Chemical news · Three minutes a day
Monday, September 21, 2026
Lead Story
Mubadala in Talks to Invest in Ansaldo Energia, Corriere ReportsAbu Dhabi’s Mubadala leads talks to invest in Italian turbine maker Ansaldo Energia, whose orders surged amid AI-driven power demand, while state-backed CDP Equity retains majority control.
Fed President Kashkari stated inflation remains high across all sectors beyond energy and food, amid Middle East conflicts driving crude oil prices higher. He supported recent interest rate hikes to combat persistent economic inflation.
Saudi and Gulf stock markets declined following Houthi claims of missile and drone strikes on Riyadh. The downturn was led by oil major Saudi Aramco and petrochemical producer Industries Qatar amidst escalating regional tensions.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He will meet to discuss AI, tariffs, and critical mineral flows ahead of a presidential summit. Discussions may cover rare-earth supply restoration and new investment rules for US pharmaceutical firms in China.
Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez signed an MoU with TotalEnergies, part of renewed oil deals following recent political shifts, though deal specifics remain unavailable.
QatarEnergy CEO warns the Strait of Hormuz crisis may delay LNG expansion projects due to equipment delivery issues. Key North Field expansions remain scheduled for 2027 and 2028 despite logistical challenges.
Gazprom Neft's Moscow Oil Refinery sustained damage during a record-breaking drone barrage targeting 19 Russian regions. The attack disrupts fuel supplies for the capital, exposing vulnerabilities in critical energy infrastructure.
Turkey signals technical military support for Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks under the Mecca Defense Alliance. The conflict threatens energy flows, with Saudi Aramco suspending crude oil supplies to refiners due to pipeline shutdowns.
TotalEnergies and Venezuela signed a memorandum of understanding facilitating the French oil giant's return to operations in the South American country. The agreement establishes legal conditions for energy projects following the approval of a new hydrocarbons law.
Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticized the UK's economic decline and tax regime, warning that failing to license new North Sea oil and gas fields could lead to winter gas shortages. He described the government's energy policy as 'insanity' while addressing broader issues on immigration and wealth.
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