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Europe

IEA trims 2012 world oil demand growth forecast on economic woes

The International Energy Agency on Tuesday trimmed its forecast for world oil demand growth in 2012 versus its earlier 2012 projection based on the worsening global economic backdrop and persistently elevated oil prices, but said demand will remain robust and markets tight until 2013. The IEA forecast global oil demand at 90.3 million bpd in 2012, up from 89 million bpd this year.

Global refinery runs to rise in first quarter - IEA

Refinery runs across the globe will bounce back in the coming months as refineries return from heavy autumn maintenance and ramp up production even as profits on oil products fall, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday in a monthly report. Refinery runs will rebound to 75.8 million bpd, or 1.2 million bpd higher than the year-earlier quarter, after relatively weak growth since April.

Jacobs awarded work on CO2 capture project at Gassnova refinery in Norway

Jacobs Engineering Group was awarded a framework contract from Gassnova SF for its CO2 Capture Mongstad (CCM) project at its Mongstad refinery site in Norway. Jacobs is providing engineering and technical assistance services to support the installation of a large-scale carbon dioxide (CO2) capture plant for a combined heat and power (CHP) plant at the refinery.

Refining estimates lowered in Q4 for oil majors

Morgan Stanley has lowered by 7% its refining estimates for major oil refineries in the fourth quarter of 2011, the company said in a note Monday. Factors included a narrowing spread between Nymex crude and Light Louisiana Sweet crude.

Haldor Topsøe wins diesel hydrotreater deal for Rosneft refinery in Russia

Haldor Topsøe has won the contract for a diesel hydrotreating unit for the Russian Syzran Refinery owned by Rosneft, the largest Russian oil company. The contract is a continuation of Topsøe’s and Rosneft’s collaboration, the companies said.

Suncor Energy suspends Syria oil operations

Suncor Energy declared force majeure under its contractual obligations and is suspending operations with the General Petroleum Corp. (GPC) in Syria, the company said on Monday. Suncor management is not changing total production guidance (2011 or 2012) because Libyan production is ramping up and was not included in the existing guidance.

Outlook bleak for Europe, US refiners at end of dismal year

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

A dismal year for the European and US refining market is set to end on a sour note as profit margins are squeezed by high oil prices and lackluster product demand.

Russia’s Novatek to double gas output by 2020

Russian natural gas producer OAO Novatek expects to more than double output to around 115 billion cubic meters a year by 2020, according to company officials.

Eni CEO: Italy can cope with EU ban on Iran crude

Italy could cope with a potential European Union ban on Iranian crude imports, the top executive of Italian oil major Eni said Thursday, but added that oil payments from the Islamic republic were more of a concern if an embargo was imposed. The EU is mulling an oil embargo against Iran as a sanction against the country's nuclear program.

Chevron to spend record $32.7 billion on capital projects in 2012

Chevron said it expects to spend a record $32.7 billion on capital projects in 2012 as it continues to invest in massive oil and gas projects worldwide. Rivals ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil recently announced double-digit capital budget increases for next year, showing major oil companies are confident about the sustainability of high oil prices.