Dow Inc. is closing higher-cost ethylene and siloxanes facilities while investing in lower-cost plants and its net-zero Path2Zero project. The strategy aims to shift capacity toward differentiated applications amid rising feedstock costs and resilient packaging demand.
Arclin Inc. expands aramid fiber paper production at its Asturias, Spain facility, joining three other network sites. Supply growth for these protective materials is projected to continue through 2027 after acquiring Nomex and Kevlar from DuPont.
At India Chem 2026, Reliance executives highlighted the chemical industry as a key economic growth driver, supplying essential materials for agriculture, healthcare, and electronics sectors.
North American chemical railcar volumes rose 1.6% year-over-year to 46,863 carloads for the week ended Oct. 17, according to the Association of American Railroads.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection announced that Qian Zhijia, former General Manager of PetroChina's Gas Sales Branch and ex-CEO of Kunlun Energy, is under investigation. He resigned from Kunlun Energy in January 2026 prior to this announcement.
Osaka Soda has commenced construction on a silica gel manufacturing expansion at its Matsuyama plant to meet rising pharmaceutical demand, with completion expected by February 2028. The ¥10 billion investment aims to double combined output capacity across its Japanese facilities.
Azelis Group maintained its positive full-year earnings outlook despite market volatility, reporting Q3 sales up 8.5% to €1.12 billion. Industrial Chemicals sales surged 21%, driving adjusted EBITA growth of 14.6% in the quarter.
Brent crude oil surged past $115 per barrel, marking a five-month high, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East raise fears of supply disruptions from potential US strikes on Iran.
Turkish polymer buyers are pivoting to alternative sources due to Saudi delays, prioritizing delivery certainty by utilizing Russian suppliers rerouting through new ports for key plastics like PET and polypropylene.
Heineken warned UK pubs that the surge in GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could reduce alcohol desire and beer sales. The brewer recommends promoting low-alcohol options as consumers adopt more purposeful drinking habits.
COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation chairman Ren Yongqiang stated that geopolitical volatility has shifted energy transport priorities from efficiency to safety and resilience. Disruptions in key chokepoints like the Hormuz Strait are causing significant shipping delays and capacity constraints.
Swiss biotech firm Windward Bio filed for a US IPO on Nasdaq to fund its pipeline of long-lasting antibody treatments for asthma and inflammatory diseases. The company secured up to $365 million from investors including Novo Holdings and Blue Owl Capital prior to listing.
Ecopetrol forecasts Q3 net profit of $1.26–1.57 billion and revenue of $10.36–11.3 billion, citing crude oil production of 740,000–750,000 barrels per day.
Virginia State Senator L. Louise Lucas was federally charged with leading a marijuana criminal enterprise and money laundering scheme, utilizing her political influence to shield operations. She faces racketeering and drug trafficking charges alongside family members.
Following a last-minute agreement with Belgium to maintain gas pipeline capacity, UK regulators warn that long-term infrastructure investment remains critical to address mounting energy security risks ahead of 2030.
Great Britain faces record-high energy costs this winter due to deepening import reliance and low storage levels. National Gas forecasts increased LNG imports and tighter supply margins amid geopolitical disruptions.
Montauk Renewables reported a 19.7% Q2 revenue increase to $54 million, while five analysts issued split ratings with a consensus price target of $1.80.
QatarEnergy is negotiating a long-term agreement to purchase up to 3 million metric tons annually of LNG from Woodside Energy's Louisiana plant. This deal comes alongside other recent supply agreements with Cheniere and Venture Global amidst regional shipping disruptions.
The Wall Street Journal reports the US plans to remove 50% tariffs on select Canadian agricultural and forestry products to aid Republican midterm candidates. The White House has not confirmed the report, stating any announcements would come directly from the administration.
Seven oil tankers were damaged or caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions. While oil shipments continue via protected lanes and increased pipeline capacity, experts warn of soaring costs and potential price spikes.
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