Total, through its 100% affiliate PetroFina SA, has agreed to acquire the 35% interest held by ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical BVBA in Fina Antwerp Olefins.

Saudi Arabia’s refining capacity will reach 3.5 million b/d and its production of natural gas will hit 15 bcfd by 2016, according to a senior official.

Qatar Petroleum and Royal Dutch Shell PLC have signed a heads of agreement that “sets scope and commercial principles” to develop a petrochemicals complex in Ras Laffan Industrial City. The HOA follows the conclusion of a joint feasibility study by the two companies.

South African energy and chemicals company Sasol reported it has approved a feasibility study for a world-scale ethylene cracker and derivatives complex in Lake Charles, La.

Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum Yanan Energy & Chemical Co. Ltd. will use proprietary Advanced Catalytic Olefins (ACO) technology developed by KBR and SK Innovation at a plant to be built in Shaanxi Province, China.

Total SA is restructuring its downstream business to separate manufacturing from supply and marketing while emphasizing that it remains committed to its integrated structure.

The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) announced plans to change its name to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) effective in late January. A red, blue, and white logo will accompany the new name. A new web site also is planned.

State-owned Orpic of Oman will use the UOP/Foster Wheeler Solvent Deasphalting (SDA) process at its 116,000 b/sd refinery in Sohar, which is being expanded to a capacity of 187,000 b/sd (OGJ, Mar. 14, 2011, Newsletter).

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to increase the type and amount of information on commercial chemicals that it collects from chemical manufacturers.