Latest news with #butane
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
US terminal operator warns its ethane, butane exports to China could fall
May 29 (Reuters) - Enterprise Products Partners (EPD.N), opens new tab on Thursday said its ethane and butane exports could be hurt by a U.S. Department of Commerce requirement that it apply for a license to export to China. The United States has ordered a broad swathe of companies to stop shipping goods, including ethane and butane, to China without a license and revoked licenses already granted to certain suppliers, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The Bureau of Industry and Security, an agency of the Department of Commerce, informed the company that exports of ethane and butane pose an unacceptable risk of military end-use in China. Ethane and butane, liquids separated from natural gas, are used to make plastics and chemicals and also for heating and cooking. Chinese petrochemical firms use ethane as a feedstock because it is a cheaper alternative than naphtha, while U.S. oil and gas producers need China to buy their natural gas liquids as domestic supply exceeds demand. Enterprise, one of the top U.S. handlers of ethane and butane through its port terminals, said in a regulatory filing it was evaluating its procedures and internal controls and could not determine if it will be able to obtain a license. In 2024, Enterprise's terminal on the Houston Ship Channel loaded about 213,000 barrels per day (bpd) of ethane, of which about 85,000 bpd, or 40%, went to Chinese markets, the company said. Enterprise cautioned that it cannot determine how alternative markets and uses will develop nor the potential impact on ethane and butane prices. It also said it was uncertain how this restriction may indirectly impact U.S. crude oil and natural gas production and prices as natural gas liquids are byproducts of oil and gas drilling. Enterprise also warned that it was currently unable to ascertain whether these restrictions will have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position, operations, and cash flows. U.S. exports of ethane to China rose to a record 227,000 bpd in 2024, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data, while those of butane rose to a record 26,000 bpd. Those exports have been seen as one way to reduce China's trade surplus with the U.S.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Enterprise Products says its China exports could fall due to license requirement
HOUSTON, May 29 (Reuters) - Enterprise Products Partners (EPD.N), opens new tab on Thursday said its ethane and butane exports could be hurt by a U.S. Department of Commerce requirement that it apply for a license to export to China. The United States has ordered a broad swathe of companies to stop shipping goods, including ethane and butane, to China without a license and revoked licenses already granted to certain suppliers, Reuters reported on Wednesday. Enterprise, which owns and operates marine export terminals that handle ethane and butane, said in a regulatory filing it was evaluating its procedures and internal controls and could not determine if it will be able to obtain a license. Enterprise's marine export terminal on the Houston ship channel loaded about 213,000 barrels per day of ethane in 2024, of which about 85,000 BPD, or 40%, were exported to Chinese markets, Enterprise said.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Aramco cuts propane, butane prices for June
RIYADH: Saudi Aramco has reduced its official selling prices for propane and butane for June 2025, according to a company statement issued on Thursday. The price of propane was cut by $10 per tonne to $600, while butane saw a steeper reduction of $20 per tonne, bringing it to $570. The adjustments reflect shifts in market conditions and follow a downward trend from the previous month. Propane and butane, both classified as liquefied petroleum gas, are widely used for heating, as vehicle fuel, and in the petrochemical industry. Their differing boiling points make each suitable for distinct industrial and domestic applications. Aramco's LPG prices are considered key benchmarks for supply contracts from the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific region. The global LPG market is undergoing a significant shift as steep tariffs on US imports prompt Chinese buyers to replace American cargoes with supplies from the Middle East. Meanwhile, US shipments are being redirected to Europe and other parts of Asia. This realignment is expected to put downward pressure on prices and demand for shale gas byproducts, posing financial challenges for both US shale producers and Chinese petrochemical companies. At the same time, it is likely to drive increased interest in alternative feedstocks such as naphtha. Middle Eastern suppliers are emerging as key beneficiaries, filling the gap left by reduced US exports to China. In addition, opportunistic buyers in Asian markets like Japan and India are capitalizing on the price drops to secure more favorable deals.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- The Independent
‘Highly dangerous' cannabis shatter factory caused explosion that killed two
An explosion that killed a seven-year-boy and a 35-year-old man was caused when butane gas ignited during the 'highly dangerous' process of producing so-called cannabis shatter in a small flat, police have explained. Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith, who led the investigation into the blast which killed Archie York and Jason Laws, in Benwell, Newcastle, said anyone making shatter needed to 'think again' before more lives are lost. Mr Laws is believed to have been making the resin-like substance with Reece Galbraith, who was jailed on Wednesday, when they blew up the flat, killing himself and Archie, who was in the flat immediately above. Ms Smith said: 'Archie had his whole life ahead of him. 'His family were upstairs in that flat that that night, not knowing what was beneath them.' The detective said: 'It was utter carnage.' She added: 'Two people lost their lives that night. 'Archie was asleep on the sofa when the explosion happened. 'Jason was part of the production of that cannabis. 'Please, let this be a warning for anyone who wants to start doing this dangerous production of cannabis oil, to think again.' Ms Smith said experts quickly ruled out a natural gas leak and searches of the debris established how the explosion was caused by a build up of the large quantities of butane gas used to make the shatter, which is also known as butane honey oil. Ms Smith explained that this is a highly concentrated form of cannabis. To make it, criminals wash over the cannabis flower with butane gas in a vacuum and it comes out as a liquid. The liquid is then heated in an oven, to remove the butane smell and taste, before it is melted down again and mixed with gelatine, or sweets. This is then put into moulds to make a toffee-like resin to sell on the streets, or the oil itself can be used in vapes, the detective explained. The senior officer said: 'It's highly, highly dangerous. 'I urge anyone who even wants to think about doing this – either making it, producing it, selling it – to think again. 'Cannabis shatters lives, and it has in this instance.' Ms Smith said: 'What they were doing that night was so, so dangerous, with no respect for the community, for the people who lived around that area – total disregard for them to make money through cannabis. 'And I urge people, if they know of this happening in their community, they know that this is happening within their neighbourhoods, to contact the police or contact Crimestoppers.' The officer urged the public to look out for anyone hoarding or discarding butane canisters, or going into properties with ovens, vacuums or odd-shaped equipment. She said: 'Now that we know what's happened, I hope this is a stark reality check to anyone who is using cannabis or producing it, to stop and think about what you do.' The senior officer said the incident had 'a huge impact on that area, and I think probably a lasting impact on that area'. Reece Galbraith was arrested in April last year for alleged possession of drugs and was under investigation when the explosion happened. He was badly burned and went to hospital for a number of weeks, the detective said. Asked if Galbraith understood the enormity of what he had done, Ms Smith said: 'I really hope he does. 'Archie's family will never be the same. 'The community in Benwell, and those people who have been displaced from their homes with nothing, will never be the same.' Asked about Jason Laws's involvement, she said: 'Due to the evidence that we collated as part of the investigation, he would have been a suspect in this investigation if he had survived.'
