Political, economic woes loom large for Latin American polymer markets in H2
Lackluster demand in key markets has persisted, and renewed concerns in Brazil are leading to a pessimistic outlook for Latin American polymer markets.
U.S. petroleum refinery capacity continues to increase
(Wed, 12 Jul 2017) As of January 1, 2017, U.S. operable atmospheric crude distillation capacity reached 18.6 million barrels per calendar day (b/cd), 1.6% higher than at the beginning of 2016, according to EIA's annual Refinery Capacity Report. This increase in operable capacity was slightly lower than last yearâs increase of 2.0%
Are Commerce actions showing Trump’s hand on trade deals?
Recent trade case announcements by Commerce may offer clues as to how the Trump administration will handle the Section 232 steel investigation.
Gasoline and gold, ethanol and aluminum, post price gains in June: Of Presidents and Prices
The commodities price watch during Trump’s term recently wrapped up its first five months, and the price averages for oil, natural gas, and coal continue to struggle.
EIA adds small-scale solar photovoltaic forecasts to its monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook
(Tue, 11 Jul 2017) For the first time, EIA's Short-Term Energy Outlook, to be released later today, includes forecasts for small-scale solar photovoltaic capacity and electricity generation. EIA forecasts that total U.S. small-scale solar PV capacity will grow from 14.3 gigawatts (GW) at the end of April 2017 to 21.9 GW at the end of 2018.
Venezuela’s oil reserves kick into reverse
Venezuela’s claim of being home to the world’s largest oil reserves based on its massive Orinoco heavy oil belt has been the subject of industry skepticism for years.
Floridaâs Sabal Trail pipeline and associated natural gas pipeline projects begin service
(Mon, 10 Jul 2017) On July 3, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorized Phase I of the Sabal Trail pipeline to begin full operation. Sabal Trail is a 515-mile interstate natural gas pipeline transporting natural gas from an interconnection with the Transco pipeline in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, to the Central Florida Hub in Osceola County, Florida.
Energy commodity prices declined more than other commodities in the first half of 2017
(Fri, 07 Jul 2017) The energy component of the Standard and Poorâs Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (GSCI) fell 11% during the first half of 2017, the largest decline for any commodity group in the index. Other components of the index—livestock, industrial metals, precious metals, and agriculture—had end-of-June prices that were higher than at the beginning of the year.
Monthly renewable electricity generation surpasses nuclear for the first time since 1984
(Thu, 06 Jul 2017) In March, and again in April, U.S. monthly electricity generation from utility-scale renewable sources exceeded nuclear generation for the first time since July 1984.
Qatari LNG development to extend LNG surplus into mid-2020s
Qatar’s announcement Tuesday that it will double the size of its proposed new development on the giant North Field to 4 Bcf/d and use the gas for LNG exports will throw off course multiple new LNG projects elsewhere in the world.