Royal Dutch Shell PLC has declared a force majeure on base chemical products from the Pulau Bukom manufacturing site on Bukom Island, Singapore, following a disruption to operations at its recently expanded ethylene cracker complex (ECC). Source: News
MEO drops Heron field permit
After many years of trying to prove up a commercial project, MEO Australia Ltd. has finally bitten the bullet and relinquished its interest in the Heron gas discovery in permit NT/P68 in the Timor Sea. Source: News
First cargo shipped from Gladstone LNG
The Santos Ltd.-led $18 billion Gladstone LNG (GLNG) project on Curtis Island in Queensland has shipped its first cargo of LNG. Source: News
North Dakota PUC approves new Bakken crude oil pipeline
The North Dakota Public Service Commission has approved an application to build the NST Express LLC crude oil pipeline in McKenzie County. The pipeline would have maximum capacity of 100,000 b/d. Source: News
MARKET WATCH: NYMEX oil prices drop modestly on inventory gain
Light, sweet crude oil prices for November delivery dropped on the New York market to close slightly lower Oct. 15 following a larger-than-expected jump in crude oil and product supplies, and analysts said the increase was an affirmation that ample global oil supplies continue. Source: News
OPEC accepts Indonesia’s request to reactivate membership
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has accepted Indonesia’s request to reactivate the country’s membership. Indonesia formally asked for reinstatement at the cartel’s June ministerial meeting in Vienna. Source: News
Gastar looking for buyer for Marcellus, Utica assets
Gastar Exploration Inc. announced it is looking for a buyer for its Marcellus and Utica acreage, saying it intends to concentrate on its US Midcontinent assets where it is acquiring more interest in the Stack and Hunton limestone formations in Okalahoma. Source: News
API urges Senate to follow House, pass bill to end crude export ban
Days after the US House passed a bill to end the 40-year-old ban on exports of US-produced crude oil, the American Petroleum Institute urged federal lawmakers on the other side of the Capitol to follow suit. Source: News
MARKET WATCH: Oil prices fall slightly ahead of inventory jump
Light, sweet crude oil prices for November delivery edged down on the New York market Oct. 14 awaiting release of the weekly government crude oil and product inventory report, which was delayed 1 day later than normal because of the federal Columbus Day holiday on Oct. 12. Source: News
NEB: Canada has biggest percentage drop in rigs
Canada’s National Energy Board says Canada’s 47% drop in rig activity thus far in 2015 makes it “the hardest hit region in the world” on a percentage basis. Source: News