Rosneft, BP to restructure German refining JV

Russia’s OJSC Rosneft has entered a deal with BP PLC to dissolve their Ruhr Oel GMBH (ROG) joint venture as part of a plan by the companies to restructure their refining and petrochemical businesses in Germany. Source: News


API establishes program to certify quality systems auditors

API Global, the American Petroleum Institute’s Global Industry Services department, established a new and comprehensive Auditor Certification Program. It will be the first such program to be developed by industry experts, the national oil and gas trade association said. Source: News


Analyst sees ‘rising threat’ to Libyan oil

Attacks on energy facilities on Libya’s coast indicate a “severe and rising threat” and raise prospects for further disruptions to oil supply, warns a risk analyst at JLT Specialty, London. Source: News


YPF, American Energy Partners agree to Vaca Muerta JV

YPF SA and American Energy Partners LP have signed a joint venture agreement to explore and develop unconventional oil and natural gas from Argentina’s Vaca Muerta formation providing that financing can be arranged. Source: News


BHP Billiton to write down $7.2 billion in US onshore assets

BHP Billiton Ltd. expects to book a pretax impairment charge of $7.2 billion, or $4.9 billion post-tax, against the carrying value of its onshore US assets, which will total $16 billion after the move. Source: News


MARKET WATCH: Crude oil prices gain, US natural gas drops

US light, sweet crude oil prices for February delivery gained modestly on the New York market Jan. 14, closing at above $31/bbl while Brent prices on the London market closed just above $31/bbl within days of both benchmarks briefly dipping under $30/bbl. Source: News