As Chinese steel starts to call its own
With Chinese steel prices on a steady recovery since the Lunar New Year holidays, supply and production allocations have swung firmly towards serving the domestic market.
Spring awakening for dry bulk Supramaxes in Atlantic
Following an exceptionally bearish winter, freight rates in the dry bulk Atlantic Handysize and Supramax
market have seen a rebound in recent weeks, but what hurdles might still lie ahead?
Turkish steel shifts gears and futures contracts appear to draft off market uptick
Colin Richardson on how the Turkish long steel supply chain has been reminiscent of one of the more brutal ‘hors catégorie’ Tour de France climbs of late.
California's tough rules a blessing and curse for refiners
Refiners operating in California expect a tough environmental regulatory permitting process. Janet McGurty on why this has been a bit of a curse at times.
Low oil prices having a chilling effect on Alaska's economy
Oil revenues let Alaska cut dividend checks to its residents, but now oil prices are low and production is down. What kind of options does the state have to bolster its finances?
Total U.S. energy production increases for sixth consecutive year
(Mon, 18 Apr 2016) Total U.S. energy production increased for the sixth consecutive year. According to data in EIA's most recent <em>Monthly Energy Review</em>, energy production reached a record 89 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu), equivalent to 91% of total U.S. energy consumption. Liquid fuels production drove the increase, with an 8% increase for crude oil and a 9% increase for natural gas plant liquids. Natural gas production also increased 5%. These gains more than offset a 10% decline in coal production.
Aquisition set to increase Alaska’s jet fuel buying, but still outpaced by majors
Consolidation has created some of the world's largest airlines, but the purchase of Virgin America by Alaska Air Group makes a smaller splash for jet fuel.
The EU's nuclear option: white elephant or essential low carbon generation?
With far-reaching changes in the EU power market design looming, and European baseload power prices heading for new lows, does nuclear have a long-term future in the EU's energy mix?
U.S. natural gas production reaches record high in 2015
(Fri, 15 Apr 2016) U.S. natural gas production reached a record high level of 79 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2015, an increase of 5% from the previous year, even as natural gas prices remained relatively low. Production from five states?Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and North Dakota?was responsible for most of this growth, offsetting declines in much of the rest of the United States.
Central Asian oil: destined to disappoint?
The stagnation pervading Central Asia’s oil industry could be alleviated by a couple of big announcements in the coming months, on the Kashagan and Tengiz fields.