Chemical news · Three minutes a day
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Lead Story
QatarEnergy seeks US LNG deals through to 2031, sources sayQatarEnergy negotiates multi-year US LNG contracts through 2031 to replace capacity lost from Iranian strikes damaging its Ras Laffan facility. Talks involve Venture Global, Cheniere, and Woodside amid Strait of Hormuz uncertainty.
RWE signed agreements with UAE firms Masda and ADNOC for €3 billion offshore wind investments and future LNG supplies starting early 2030s, strengthening trade ties amid geopolitical uncertainty.
German environmental group BUND sued Lower Saxony to block a nuclear fuel plant expansion involving Russia's Rosatom citing security risks. The legal challenge questions the approval granted to Framatome's subsidiary despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Shanghai Futures Exchange will adjust trading limits for crude oil and low-sulfur fuel oil futures starting September 14, citing supply disruption fears that pushed prices up over 7%. Changes affect opening positions and price ranges for October and November deliveries.
Avantium and Sojitz Pla-Net have formed a strategic partnership to promote bio-based PEF and FDCA in Japan, coinciding with the startup of Avantium’s first commercial FDCA plant in the Netherlands.
Citigroup and Office Depot hold historic claims acting as a veto over the sale of Sherritt International, a troubled nickel and cobalt miner in Cuba. Resolving these liabilities is crucial for attracting buyers amidst strict US sanctions.
The UK government has postponed approval for the Shell and Equinor-backed Jackdaw gas field until after the October by-election, citing the need to consider environmental assessments and public representations.
AGC, BASF, and Anupam Rasayan announced new chemical production projects in Asia, including cosmetic silica and hydrofluoric acid facilities. Investments and capacities vary, with key completions targeted for 2025.
Honeywell Technology highlights industrial AI transitioning from concept to implementation in the petrochemical sector during its innovation summit. The company emphasizes safety, efficiency, and autonomy, citing a Shenghong Petrochemical deployment achieving significant cost savings and operational improvements.
Lanxess showcased its integrated leather protection system at the 2026 China International Leather Exhibition, featuring biocides like Preventol and BIOBAN. The solution ensures leather quality and includes ZDHC Level 3 certified products such as PREVENTOL U-Tec G.
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