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Oil Markets

528 episodes — Page 5 of 11

EU Russian oil ban: How are fuel oil supply and demand fundamentals shifting

EU sanctions on Russian fuel oil have dramatically altered supply flows for high sulfur material within Europe, and while there is some trading activity still in the Mediterranean basin, most Russian fuel oil is heading to Singapore and elsewhere in the East. While weaker demand has offset a lack of supply within Europe for now, market uncertainty remains high with the question of where Europe will get its imports from in the future open. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights editors Mary Tiernan and Chloe Davies discuss with John Morley sanctions and market dynamics for high sulfur fuel oil and VGO in Europe.

Sep 1, 202213 min

China's private refiners on tenterhooks as Beijing kicks off fresh round of inspection

China has been stepping up efforts to tighten supervision and standardize operations of its refining sector. It launched a series of investigations on refineries beginning April 2021. The latest round of inspections this month will focus mainly on tax issues, as small-scale private refiners often fail to fulfill their tax obligations in an attempt to stay competitive. In this podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts Philip Vahn, Asia oil market managing editor and Oceana Zhou and Daisy Xu, senior analysts covering China market discuss Beijing's latest tax investigation and its impact on independent refineries' future operations. Subscribe to Platts Dimensions Pro for access to assessments and premium content covering Platts Gasoline Unl 92 FOB Spore Cargo (PGAEY00), Platts Gasoil FOB Spore Cargo (POABC00) and much more.

Aug 25, 202216 min

Oil products trickle along the Rhine as low water levels bite

Record low water levels are hindering the transportation of naphtha, LPG, gasoline blending components and diesel, amongst other commodities, along the Rhine into regions of Germany, France and Switzerland leading to critically low inland stocks and the release of strategic reserves for products already affected by the war in Ukraine and a rebound in transportation demand. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Platts Global editors Eklavya Gupte, Virginie Malicier and Vinicius Maffei discuss with Gary Clark the market implications of strained supply chains for clean oil products for Europe. Price symbols on clean oil products discussed in this episode: Naphtha FOB ARA barges - PAAAM00 Gasoline Eurobob FOB ARA barges - AAQZV00 Diesel 10ppm FOB ARA barges - AAJUS00

Aug 18, 202214 min

Gasoline shipments on Colonial Pipeline are in high demand as imports decline

Even after US gasoline prices reached historic highs during the coronavirus pandemic, they somehow found more room to rise in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine. Strong demand and a lack of imports into the US Atlantic Coast resulted in unprecedented interest to ship barrels on Colonial Pipeline. The only problem? It wasn't enough. Light ends manager Andrea Salazar and US gasoline reporters Anna Trier and Jordan Daniel discuss how gasoline prices have fared in this tight market and whether prices are seeing any relief. Subscribe to Platts Dimensions Pro for access to assessments and premium content covering Gulf Coast CBOB (AARQU00), New York Harbor barge RBOB (AAMGV00), and much more.

Aug 11, 202213 min

Supply-driven jet fuel market drops from record high despite summer boost

The days of vaccine certificates and COVID-19 tests for travel are long gone for most, and yet jet fuel demand doesn't seem to have fully recovered from the pandemic. S&P Global Commodity Insights reporters Virginie Malicier and Maxim Kotenev tell Francesco Di Salvo how record-high physical premiums have led to a flurry of eastern cargoes sailing to Europe, and how short-staffed airlines and airports have had to cap passenger capacity growth despite ample pent-up travel appetite. Check our Jet CIF NWE Cargo assessment (PJAAU00) on Platts Dimensions Pro: https://platform.platts.spglobal.com/web/client?auth=inherit&ignoreIDMContext=1#platts/priceprofile?symbol=PJAAU00

Aug 4, 202212 min

What's in store for Asian oil markets in H2?

Based on early consumption trends in Asia, market participants believe that the second half of 2022 may turn out to be one of the strongest six-month periods of oil demand growth seen over the past three years. That said, some pockets in China are still facing lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and high oil prices are threatening to pull down demand in other consuming nations. In this podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts Calvin Lee, Asia head of content, and Kang Wu, head of global demand and Asia analytics discuss with Sambit Mohanty, Asia energy editor the potential top themes for Asian oil markets in the second half of 2022. Subscribe to Platts Dimensions Pro for access to assessments and premium content covering Platts Jet Kero FOB Spore Cargo (PJABF00), Platts Gasoline Unl 92 FOB Spore Cargo (PGAEY00), Platts Gasoil FOB Spore Cargo (POABC00) and much more.

Jul 28, 202219 min

Can Europe avert an energy crisis?

In Europe, with a hot summer ongoing and a cold winter expected, re-establishing secure sources of energy in light of Russia's war in Ukraine is a top priority. S&P Global Commodity Insights reporters Shivani Pandya and Sasha Foss speak with crude oil director Joel Hanley about plans to address the crunch in European natural gas supply, and how a return to oil-fired power generation is not as simple as some might suggest. Subscribe to Platts Dimensions Pro for access to assessments and premium content covering the front-month TTF natural gas benchmark (GTFTM01), European fuel oil (AAYWT00), and much more.

Jul 20, 202212 min

Reflecting Midland: Discussing SPGCI's evolving Dated Brent complex

S&P Global Commodity Insights recently made the decision to reflect WTI Midland barrels in the daily Platts Dated Brent global crude benchmark. See the note here. Americas crude oil managing editor Laura Huchzermeyer speaks with Emma Kettley, global lead of the Brent complex, and Kristian Tialios, US Gulf Coast crude specialist, about what the market can expect from the inclusion of one of the top-produced US crude grades into the world's most influential crude pricing benchmarks. Subscribe to Platts Dimensions Pro for access to assessments and premium content covering Dated Brent (PCAAS00), WTI Midland (AAYBA00), and much more.

Jul 14, 202213 min

Russia's fuel riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma

Russia has long supplied European and US markets with fuel oil. In light of the war in Ukraine, where is this fuel going and how can the usual buyers make up the shortfall? S&P Global Commodity Insights reporters David Petutschnig and Chloe Davies discuss with Joel Hanley how the dynamics of high sulfur fuel oil and vacuum gasoil are changing fast. Access our special report Inside Fujairah: http://plts.co/ngU530snBMP

Jul 7, 202214 min

Asia gasoil, jet/kerosene and gasoline cracks may stay elevated on limited exports from China

Demand for transportation fuels has been picking up in Asia, as higher vaccination rates and improved mobility push regional economies to open up to near pre-pandemic levels. Global oil supplies, however, are not keeping pace with this recovering demand. China's move to inject more fuel supplies into the Asian market by way of a supplementary second round of oil products export quotas in early June is unlikely to help improve regional demand-supply balances. Moreover, China's oil product exports in 2022 are likely to fall from 2021 levels as Beijing aims to minimize outflows to meet its net-zero target. Refining margins for clean transportation fuels like gasoil, jet/kerosene and gasoline skyrocketed to historical highs earlier this month. Even as cracks have inched lower since, expectations are these valuations will stay elevated in the foreseeable future. In this podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights' Rajesh Nair, Su Yeen Cheong, Oceana Zhou and Zhuwei Wang shed light on the current situation and discuss the scenarios that are likely to play out in the Asian clean fuels markets in the near to medium term.

Jun 30, 202222 min

How is Europe replacing Russian crude and why have Urals exports increased?

In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, senior editor Emma Kettley and associate editor David Lewis discuss with Paul Hickin the recent changes in crude flows and how Russian crude finds its way in new markets. Our experts explain the changing trade patterns in Europe where participants shun Russian barrels, which surprisingly didn't prevent Urals exports to reach three-year highs in May. Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Jun 23, 202212 min

Premium gasoline comes at a cost

In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, light ends pricing editors Sarah Hernandez and Jordan Daniel and Americas clean products manager Matthew Kohlman discuss the record-high gasoline prices that are impacting drivers across the US. They discuss historically low inventories, how a shortage of octanes is driving up prices for premium grades, what the outlook is for gasoline demand, and prices through the rest of the summer. This Oil Markets podcast was produced by Jennifer Pedrick in Houston.

Jun 16, 202211 min

How is the Russia-Ukraine war impacting fuel oil markets?

In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, associate editors Stepan Lavrouk, Lawrence Toye and Kelly Norways discuss with John Morley the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the fuel oil and bunker markets. Our experts explore the tightness in the VLSFO market and the way refineries and buyers are adapting to the new market fundamentals, where many companies avoid Russian product while others benefit from discounted prices. Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

May 30, 202221 min

Asian gasoil, gasoline cracks at record highs in May: Can margins climb higher?

Asian gasoil and gasoline cracks have surged in May, amid the war between Russia and Ukraine that started in late February. Asian refineries are looking to raise run rates or delay their planned maintenance this spring to meet the demand. In this podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts—Jonathan Nonis, Reetika Porwal and Joshua Ong from the Platts pricing team and JY Lim, advisor for Asia-Pacific oil markets -- discuss the contributing factors and the future trajectory of the markets.

May 26, 202211 min

Up, up, up: US upstream producers and refiners are highly optimistic after Q1

The recent round of Q1 earnings calls for US refiners and upstream producers were almost unanimously upbeat. Crude prices of $100+/b oil and unusually high natural gas prices, coupled with changing oil flows from the war in Ukraine, have sparked buoyant US diesel demand while the need for energy security has led to a climbing rig count in both the domestic shale patch and more offshore projects. Americas oil news director Jeff Mower sits down with senior downstream editor Janet McGurty and senior upstream editor Starr Spencer to discuss recent trends and future outlooks for US producers and refiners. This Oil Markets podcast was produced by Jennifer Pedrick in Houston.

May 19, 202216 min

The evolution of HSFO markets and USGC 0.5%S blending and trading

In the background of the pandemic, IMO 2020 was reshaping the landscape of traditional marine fuels. Now, more than two years since the pandemic began, the US Gulf Coast 0.5%S market has established new standards for supplying this fuel. It came with unique blending challenges. The USGC HSFO market has also taken on a new life as a secondary option as a marine fuel. In this Oil Markets podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights' Beth Brown and Patrick Burns discuss the recent decision to eliminate hand blends from trades reported in the Platts Market on Close assessment process in the US and how trading in these markets has evolved. This Oil Markets podcast was produced by Jennifer Pedrick in Houston.

May 12, 202216 min

With the mogas-naphtha spread at a record high, what's next for Europe's gasoline blenders?

From the maximization of middle distillates yields by refiners to the impact of Chinese lockdowns on the Asia petrochemical sector, our editors explore the implication for European gasoline's blending margins. In this episode of the Oil Markets podcast, EMEA refined products associate editorial director Francesco Di Salvo speaks with gasoline editor Lucy Brown and naphtha editor Vinicius Maffei about the reasons for the record spread between gasoline and naphtha in Northwest Europe, a key measure of blending economics. This Oil Markets podcast was produced by Jennifer Pedrick in Houston.

May 5, 202211 min

Asia fuel oil market outlook may hinge on severity of China oil demand loss

The global fuel oil supply chain has in the recent past been impacted by tight product availability due to the war in Ukraine and the subsequent restrictions on Russian oil purchases. The Asian fuel oil market, which accounts for roughly half of the global marine fuel demand, has been severely stretched too. One of the most harrowing incidents of fuel contamination in recent history at the world's largest bunkering hub Singapore has only exacerbated the tight supply situation. Not surprisingly then, the Asian fuel oil market participants have been closely monitoring the evolving demand-supply dynamic in China, a major producer-supplier of marine fuel. They are tracking not only the impact from oil demand loss, but also, how it may potentially sway the government's decision on the timing and quantum of the second round of fuel oil export quota. In this podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights' Rajesh Nair, Atsuko Kawasaki and Zhuwei Wang discuss the various scenarios that are likely to play out and its impact on the Asian fuel oil market.

Apr 28, 202222 min

How has the Russia-Ukraine war impacted diesel and gasoil markets?

What exactly defines the origin of an oil product? How is self-sanctioning affecting Russian diesel and gasoil exports? And how is Russian-origin diesel being treated in the spot market? In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, Richard Swann, S&P Global Commodity Insights' Director for clean refined products, discusses with Francesco Di Salvo, Associate Editorial Director for European refined products, the question of origin of diesel imported into Europe and the different approaches taken by oil majors and trading companies to handle Russian-origin oil products. Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Apr 21, 202212 min

Heavy hunting: The search for alternative heavy sour crudes in the global market

In the ever-evolving crude market, the dearth of crude from Iran, Venezuela and, most recently, Russia, has led Asian refiners to buy up tight supplies of heavy Latin grades as a replacement. Buying interest for these grades from Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador has been reported in recent months, but availability is limited and a surge in supply from the US could send the market spinning yet again. Americas crude manager Laura Huchzermeyer leads the discussion with Maria Eugenia Garcia, senior editor for Latin American crude, Pankaj Rao, editor for Asian and Middle East crude markets, and Dania el Saadi, senior editor of Middle East News.

Apr 14, 202210 min

Are high prices and strong structure here to stay for light sweet crude, or have OPEC+ and the US relieved the tension?

In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights editors Paul Hickin, Emma Kettley, and Sam Angell discuss with Joel Hanley the possible return of balance in the oil markets. The fear factor of the Ukrainian war has created high prices and volatility, but are they waning now that renewed supply is entering the market? Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Apr 7, 202214 min

Resurgence of COVID-19 threatens oil demand revival in Asia

Asia's sustained oil demand revival over the last few months may face a fresh setback following COVID-19 outbreaks in China and other countries in the region. While sharp pull back in consumption appears remote at this stage, markets are keenly watching if Asia's top oil consuming nations resort to more lockdowns to stem the spread of the pandemic. In this podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights' Sambit Mohanty, Jonathan Nonis and J.Y. Lim discuss the possibility of another round of oil products demand destruction, Asia's crude buying strategy amid fears of a demand slowdown, and the impact on trade flows. Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Mar 31, 202212 min

Americas shipping, bunkers hit rough waters on crude volatility

As global oil markets continue to react in real time to the ongoing conflict in Europe, downstream sectors and interconnected industries are also beginning to see marked impacts on trade flows, fundamentals and most notably spot pricing. Long a key refining and import/export hub for the Western Hemisphere, the US Gulf Coast has seen swift reactions from logistics operations and energy majors as the region deals with a lack of Russian imports amid sanctions. Americas shipping manager Barbara Troner and dirty products manager Patrick Burns speak with clean tanker editor Eugenia Romero and US bunkers editor Phillipe Craig to break down how spot pricing for freight rates and marine fuels has reacted, and what those key segments can expect going forward.

Mar 24, 202221 min

Fuelling the Russian shortfall

Europe's high sulfur fuel oil requirements largely depend on exports from Russia. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights reporters Stepan Lavrouk, Mary tiernan and David Petutschnig discuss with Joel Hanley the impact of the war in Ukraine on not just fuel oil, but also bunker fuel and vacuum gasoil. Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Mar 17, 202219 min

Russia-Ukraine conflict pushes European commodities to new highs

Oil markets – and others – are seeing record prices and intense volatility as Russia's invasion of its neighbor continues. S&P Global Commodity Insights reporters Rosemary Griffin, Elza Turner, and Rowan Staden-Coats discuss with Joel Hanley what the war in Ukraine means for prices, trade flows, and the refineries of Europe. Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Mar 10, 202218 min

Russia-Ukraine conflict aggravates oil supply worries for Asian buyers

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has stalled oil supplies to refiners in Asia as buyers remain wary of the fallout of the widespread sanctions imposed on Moscow. Though demand for oil and products continues to grow in the region, buyers are left grappling with stunted supplies and rising crude prices. In this podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights' Ada Taib, Pankaj Rao, Fred Wang and Vickey Du talk about the impact of the conflict on the Dubai pricing benchmark, Russian Far East crude differentials and the buying patterns of Asian refiners. They also delve into the surge in shipping freight costs and how the potential return of Iranian crude could impact oil supplies. Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Mar 3, 202215 min

$100/b oil - Implications for Asia, the world and energy transition

When the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic decimated global oil demand and pulled down prices to their lows in 2020, not many would have believed that just two years down the road, crude oil would be again climbing to $100 a barrel. In a wide-ranging discussion with Sambit Mohanty, Asia Energy Editor at S&P Global Platts, Jim Rogers, Chairman of Beeland Interests, Inc., Rosemary Griffin, Managing Editor for Russia at Platts, and Kang Wu, Head of Global Demand and Asia Analytics at Platts, share their insights on the resiliency of Asian oil demand recovery, the risk to prices and trade flows from Russia-Ukraine tensions, the potential return of Iranian oil, as well as the implications of surging oil prices on energy transition efforts. Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Feb 23, 202219 min

Crude oil markets soar while Russian sellers count the cost

Europe's sweet/sour crude price spread has widened on strong distillate demand and caution over Russian barrels. Platts reporters Emma Kettley and Iain Stevenson give an update on the soaring strength in light, sweet crude. Also, Jonty Rushforth and Joel Hanley discuss the Feb 14 launch of Platts proposed next steps for the Brent benchmark, like the inclusion of US WTI Midland crude. Subscriber note: Platts proposes to reflect WTI Midland in Dated Brent, Cash BFOE from June 2023, keeps Brent assessments on an FOB basis Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Feb 17, 202221 min

US octanes see bearish expectations on premium grade blending

While not always at the forefront of the market, low RVP, high octane blendstocks such as alkylate and reformate are necessary blending components which can drive price movements and influence supply and demand dynamics - particularly ahead of the summer specs transition. Shea McCord, Sarah Hernandez, and Anna Trier of the US Light Ends team sit down to discuss recent supply dynamics in the US octanes markets, and the impact those dynamics could have on building summer inventories and premium grades blending. Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Feb 10, 202212 min

How would sanctions against Russia impact European oil markets?

While diplomatic talks between the US and Russia continue, questions are raised about what consequences, if any, would new economic sanctions have on Russia's ample exports of crude oil and diesel to Europe. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Platts editors Rowan Staden-Coats and David Lewis discuss with Rosemary Griffin and Francesco Di Salvo the state of play between Russia and the West and how big of a supply shock could sanctions cause to the international oil markets.

Feb 3, 202215 min

The good, bad and the ugly for Asian oil markets in 2022

There is growing optimism that 2022 will turn out to be the strongest year for Asian oil demand since the outbreak of COVID-19 more than two years ago. With consumption patterns looking increasingly resilient in top consumers China and India, demand may finally be on a sustained upward trend after a long period of uneven growth. But the market will be looking for answers to some key questions. Will Asia's oil demand in 2022 rise above 2019 level despite the emergence of omicron? Can high oil prices create hurdles for demand recovery? And finally, what's in store for oil as Asia speeds up efforts to embrace the energy transition process? In a wide-ranging discussion with S&P Global Platts Asia Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty, Global Head of Oil Markets Vera Blei and Asia Head of Content Calvin Lee share their insights on some of the top themes for Asian oil markets in 2022.

Jan 27, 202222 min

Jet fuel values buck falling passenger trend

Despite falling passenger numbers, airlines are facing soaring fuel bills. S&P Global Platts reporters Virginie Malicier and Lawrence Toye discuss with Joel Hanley what's behind the supply/demand imbalance that's pushing jet fuel prices to fresh highs.

Jan 20, 202210 min

US crude oil exports here to stay as world demand continues to recover in 2022

Looking ahead into 2022, US crude oil export flows will continue to recover and grow as demand and prices surge, but will we see export volumes return to the record levels we were seeing a couple of years ago? S&P Global Platts US crude managing editor Laura Huchzermeyer, US Gulf Coast crude reporter Kristian Tialios, and Platts Analytics' North American oil analyst Lisa Orme discuss market trends impacting the waterborne crude oil market on the US Gulf Coast, along with the forecast for volumes in 2022.

Jan 13, 202211 min

Oil Markets in 2021: a very fragile recovery

As the world has slowly emerged from a lockdown-ridden 2020, the oil markets have had to adjust. Platts reporters from around the world discuss the fundamental highlights of the year, and take a look at what 2022 might bring. Based in Asia, the Americas, and Europe respectively, Sambit Mohanty, Richard Swann, and Joel Hanley bring insight from their regions and look at the big issues driving markets today and tomorrow.

Dec 16, 202128 min

As the SAF market expands, policy support is needed

Sustainable aviation fuel is gaining popularity among renewable fuel manufacturers. The SAF market is poised for rapid growth in the coming years as global and regional emissions programs look to decarbonize the carbon-intensive aviation sector. SAF is becoming an important initiative in many renewable diesel projects, in part of manufacturers' efforts to gain policy support, like the tax credit in the Biden administration's Build Back Better Act. However, the market faces additional hurdles like competition for feedstocks and high production costs. Senior oil writer Janet McGurty and Americas biofuels manager Josh Pedrick talk through the emerging trends in SAF and some of the challenges facing the market.

Dec 9, 202115 min

Omicron's Black Friday injects new fragility

Oil markets crashed on the emergence of the omicron variant of COVID-19, leaving market jitters and increased volatility. S&P Global Platts reporters Nick Baldwin and Virginie Malicier discuss with Joel Hanley the reaction and prospects in crude oil and jet fuel, two of the most pandemic-sensitive markets in the oil world.

Dec 1, 202111 min

Asian jet fuel market takes off after a long hiatus; airlines eye sustainable fuels

The Asian jet fuel market is finally witnessing renewed interest after COVID-19 unleashed an unprecedented crisis in the aviation industry. Heightened vaccination rates in many Asian countries, relaxation of zero-COVID tolerance policies by many countries, and the introduction of vaccinated travel lanes by various nations has boosted jet fuel prospects. The optimism around air travel bodes well for jet fuel demand and prices. Yet, the threat of the pandemic still lingers. With aviation's environmental impact also in focus, many Asian airlines are forging ahead with the use of sustainable aviation fuel. In a discussion with S&P Global Platts Senior Editor for Petroleum News Surabhi Sahu, Head of global demand and Asia analytics Dr Kang Wu and Associate Editor Oil markets Amy Tan share their insights into what the future holds for the jet fuel market and the feasibility of the widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuels.

Nov 25, 202121 min

European road fuel market dynamics under a heavy oil complex backwardation

The strong backwardation in diesel and gasoline forward pricing is reflective of a tight fundamental picture for road fuels in Europe as demand steadily rises and refineries grapple with high crude feedstock and running costs as natural gas prices soar, curtailing supply. Amid this market tightness, inventories continue to draw as the opportunity cost of storage rises, reducing supply buffers. At the same time, refiner hedging is exacerbating the strength in calendar time spreads. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Platts Global editors Rowan Staden-Coats and Lucy Brown discuss with Joel Hanley backwardation and what it means for road fuel markets in Europe.

Nov 18, 202113 min

Colonial Pipeline allocations return on higher demand, lower imports

Demand to ship gasoline on Colonial Pipeline has outpaced available space since October, a first in 19 months. The Atlantic Coast has seen higher demand, and imports are low. The spread between offline gasoline prices at the end of Line 1 in Greensboro, North Carolina, and prices at the origin in Houston, Texas, have reached their widest seasonal level in the last three years. In the meantime, Gulf Coast shippers are paying a premium to ship their barrels as soon as possible. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Platts gasoline editors Anna Trier and Sarah Hernandez discuss why this is happening and what the impact is on gasoline prices in the Gulf and Atlantic Coast regions.

Nov 11, 20219 min

Brent's role in key international spreads reveals regional and quality dislocations

The continued strength in the Brent complex as a whole, demonstrated by the Dated Brent benchmark breaching the $85/b threshold in late October, masks the differing supply and demand dynamics for both sweet and sour grades in Europe, arguably low global stock levels, selective refinery demand and declining official selling prices or OSPs by National Oil Companies. With OPEC+ set to meet on Nov. 4, how will these producers react to a mixed physical picture amid diplomatic pressure to pump more? In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Platts Global Brent lead Emma Kettley and Head of Oil News in London Paul Hickin discuss with Joel Hanley the most recent trends in the North Sea crude complex and its effect on important regional crude spreads ahead of the key OPEC+ meeting.

Nov 3, 202114 min

Asian crude importers dip into strategic reserves as oil prices bite

In a shift of strategy to battle surging oil prices, Asia's leading oil consumers India and China have started selling crude oil from their strategic reserves for the first time ever, a sign that import-dependent countries in the region are opening up to the idea of using oil reserves not only at times of geopolitical uncertainty and supply risk, but also as a cushion to ward off financial risk. Beijing held its first state auctions in September, while Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves has also started selling crude oil to state refiners. In a wide-ranging discussion with S&P Global Platts Asia Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty, Asia Head of Content Calvin Lee, and Platts Analytics Chief Geopolitical Advisor Paul Sheldon share their insights on how Asian oil importers are working towards balancing rewards with risk, as well as the implications of those decisions on global oil markets.

Oct 28, 202123 min

High energy prices add to tightness in the European middle distillates complex

High natural gas prices are leading to both a tighter European supply of middle distillates and greater global gasoil demand, while the diesel cargo market was supported by higher demand into Germany and an open arbitrage to the US. In the meantime, jet fuel demand is slowly recovering, the paper market is flying amid bullish market sentiment with aviation fuel consumption expected to pick up from November when the US lifts its travel ban. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Platts associate editors Virginie Malicier and Gary Clark discuss with Francesco Di Salvo the most recent trends in European diesel, heating and jet fuel markets.

Oct 21, 202111 min

How have panic buying and the E10 launch impacted UK gasoline and diesel?

Car tanks may be running empty in the UK after panic buying at the pumps amid a lack of lorry drivers to bring supply from refineries and oil terminals to the retail stations, but what impact if any does this have on the broader gasoline and diesel markets? And what are the consequences of the replacement of E5 gasoline pumps by E10 pumps in the country? In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Platts associate editors Rowan Staden-Coats and Joseph McDonnell discuss with Joel Hanley the most recent trends in the overall well-supplied UK gasoline and diesel markets.

Oct 7, 202112 min

APPEC shines spotlight on Asia's energy future and surging oil, gas prices

The dramatic revival of oil and gas prices, the future of fossil fuels in a changing energy landscape, and the role energy will play in the recovery path from the pandemic were some of the main themes at the 37th Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference -- or APPEC 2021 -- organized by S&P Global Platts. In a wide-ranging discussion with Asia Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty, Global Head of Pricing and Market Insight Dave Ernsberger and Head of Global Demand and Asia Analytics Dr. Kang Wu share their views on the changing narrative for the oil market, the impact of energy transition on Asia's energy basket, the future of refining, and the road to demand and price recovery. Access our latest special report: Igniting the spark of energy transition

Oct 4, 202121 min

How are rising prices and new green regulation impacting heating oil demand?

Just as the summer finally comes to an end and mornings become chilly, we would be expecting demand for heating oil to ramp up in Europe, as no boom has been reported yet. Furthermore, new environmental regulation will be applied in many European countries in 2022, which could lead to some changes in buying patterns. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Platts associate editor Lawrence Toye and senior editor Virginie Malicier discuss with Gary Clark how higher flat prices and upcoming tax change are impacting current demand for 50ppm, 0.1% gasoil and kerosene. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global associate editor Lawrence Toye and senior editor Virginie Malicier discuss with Gary Clark how higher flat prices and upcoming tax change are impacting current demand for 50ppm, 0.1% gasoil and kerosene.

Sep 23, 202113 min

Will the delta variant prevent a rebound in oil demand this year?

The IEA may have revised down their oil demand estimates for the third quarter of this year, but looking further ahead both OPEC and IEA expect demand to bounce back despite fear of potential new lockdowns and new variants. As for Brent crude, the current pressure on prices could soon cease amid a strong improvement in refinery margins. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global senior editors Robert Perkins and Emma Kettley discuss with Eklavya Gupte what is currently holding back Brent prices and when is global oil demand expected to recover.

Sep 16, 202113 min

Spike in scrubbers, power demand keeps HSFO afloat despite drive for cleaner fuels

Scrubber's uptick in the marine sector amid a favorable Hi-5 spread along with demand for high sulfur fuel oil for power consumption in Asia is helping HSFO retain its sheen. In Singapore, the world's largest bunkering port, January-July HSFO sales jumped 33.7% on the year, while many other ports in Asia such as India and Sri Lanka are seeing a marked rise in HSFO inquiries. In the power sector, high global gas and LNG prices have incentivized switching of gas to oil, where applicable. S&P Global Platts' Dr. Kang Wu, head of global demand and Asia Analytics, and Rajesh Nair, managing editor for Asia residual fuels, discuss high sulfur fuels oils and their evolving role in the market with Surabhi Sahu, senior editor for petroleum news.

Sep 9, 202118 min

Destruction, power outages caused by Ida disrupt oil market

It's been quite the week in energy markets, as Hurricane Ida hit the Louisiana coast, causing damage, power outages and destruction to the regular supply of oil and other projects in and around the region. The US Gulf Coast is built to deal with hurricanes like this, but each storm is unique, and what is impacted for how long disruptions persist factor into how the oil industry reacts. S&P Global Platts editors discuss storm damage, power outages and disruptions and how oil prices have reacted in the days following the storm.

Sep 2, 20219 min

Can rising fuel prices derail Asia's oil demand recovery, economic growth?

Asia is witnessing signs of rising mobility, improving the demand outlook for transportation fuels. It has also raised hopes for a sustained oil products demand revival in the region after a long period of weak consumption growth. S&P Global Platts Senior Asia Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty, Global Director for Oil Products Richard Swann, Associate Editorial Director for Refined Products Jonathan Nonis, and S&P Global Ratings Asia-Pacific Economist Vishrut Rana examine whether the resurgence of COVID-19 in Southeast and Northeast Asia and rising oil prices could act as hurdles and derail the fragile oil demand revival and economic recovery in the region. Related event: APPEC 2021

Aug 26, 202124 min

What's happening to the supply and demand balance for road fuels in Europe?

All eyes are on supply in European diesel markets, where demand has remained relatively stable at almost back to pre-pandemic levels, but due to the spread of the Delta variant in Asia more cargoes are making their way to Europe and elsewhere. In both the diesel and gasoline Mediterranean markets, prices are strong due to good demand and some supply tightness, while the gasoline Europe to US arbitrage has been firmly open during the summer driving season. In this episode of the Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Platts diesel reporter Rowan Staden-Coats and gasoline reporter Joseph McDonnell discuss with Gary Clark the latest dynamics in the European road fuel markets and how they are being impacted by other regions of the world.

Aug 19, 202115 min