Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 3 May.

Methanex rolls US methanol May contract for fourth consecutive month
Methanex rolled its US methanol May contract price at 130 cents/gal FOB (free on board) US Gulf Coast for the fourth straight month at that price.

US May benzene contracts increase with higher crude
US May benzene contracts increased 8 cents/gal ($24/tonne) on the back of higher spot prices in April associated with higher crude values.

INSIGHT: Saudi Aramco’s multi-track approach to crude-to-chemicals can change the global game
Saudi Aramco is working on multiple technology tracks for crude oil-to-chemicals that would offer greater competition to US shale gas-based crackers, changing the game in global petrochemicals.

ExxonMobil proceeds with $2bn chem expansion at Baytown, Texas
ExxonMobil will proceed with a previously disclosed $2bn chemical expansion project at its integrated petrochemical production site in Baytown, Texas, the US energy and chemicals major said on Thursday.

US April PE contracts rise on global uptrends, higher energy
US April polyethylene (PE) contracts were assessed up by 2 cents/lb ($44/tonne), tracking higher prices in other regions and rising energy costs.