Australia could be down to just one refinery producing petrol, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products for the local market by the middle of the year.
The loss of Melbourne's Altona oil refinery, on top of the looming Kwinana closure in Perth, raise fresh concerns about the nation's ability to produce enough fuel if shipping and supply chains are ever severely disrupted, writes Gareth Hutchens.
REFINERY NEWS ROUNDUP: Gasoline output up in India; Petron’s Bataan plans temporary halt
India’s gasoline output climbed to a 14-month high in December, ending 2020 at pre-pandemic levels, as robust domestic demand spurred refiners to increase production of the motor fuel.
Gasoline production at the world’s third-largest energy consumer rose to 3.341 million mt in December, up marginally by 0.36% from the previous month, the latest data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell showed. December was the fourth straight month of increase in India’s gasoline production, the data showed. The rise in production comes amid strong domestic demand for gasoline, which has been backed by easing pandemic-related lockdowns as well as the resumption of driving activity over the fourth-quarter holiday season.
âHuman life means nothing for themâ: China shipping crisis deepens
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Sailors stuck off the Chinese coast are complaining of callous treatment by local authorities, with some denied medical care for hours and even days despite symptoms including a broken hand and claims another sailor vomited blood.
About 60 of the ships are carrying Australian coal, according to maritime data, which China has blocked from entering in an apparent trade strike, but the ships cannot leave because of commercial arrangements and for fear of being detained by Chinese authorities.
The National Union of Seafarers of India, which represents some of the sailors, and the shipping companies involved have labelled the situation a humanitarian crisis as supplies and medicines continue to run out. The deadlock was triggered by Australiaâs deteriorating relationship with Beijing, which saw Australian coal and up to $20 billion in other exports blocked in retalia
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China’s escalating trade war with Australia has left dozens of coal carriers stranded at sea for months, their international crew trapped in distressing conditions. So who is responsible for the seafarers’ welfare?
By
Anna Krien.
Crew on the deck of the Anastasia.
Credit: Supplied
A message from Virendrasinh Bhosale pops up on my phone: “Free, I feel free like a bird. Soon I’ll embrace my son in my arms.” Bhosale is one of 23 Indian sailors stranded onboard the
Jag Anand, which has been anchored in Chinese waters for six months with Australian coal in its hull. The bulk carrier was finally given the green light to divert to Japan for a crew change on January 10. For many of the men, the seafarers caught in the crosshairs of China’s trade stoush with Australia, it’s the first time they will be able to stand on solid earth in 21 months.