Refining
API poll sees rising US support for Canadian oil use
A significant majority of American voters would like the US to rely more on oil from Canada to meet domestic needs, rather than from other countries, according to a new poll. Voters feel better about importing oil from Canada knowing that Canadian oil sands development and the Keystone XL pipeline will bring significant job creation in the US for Americans and increase the nation's energy security, according to the API trade group.
US extends offshore leases for deepwater drilling
The Obama administration recently extended nearly 1,400 deepwater oil and gas drilling leases in an effort to offset production delays caused by the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the subsequent five-month ban on new offshore drilling.
BP inks $50mn settlement to resolve claims from Texas City refinery blast
BP has agreed to pay $50 million to the state of Texas to resolve air pollution allegations related to the March 2005 explosion at its Texas City refinery, according to a statement from Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. An explosion and related fires erupted at BP’s Texas City refinery in March 2005, claiming 15 lives and injuring more than 170 workers.
Refining group names Albemarle top biodiesel firm
US-based specialty chemicals producer Albemarle was named biodiesel corporation of the year by the World Refining Association during the Biofuels 2011 annual meeting in Amsterdam. The award, which was presented to representatives from Albemarle's alternative fuel technologies (AFT) division, recognizes industry leaders that have made substantial contributions in the field of renewable fuels.
BASF, Cargill team up on canola oil development
Cargill and BASF Plant Science announced an agreement to co-develop a new dietary source of EPA/DHA that will make it easier for consumers globally to achieve optimal intakes of EPA- and DHA-rich omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This next generation canola oil containing EPA/DHA will enable food, pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement manufacturers to deliver the potential health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in a variety of new, cost-effective consumer products available by the end of the decade.
Global oil, gas firms poised for strong 2011 finish despite market uncertainty - report
Though third-quarter financial news has been decidedly more bearish than bullish, advisory firm Ernst & Young's oil and gas center says it anticipates a steady close to the year. The oil and gas industry is set to end 2011 strong amid great uncertainty in the broader market, according to the firm’s quarterly oil and gas update.
Shell receives certificate for safe CO2 award
Risk-management services firm DNV recently issued the world's first certificate of fitness for a carbon dioxide (CO2) storage development plan to Shell's Quest carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in Canada.
SABIC creates venture capital arm for technology investment
Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) has announced the launch of a new global corporate venture capital arm, SABIC Ventures, in the Netherlands, with the primary goal of seeking out innovative technologies and businesses consistent with the company's global strategy.
Foster Wheeler inks CFB technology license in India
Foster Wheeler announced today that its Global Power Group subsidiary has entered into a 20-year agreement with Essar Projects India Ltd. (EPIL), a subsidiary of Essar Group, to provide a technology license for utility-sized circulating fluidized-bed (CFB) steam generators to be sold in India.
Enterprise starts new pipeline for Louisiana shale
Enterprise Products says its $1.5 billion, 270-mile Acadian Haynesville Extension pipeline officially begins commercial service on Tuesday. Featuring interconnects with 12 interstate pipeline systems and the only southerly option that avoids potential bottlenecks at the Perryville hub, the Haynesville Extension offers producers flow assurance and market choice to assist in maximizing the value of their natural gas.
- Azerbaijan's State Oil Company redirects supplies of jet fuel from STAR refinery to Turkish domestic market 5/8
- Hungry to sell, UAE slips hidden oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz 5/8
- Seven markets to track if peace breaks out in the Middle East 5/8
- Asia exports of refined fuels plunge amid Hormuz closure 5/8
- Libya's Zawiya oil refinery shut due to nearby clashes 5/8
- Meghna PVC partners with Jotun to manage corrosion maintenance 5/7

