Carrier acquires Sugarloaf interests from AWE

Carrier Energy Partners, Sugar Land, Tex., has acquired certain US Sugarloaf shale assets in the Eagle Ford area in South Texas from Sydney-based AWE Ltd. for $190 million in cash. Source: News

Shell enters talks for sale of Malaysian refinery

Royal Dutch Shell PLC has entered discussions with China’s Shandong Hengyuan Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (SHP), Shandong, regarding the possible sale of subsidiary Shell Overseas Holdings Ltd.’s (SOHL) majority interest in Shell Refining Co. (FOM) Bhd.’s (SRC) 125,000-b/d refinery in Port Dickson, Malaysia. Source: News

CNOOC starts oil production at Kenli 10-4 in southern Bohai Bay

China National Offshore Oil Corp. Ltd. started oil production at Kenli 10-4 field in southern Bohai Bay. Current production from six wells totals 6,540 b/d, and CNOOC expects output to rise to 9,600 b/d later this year. Source: News

Total acquires 70% of Dominican oil retailer

Total SA has acquired a 70% interest in the leading fuel retailer of the Dominican Republic from Putney Capital Management, which retains 30%. Terms weren’t disclosed. Source: News

Ratings services issue new E&P warnings

Falling expectations for oil and gas prices have further eroded the producing industry’s financial outlook. Source: News

ExxonMobil joins cellulosic biofuel research

ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Co. and Renewable Energy Group Inc.’s Life Sciences subsidiary have agreed to study the production of biodiesel via fermentation of renewable cellulosic sugars. Source: News