Fire hits LyondellBasell’s Houston refinery

Houston Refining LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of LyondellBasell Industries NV, has reported a fire at its 268,000-b/d full-conversion Houston refinery on the Houston Ship Channel. Source: News


BHI: US rig count drops 7 units; global losses continue

Anchored by the idling of more oil-directed rigs, the overall US drilling rig count lost 7 units to 443 during the week ended Apr. 8, according to Baker Hughes Inc. data. Source: News


Oando Energy unit signs PSC for Block 12 off Sao Tome and Principe

Oando Energy Resources Inc., Calgary, through its 81.5%-held subsidiary Equator Exploration Ltd., has executed a production-sharing contract (PSC) with the National Petroleum Agency of Sao Tome and Principe (ANP-STP) for Block 12 in the Exclusive Economic Zone, taking an 87.5% participating interest. ANP-STP holds the remaining 12.5% as a carried interest. Source: News


Alberta premier seeks national pipeline help

Warning of a $10-billion budget deficit, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley appealed for nationwide help securing approval of a pipeline linking her province’s oil sands with seaborne oil trade. Source: News


Braskem achieves first production at Mexican petchem project

Braskem Idesa SAPI, a 75-25 joint venture of Braskem SA, Sao Paulo, and Groupo Idesa SA de CV, Mexico City, has started production of polyethylene (PE) at the Etileno XXI petrochemical complex in the Coatzacoalcos-Nanchital region of the Mexican state of Veracruz. Source: News


Noble Energy to drill Katmai appraisal well

Noble Energy Inc., Houston, is mobilizing a rig to Green Canyon Block 39 in the Gulf of Mexico for appraisal drilling at the Katmai oil discovery after drilling a dry hole with its Silvergate exploration well on Mississippi Canyon Block 339. Source: News