Oil Markets

The proposed 2025 Section 301 actions by the US Trade Representative (USTR) against China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors could reshape merchant shipping trade. These historic measures include significant port fees and operational restrictions based on vessel ownership and cargo type. This unprecedented approach not only targets Chinese interests but also influences global shipping flows. Pradeep Rajan, associate editorial director for Asia freight markets at S&P Global Commodity Insights, discusses the implications of these proposals on the shipping sector and tanker rates with Sameer Mohindru, lead specialist for price reporting in Asia shipping & freight, and Fotios Katsoulas, director of tanker freight and alternative fuels.

In this episode of the Oil Markets podcast, host Joel Hanley is joined by front-line North Sea reporters Natasha Tan and Joey Daly to mark the second anniversary of US crude WTI Midland's inclusion in the Dated Brent benchmark and the current dynamics underpinning the North Sea markets. How has the addition of WTI Midland improved the robustness of the benchmark amid shifting dynamics in the Atlantic basin, and what are the latest developments between the regional North Sea grades and their American counterpart?

In this discussion, Felipe Perez, the Head of Latin America Fuels & Refining Research at S&P Global Commodity Insights, sheds light on Guyana's burgeoning oil industry. He explains how the new Yellowtail development will introduce 250,000 b/d of light sweet crude, positioning it as a competitor to US and Argentine exports. The conversation dives into the implications of current oil prices on Guyana's market entry and examines potential buyers for this emerging crude, along with the broader impacts on global refinery operations and US production trends.

The podcast delves into the impact of recent tariffs on oil markets, particularly focusing on naphtha and LPG. Experts discuss how these tariffs have caused price drops and influenced demand within the petrochemical sector. The conversation highlights the competitive dynamics of propane and naphtha as producers adapt to economic pressures. Additionally, it tackles the challenges facing the European petrochemical market amid uncertainties and adjusting operational strategies in a shifting global landscape.

The sweeping reciprocal tariffs announced by the United States in early April, followed by China's retaliatory levies on US imports, along with OPEC+'s decision to significantly increase output in May, have driven Platts Dated Brent to its lowest level since April 2021. As one of the largest oil-importing regions, Asia is poised to face substantial implications from these developments. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets Podcast, Asia Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty discusses key themes that are likely to keep Asian oil markets on edge in the foreseeable future with Calvin Lee, head of Asia content, and Premasish Das, executive director at S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Following the swathe of protectionist tariff measures announced by US President Donald Trump April 2nd, the crude oil complex was sent into a frenzy, with market outlook rapidly souring. But interesting patterns in both the paper and physical markets have been materializing. In this episode of the Oil Markets podcast, Joey Daly leads an in-depth discussion with market experts David Neef and Joseph Jaffe to discuss the reaction of both the paper and physical markets in the middle distillates and fuel oil segments. While the crude oil market's negative reaction has captured immediate attention, what can these other segments reveal about the deeper impact of tariff conflicts?

“O Petróleo é Nosso,” or “The Oil is Ours,” was a popular slogan central to the founding of Brazil’s state-owned oil company, Petrobras, in 1953. The slogan can also be interpreted more broadly, as Brazil’s refined products markets have opened to more participants, leading to a surge in spot market activity and price transparency. As a result, Platts has launched new price assessments for Brazilian gasoline and diesel. How did those spot markets evolve? Why is the Northeast so reliant on imports? How are renewable fuels playing out in gasoline and diesel? Jeff Mower discusses these topics and more with Renato Rostas, manager of the Platts Brazil refined products team, and Brazil gasoline and diesel price reporters Isabela Rocha and Kauanna Navarro. Links: Gasoline FCA Suape BRL/CBM GASCA00 Gasoline FCA Itaqui BRL/CBM GASCC00 ULSD S10 FCA Paulinia BRL/CBM ULFCI00 ULSD S10 FCA Araucaria BRL/CBM ULFCK00

With the May 1st deadline for Mediterranean Emissions Control Area fast approaching, marine fuel suppliers and shipowners are bracing for impact. In this episode of the Oil Markets podcast, Rowan Staden-Coats is joined by Jan Kedzior and Tommy Petrou to discuss the different fuel options vessels have to comply with the upcoming sulfur emission regulations. What opportunity does this pose for compliant fuels like DMA marine gasoil and 0.1% ULSFO, and how will the demand for conventional fuel oil grades be impacted?   Related stories: VLSFO cracks tumble to multi-month lows amid Med ECA zone shakeup Mediterranean Hi-5 spreads narrow to near four-month lows on thin VLSFO demand Tight supply pushes high-sulfur gasoil above ULSD in NWE European 0.1%S gasoil tightens on Med demand, limited prompt NWE supply Assessments: 0.1% CIF Med gasoil - AAVJJ00 CIF Mediterranean Marine Fuel 0.5% Cargo - MFCMM00 FO 3.5%S CIF Med Cargo - PUAAY00  

Russia's temporary halt on attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure has raised hopes of the two countries eventually moving towards a peace deal, followed by the potential lifting of sanctions. This has also prompted a debate on whether any normalization of Russian oil flows could lead to an immediate reduction in flows from Russia to Asia—mainly India and China. O oil diplomacy will be at play and Russia will do all it can to ensure that it keeps its two top buyers on its side to ensure rock-steady outlets for its oil in the future? In this episode of Platts Oil Markets Podcast, Asia energy editor Sambit Mohanty discusses with Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, former chairman of Indian Oil Corp., and Kang Wu, head of global macro and oil demand research at S&P Global Commodity Insights some of the key market developments that could influence oil trade flows to Asia.

The Mediterranean gasoil market is undergoing significant changes as new Emission Control Zones come into effect, drastically altering sulfur limits for marine fuels. In this episode of the Oil Markets podcast, our experts explore the evolving role of gasoil, an important middle distillate that is often overshadowed by diesel and jet fuel. Host Joel Hanley is joined by Virginie Malicier, manager of middle distillate pricing, and Jan Kedzior, gasoil price reporter, to discuss the impact of reduced Russian supply, the growing importance of North African countries in the market, and the competitive dynamics between gasoil and diesel. Links: 0.1% CIF Med gasoil - AAVJJ00 FOB West Africa 50ppm diesel/gasoil - AWFRA00 ULSD 10ppm CIF Med - AAWYZ00 FIRST TAKE WhatsApp Channel