ADNOC-FOD Increasing Fuel Outlets.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution (ADNOC-FOD), Abu Dhabi's only oil retailer, plans to increase filling stations across the UAE to 220 by 2009. Gulf News on Nov. 24 quoted a senior ADNOC-FOD executive as saying: "We have around 190 stations at the moment. We have noticed the demand for petrol and diesel has been increasing and we have to cater to this increase in demand".

ADNOC-FOD, a unit of ADNOC, is an integrated fuel retailer. Founded in 1973, ADNOC-FOD markets and distributes petroleum products and services within the UAE and internationally.

Fertil Expansion Proceeds: The Ruwais Fertiliser Industries (Fertil) expects to attract bids for the EPC contract to expand its urea-based fertiliser complex in December. This project has came under the spotlight after urea prices fell by more than 60% over the past four months to $300/ton.

Four contractors are expected to submit bids to Fertil by Dec. 18 for the technology licencing and EPC package. They are Uhde, Snamprogetti, Tecnimont, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The $1.2 bn job involves building a 2,000 t/d ammonia plant and a 3,500 t/d urea train beside Fertil's complex. Gas will be supplied by Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Co. (Gasco) from the onshore Asab, Bab and Thamama C fields.

The project has doubled from the original $700m budget in 2006, after a rise in EPC costs. But Fertil, owned 66.66% by ADNOC, with Total holding the rest, is hoping the bidders will bring their final prices down below $1 bn.

Incorporated in October 1980, Fertil produces over its nameplate capacity. Most of its output goes to China and India. It has a marine terminal, adjacent to the fertiliser complex, within Jebel Dhanna-Ruwais port area. Its capacity now exceeds 1,500 t/d of ammonia and 2,300 t/d of urea. Fertil has a 50,000 t/y melamine plant and other units as JVs at Ruwais.