*Middle East tensions fuel supply worries. LONDON, Feb 4- Brent crude oil consolidated around $116 per barrel on Monday, slipping from 4-1/ 2- month highs after three weeks of gains powered by signs of improving global economic growth and concern over geopolitical tension in the Middle East.
*Middle East tensions fuel supply worries. LONDON, Feb 4- Brent crude oil consolidated above $116 per barrel on Monday, not far off 4-1/ 2 month highs, on signs of improving economic growth in the United States and China and concern over geopolitical tension in the Middle East.
MEXICO CITY, Feb 3- Mexican rescue workers found three more bodies over the weekend amid the rubble of a deadly blast that tore through state oil firm Pemex's main office complex, the government said, as search efforts appeared to near a close.
SINGAPORE, Feb 4- U.S. crude futures steadied above $97 per barrel in early Asian trade on Monday after data from China and the United States last week reinforced expectations that economic growth in the world's two biggest energy consumers may be better this year than last.
*Opportunity for Pena Nieto to show a more transparent PRI. MEXICO CITY, Feb 3- A deadly blast at Mexican state oil firm Pemex's headquarters is the first key test of new President Pena Nieto's promise that his party has broken with a past of shady cover-ups, and if handled properly, could help him overhaul the lumbering giant.
MUNICH, Feb 3- The United States is enjoying an energy bonanza thanks to shale gas, making it a magnet for industry, reducing import dependence and challenging Europe as it battles to dig itself out of recession, energy officials say. As Europe continues to debate it, North America is reaping the advantages, "said Jorma Ollila, Chairman of Royal Dutch Shell.
*Pressure on Communist Party chief Xi to check oil companies' power. BEIJING, Feb 3- The search for culprits behind the rancid haze enveloping China's capital has turned a spotlight on the country's two largest oil companies and their resistance to tougher fuel standards.
MOSCOW, Feb 2- Lower output from TNK-BP's mature fields led to an overall decrease in Russia's crude oil production, the world's largest, which edged down 0.1 percent in January, Energy Ministry data showed on Saturday.
*Marathon now owner of refinery with deadly past under BP. HOUSTON, Feb 1- Marathon Petroleum Corp on Friday closed its $2.4 billion acquisition of BP Plc's Texas City, Texas, refinery, both companies said.
*Pemex a byword in Mexico for accidents and oil theft. MEXICO CITY, Feb 1- Rescue workers pulled out more bodies from debris at the headquarters of Mexican state oil giant Pemex on Friday after a powerful explosion killed at least 33 people and threw a spotlight onto the state-run company's poor safety record.
*January $4.0 bln trade deficit worse than expected. SAO PAULO, Feb 1- Brazil posted its worst monthly trade deficit on record in January due to a surge in imports of fuel and a slight drop in exports, trade ministry data showed on Friday.
HOUSTON/ SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 1- Renewed strength in refining and chemicals led to higher-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings for Exxon Mobil Corp and Chevron Corp, the two largest U.S. oil companies.
Chevron Corp., the second largest U.S. oil and gas company, posted a sharp increase in earnings for the fourth quarter on higher production, better refinery performance, and a gain from an asset swap that increased the company's position in a gas field in Australia. Fourth quarter net income jumped 41 percent to $7.2 billion on revenue of $60.6 billion.