Overcapacity threatens refineries
Nothing goes into refining. While Total is planning to close its plant in Dunkirk, lack of opportunities and a sufficient margin, the French Union of Petroleum Industries (Ufip) drives the point home. The situation is "critical," said Jean-Louis Schilansky, its president.
Twelve French refineries are losing "150 million euros a month" since March 2009, and the industry continue to suffer in 2010. The closure of the site Total to Dunkirk, which alone accounts for 13% of the French ability, do not change much, according to Ufip, which dealt with the topic at European level.
"This is not the closure of a refinery in Europe that will be enough to restore the situation," says Jean-Louis Schilansky. It should delete "7 to 8 million barrels per day, or about 10% of installed capacity in Europe."In other words, on the 114 European refineries, "a half" should be closed to restore the balance between supply and demand.
Shell reported a loss of $ 1.7 billion
In France, controls oil products fell by 2.8% in 2009 and nearly 9% in ten years. The economic crisis is not the sole cause of this decline free credit score . Consumers roll than before, and prefer diesel to petrol. Furthermore, the refining overcapacity and inflation of the multiple requirements of ecology and safety is increasing pressure on margins. In this context, the French oil industry does not want to hear about carbon tax."If, in this very difficult situation, we add a layer, it will be worse here," warns Jean-Louis Schilansky.
Total is far from the only group to suffer in oil refining. The U.S. Exxon announced last week a loss of 189 million dollars in this activity in the fourth quarter of 2009. BP just to break even on this trade. Shell yesterday announced an annual loss of $ 1.76 billion in its refining division. This is the "worst crisis" for this activity for twenty-five years, and it does not end in 2010, warned Peter Voser, Shell's CEO. The British giant is planning to sell or close 15% of its portfolio in refining.
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