Despite nagging uncertainties among global economies—not the least being the ongoing monetary crisis in Europe—rising oil and gas demand is pushing LPG production higher.

US Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) asked Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz to investigate reports that refiners are cutting back on gasoline stockpiles to keep gasoline prices high.

ExxonMobil Corp.’s Shiogama Terminal in Sendai, which reopened on Mar. 20, has received its first tanker shipment of much-needed fuel, including 2 million l. of gasoline, light oil, and kerosine.

The US needs an energy policy that recognizes the importance of the jobs and the products provided by petrochemical and refining industry, stated National Petrochemical & Refiners Association Pres. Charles T. Drevna at a Mar. 20 press conference that kicked off NPRA’s annual meeting in San Antonio.

The Japanese government, confirming earlier reports, will urge utilities to increase output at fossil fuel-fired electric power plants to boost power shortages after an earthquake and tsunami crippled Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and other facilities.

A major explosion occurred at a Japanese petrochemical complex in the northeast city of Sendai just hours after the largest earthquake in the country’s history triggered a devastating tsunami.

The computer networks of at least five international oil companies, containing bidding plans and other confidential data, have been penetrated by Chinese-based hackers, accord to a report issued by a US computer security firm.