nigeria's Dangote oil refinery?
Nigeria's state oil firm NNPC Ltd. announced last weekend that it would not be the exclusive buyer of gasoline produced by the $20-B Dangote oil refinery, contradicting a statement made by the refinery last week.
Methanex buys OCI Global's methanol business for $2.06 B
OCI Global announced that it has reached an agreement for the sale of 100% of its equity interests in its Global Methanol Business to Methanex Corporation for a total consideration of $2.05 B on a cash-free and debt-free basis.
EU gives South Africa $35 MM in grants for green hydrogen plans
The European Union has pledged to give South Africa two grants worth ~$35 MM to accelerate its green hydrogen (H2) plans.
- ABB enhances AI capabilities of flagship industrial device digital solutions 4/17
- XCF, DevvStream, Southern Energy Renewables partner to bring transferable 45Z clean fuel credits to market 4/17
- HyOrc completes independent process and technology verification for waste-to-methanol platform 4/17
- Bottled lightning makes a cleaner fuel: Research shows how bursts of plasma convert methane into methanol without high heat and pressures 4/17
- Evonik launches high performance isodewaxing catalysts for fuels and lubricants production 4/16
- BASF to increase its price for neopentylglycol in the U.S. and Canada 4/16

