Global downstream news: 15th April 2014

Europe

Total SA has said that its European refining margin dropped to US$ 6.6/t in the first quarter this year, compared with US$ 10.1/t in the last quarter of 2013, and to US$ 26.9/t in the first quarter of 2013.

The drop highlights the ongoing problems faced by European refiners, troubled by a steep decline in demand for oil products following the economic crisis and stricter environmental regulations.

Lithuania

PKN Orlen has asked Lithuania’s government for lower rail transport costs and other help needed to restore its refinery to full output and production.

The 200 000 bpd Mazeikiai refinery has been limited to 60% capacity since posting a record net loss of US$ 94.3 million in 2013.

Africa

Venezuela

GS E&C, one of South Korea’s leading construction firms, has won a US$ 5.35 million contract to supervise the expansion of an oil refinery plant in Venezuela.

The company has announced that it will serve as the project management company (PMC) to check the engineering, procurement and construction at the El Palito refinery.

USA

Texas

The San Antonio River Authority is concerned that there has been a pattern of incidents at the Calumet jet fuel refinery that have contaminated the river.

On Saturday an estimated 1100 gal. of jet fuel spilled at the plant, with less than 100 gal. getting in to a tributary of the river.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is investigating the incident.

Canada

The Sherwood Park Suncor refinery is to undergo regular scheduled maintenance over the next two months. This may result in an increase in flaring, noise and traffic related to Suncor’s operation.

Edited from various sources by Emma McAleavey.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/15042014/downstream_news_387/