Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 27 May.

US gasoline prices rising as summer driving season begins – EIA
US gasoline prices have increased steadily in every month this year, leading up to the start of the summer driving season, which kicks off with the Memorial Day three-day weekend. 25-27 May.

US methanol spot prices hit 18-month low
US methanol spot prices are at an 18-month low following plunging crude prices and overall soft global demand from China.

US Oklahoma floods disrupt refinery, rail; cause evacuations
Severe flooding across northern Oklahoma this week has presented life-threatening situations in Tulsa and the state’s eastern region, with one refinery shut down and several rail lines disrupted.

US-China trade war brings advantages, challenges to Chinese re-export converters
The ongoing US-China trade war has brought both advantages and challenges to Chinese re-export converters, participants said on the sidelines of this year’s Chinaplas.

Shell to advance feasibility plans for US MEG plant in Louisiana
Shell Chemicals will advance feasibility plans for an expansion of its Geismar site in the US state of Louisiana, according to a press release by Louisiana Economic Development.

Venezuela oil output hits 16-year low as chems mull ethane imports
Venezuelan oil production reached 830,000 bbl/day in April, the lowest level since January 2003, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Petroleum Chamber has called for the country to import ethane as a short-term solution to feedstock shortages at the nation’s Ana Maria Campos petrochemical complex in the state of Zulia.