California gasoline prices are notoriously volatile, and state's lawmakers are taking notice. California's Senate is considering a bill proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom that would require state refiners to increase gasoline inventories and would also give the state additional control over refinery maintenance programs. How much does California's boutique blend play into the state's high gasoline prices? What is the plan for fuel storage in the state amid the energy transition? Will California become even more dependent on fuel imports as refining capacity continues to shrink?   Jeff Mower, director of Americas Oil news, discusses with refined products news editor Janet McGurty, refined products price editor Zoe Vastakis, and refining analyst Matthew Gordon.   Links: Los Angeles CARBOB vs NYMEX AANVX00 Chicago RBOB vs NYMEX AANY102 

Joey Daly, a reporter from Platts specializing in North Sea crude oil, shares insights into the current volatility of physical spot markets. He discusses the anticipated return of Libyan supply and its impact on the Mediterranean and West African markets. The conversation highlights how escalating tensions in the Middle East are affecting crude prices and draws attention to the challenges faced by the North Sea market due to weakening demand and increased competition. Traders and stakeholders are provided with key market dynamics to navigate this turbulent landscape.

Oil demand in India and China—the two Asian giants—was a key topic of discussion at the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference. China's oil demand going forward remains a significant concern for oil-producing nations as oil consumption from Asia’s largest economy is waning amid weaker-than-expected economic growth and ongoing property woes, a double whammy for diesel demand. Meanwhile, crude producers look to others, namely India to pick up the slack potentially.   In this podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights' Jonathan Nonis, associate editorial director is joined by Mriganka Jaipuriyar, head of news, APAC, and Pulkit Agarwal, head of India content to discuss the energy challenges in these two countries and their impact on oil markets for the rest of Asia. It also discusses the easing crude imports from China and its effects on the broader inter-Asia oil product market.

The impending closure of Grangemouth, one of the last six refineries in the UK, raises urgent questions about the future of Europe’s refining landscape as profitability declines. Our experts examine the challenges facing the European downstream sector, including evolving supply chains and the impact of energy transition trends. In this Oil Markets podcast episode, join host Herman Wang, Elza Turner and Kelly Norways as they discuss the potential for further refinery shutdowns and the critical shifts shaping oil markets across the continent. Links:Energy Security Sentinel™ ULSD 10ppmS FOB ARA Barge - AAJUS00 Gasoline Prem Unleaded 10ppmS FOB AR Barge - PGABM00 Dated Brent - PCAAS00 Petroineos to close Scotland's Grangemouth refinery Q2 2025 (subscriber content) Mediterranean refiners cut runs due to margin squeeze (subscriber content) REFINERY NEWS ROUNDUP: SAF in focus in Asia, Europe (subscriber content) REFINERY NEWS ROUNDUP: Maintenance, closures, incidents in Europe (subscriber content) REFINERY NEWS ROUNDUP: Maintenance picks up in Asia-Pacific (subscriber content)

Crude futures prices have tumbled recently in part as supply expectations are outweighing demand forecasts. On the supply side, non-OPEC crude production has been rising, driven largely by output gains in the US, Canada, Guyana and Brazil. On the demand side, slowing economic growth, notably in China, has reduced the expected need for crude, at least in the near term. What role is technology playing in the crude output gains? Are pipeline constraints around the corner? And how is an endangered whale species posing an obstacle to Gulf of Mexico output? Join Jeff Mower, director of Americas Oil News, as he discusses with Platts US crude market editor Laura Huchzermeyer, senior upstream editor Starr Spencer, and oil futures editor Chris van Moessner.

Charlie Mitchell, a seasoned reporter on oil market dynamics, joins Luke Stuart, who specializes in the geopolitical implications for oil production. They discuss Libya's ongoing political turmoil and its profound effects on the oil market, especially following the suspension of production. The conversation highlights historical production issues and explores current price volatility influenced by local conflicts. With Libya's key role in OPEC and its tenuous stability, the discussion provides crucial insights into how these factors are reshaping the global oil landscape.

Dave Ernsberger, the head of market reporting and trading solutions at S&P Global, joins Asian Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty for a deep dive into Asia's energy future. They discuss emerging trends in oil consumption, energy security, and the ambitious decarbonization strategies being adopted. Key topics include China's peak gasoline demand amid rising electric vehicles, India's growing oil market, and the evolving dynamics of OPEC's supply strategy. The conversation also touches on the complex interplay of geopolitical factors affecting the region's energy landscape.

Economic growth has slowed in China, cutting into US crude exports and softening spot price differentials for US Gulf Mars crude. The expected supply surplus stemming from reduced Chinese buying has also helped to cushion the bullish impacts of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, keeping oil futures in a well-worn range.    Jeff Mower speaks with US crude reporter Laura Huchzermeyer, crude analyst Ian Stewart and oil futures editor Chris van Moessner about the current arbitrage economics for US crude to Asia and Europe, as well as the timeline and indicators for Chinese demand recovery.

Nick Coleman from S&P Global Commodity Insights and Payam Hashempour, an oil supply expert, delve into OPEC+'s strategy amid changing demand. They discuss the nuances of OPEC's decision to reintroduce crude oil despite a dip in prices and softer projections for 2024. The duo highlights geopolitical factors disrupting oil markets, the challenges posed by oversupply, and the compliance issues within OPEC+ members. They also touch on how Asian demand for Iranian and Russian crude is reshaping global trade dynamics.

Nicolás Maduro, the current president of Venezuela, is embroiled in a fierce political battle that could determine the fate of the country’s oil industry. He discusses the struggles to maintain power amidst protests and gasoline shortages, while crude production remains steady. The conversation dives into how potential US sanctions could further cripple investment prospects and impact oil exports. Oil analysts Nick Blanco and Maria Jimenez Moya join to analyze the implications of this turmoil and the urgent need for political stability to revitalize Venezuela's energy sector.