Building a roadmap to success in a time of declining demand for refineries What next steps does refining need to take as it comes out of the demand dip caused by the covid-19 pandemic? So many opportunities in the market today rely on knowing how and when demand will recover – for refiners, looking to the next steps could be the difference between long term success and failure.The S&P Global Platts 15th Annual European Refining Summit brings together the top thought-leaders in the space to analyse market trends and predict when the refining industry will get back on its feet. With deep-dives into demand dynamics for downstream markets, in-depth analysis of regulations impacting refiners and insightful looks at what sustainability measures will help companies thrive in this turbulent time.Join more than 100 industry professionals in-person this 22 September in Brussels – with face to face meetings being a key tool for attendees to uncover trends impacting the industry today, this event is the best chance you have to connect with fellow professionals. REGISTER

September 9, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET | Online Investing in Advanced Biofuels This new conference from S&P Global Platts helps you understand the exciting new opportunities for growth in renewable diesel—fuels made by hydrotreating vegetable oils or animal fats. You'll learn how major refiners are building renewable diesel projects, and what this initiative means for biofuel markets.The program will address supply outlook perspectives from traders and refiners, commercial development plans in the US, state and federal policy considerations, government incentives, feedstocks economics and trading, compatibility of renewable diesel and biodiesel, and more.In addition, you'll hear Platts analysts evaluate the market outlook including supply, demand, and logistics. Agenda Join us for this brand new conference from S&P Global Platts focusing on the exciting new opportunities for growth in renewable diesel. Learn how major refiners are building renewable diesel projects, and what this initiative means for biofuel markets.This one-day program event features both industry and Platts voices, Q&A with speakers, downloadable materials, and more. Advance registration gives you access to the event replay and presentation materials even if you aren't able to attend the live conference. Program Highlights — Key advantages of renewable diesel including fuel quality and compatibility with existing infrastructure— Projections on the growth of renewable diesel in the US and worldwide— Federal and state policies supporting renewable diesel— Challenges for feedstock supply, logistics, and supply chain— New advances in renewable diesel technologies and feedstocks— Renewable aviation fuel in the mix—growth production and markets for green jet fuel The agenda is currently in development. Please check back soon for updates. REGISTER NOW

Dubai — Activity at Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery project is ramping up with a total 8.72 million barrels of crude discharged in March, according to commodity data company Kpler. The Jazan refinery is facing regular missile attacks launched from just across the border with Yemen, though sources say it remains unclear when the much delayed facility will enter full commercial operation.The 400,000 b/d refinery, also known by the alternate spelling Jizan, lies in the far southwest of Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, about 60 km from the Yemeni border.It is a key cog in Aramco's downstream expansion plans, but the company has yet to formally announce its commissioning, with analysts citing weak market conditions and the persistent security threats from Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels as reasons for the more than year-long delay. The most recent attack came April 15 -- at least the third targeting Jazan since the beginning of March -- though Saudi officials have said their defense forces have intercepted every missile.Market sources have said the refinery has quietly started up operations of its primary distillation units and is set to begin runs at its secondary units in the coming months. S&P Global Platts Analytics expects Jazan's runs to increase through the year to hit full commercial status sometime in 2022, as global demand for refined fuels picks up in the recovery from the pandemic.Others say the delays could extend further.Aramco is likely in no hurry to fully ramp up Jazan given the sluggish gasoil market, and a critical power plant at the refinery has also faced operational difficulties, a market source told Platts.Aramco declined to comment on the refinery's status. Crude coming in In addition to the missile attacks, Houthi strikes on ships in and around the Red Sea present a risk to Jazan, as the refinery is not connected with crude oil pipelines and must obtain its crude feedstock via tankers.Saudi Arabia on March 22 made a ceasefire offer to the Houthis, but the rebels have rejected its terms so far.Kpler estimated that 8.72 million barrels of crude discharged at Jazan in March, up from 4.69 million barrels in February, indicating a significant increase in activity.The first cargoes arrived in October and November 2019, though those deliveries remained in tank storage for some time, Kpler said. The crudes are Saudi origin, from the east coast ports of Ras Tanura and Juaymah.Meanwhile, about 91,000 b/d of dirty petroleum products loaded from the refinery in March, mainly vacuum gas oil (VGO) and off-spec high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO), as well as 32,000 b/d of off-spec gasoil loaded and 45,000 b/d of naphtha, Kpler said.In mid-2020, Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said that when crude runs began at Jazan, throughput rates would average about 200,000 b/d before ramping up to the full 400,000 b/d.The refinery had previously been expected to be commissioned at the end of 2019 and be ready for full operations in the second half of 2020.Aramco is counting on the facility to expand its middle distillates exports and petrochemical production, but may have to wait for global economic conditions brighten.

The fight for survival? The refining industry has been experiencing weak margins, low utilization rates, decimated demand and numerous supply chain issues due to the coronavirus pandemic. The IEA have said it will take years for the refining sector to fully recover with the market for refined products being smaller in 2021 than it was in 2015. Furthermore, refiners are facing considerable conundrums about how to implement technological advances, what is the future of the industry, what will the landscape of refineries across the globe look like and will the market see some certainty after a period of high volatility and rapid change.However, an industry in flux also allows for an industry to embrace transformation and innovation while shaking off constraints and disruptions.So ultimately what does the new normal hold for Asian refiners?Join us at the Asia Refining Virtual Summit, March 4 2020, to discuss four key topic areas with industry leaders! - Crude selection, optimization and buying patterns in Asia. The drive for positive margin territory. - Case studies: China and India and the two different strategies employed to ramp up recovery - The free-fall of the aviation industry - Energy transition and the strive for net zero. Achieving refining excellence.Register now to enjoy early bird discount and seize the opportunity to buy a ticket at only USD199.There will be upside and downside for the refining industry – join the conference to gain first-hand insights, dissect challenges and understand the fundamental adjustment needed to achieve success for you and your business. REGISTER NOW