India's Petroleum Ministry said public sector refineries will be allowed to import crude oil on their own. Previously, only Indian Oil Corp. (IOC) was allowed to purchase crude for public sector oil companies. In other news, the IOC also will be allowed to negotiate term contracts for crude purchases with multinational companies. Previously, the IOC could negotiate contracts only with national oil companies.
The government of Croatia hired PricewaterhouseCoopers PLC and Deutsche Bank AG to jointly advise Croatia about reforming the oil and gas market. The two companies also will advise the Balkan state regarding a restructuring of state-owned oil and gas company, Industrija Nafte DD Zagreb, an integrated firm involved in E&P, refining, and marketing of oil and gas.
Suncor Energy Ltd. said its Fort McMurray, Alta., oil sands plant was operating normally following a minor explosion on Mar. 7. Four contract workers went to the hospital for injuries suffered in the blast outside the extraction plant. A small fire was quickly put out. Cause of the explosion is under investigation.
ENSCO International Inc., Dallas, reported the ENSCO 51 jackup rig sustained extensive damage from a Mar. 2 well fire in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident happened while ENSCO 51 was drilling a development well for Forest Oil Corp. on Eugene Island block 273. A gas discharge started while the rig crew was running and cementing a casing string at 1,650 ft. All personnel were safely evacuated. Later, the well ignited and damaged the rig's substructure, drill floor and derrick.
