Global crude and refining news: 9 July 2015

Brazil

By the second half of 2015, Petrobras is hoping to increase processing capacity at its Lima refinery by 62% to hit 120 000 bpd. The company plan to start testing higher processing runs this month as it holds discussions with local government about environmental permitting and limitations.

India

Mangalore Refining and Petrochemicals Ltd has announced that it has started the merger process with ONGC Mangalore Petrochemicals Ltd. The two subsidiaries are owned by Oil and Natural Gas Corp. Ltd and the merger will give higher flexibility and value to the company’s gross refining margin.

The fire that was reported on yesterday behind the HPCL refinery in Vizag burned for approximately 12 hours and was brought under control in the early hours of yesterday morning. However, it was reported that small fires were still smouldering in inaccessible areas after the main blaze was extinguished. Precautions to prevent these small fires spreading have been implemented by the HPCL Fire Fighting Crew.

JGC Corporation of Japan is reportedly interested in setting up a refinery and cracker unit in Andhra Pradesh. JGC has also expressed interest in becoming a partner of the region’s food processing sector.

Malaysia

It has been announced that AMEC Foster Wheeler is going to carryout a detailed feasibility study for a proposed refinery and petrochemical complex in Malaysia. The proposed facility will be located in Kedah state and is the vision of a consortium comprised of SKS Corporation of Malaysia, Petromin Corporation of Saudi Arabia and Ocenia of Japan. AMEC Foster Wheeler’s Reading UK and Kuala Lumpur offices will work on the project.

Mexico

Pemex has said that it is increasing gasoline imports as well as domestic production following a shortage of fuel across the country. An import surge of 75 000 bpd has been reported by the company and imports totalled 370 000 bpd in May this year. The shortage of gasoline has been blamed in the past on the illegal tapping of gasoline pipelines.

UAE

It has bee reported that UAE crude oil exports are anticipated to fall in the Q4 of this year. This is expected as the nation upgrades the Ruwais refinery and domestic demand for petroleum products increases. After upgrade work has finished at the plant, it will boost the UAE’s total refining capacity to over 1 million bpd.

Edited from various sources by Claira Lloyd

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