Oil Markets

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.

Robert Perkins, a diesel flow expert, Nadia Bliznikova, a crack spreads specialist, and Rebeka Foley, an analyst on Atlantic economic conditions, dive into intriguing shifts in the diesel market. They discuss how US exports to Europe are soaring while Middle Eastern flows decline due to evolving demand. The trio highlights how geopolitical factors, changing consumer preferences, and macroeconomic influences are reshaping the diesel supply chain. They also touch on the implications of an impending US election on fuel pricing and demand.

Exploring the shift in India's oil imports towards Russian crude and its impact on traditional Middle Eastern suppliers. Analysis of market dynamics, OPEC agreements, compliance issues, and potential scenarios. Discussion on Middle Eastern exporters' strategies and OPEC production cuts.

The Dangote refinery in Nigeria is set to shake up global trade flows with its quest for crude sources beyond its borders. As it ramps up production, the podcast discusses the impacts on gasoline distribution in West Africa. It highlights the decline of crude imports in Nigeria and the logistical challenges within refinery operations. The conversation also touches on the financial struggles of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and how these challenges may reshape the fuel market.

Summer flying season has taken over for summer driving season. Jet fuel prices and demand have surged to record levels in June and July, and US officials report record-high numbers of airline passengers. Gasoline and diesel demand have largely been in line with seasonal norms, but US West Coast prices and demand have been dinged by increased adoption of biofuels and electric cars. Richard Swann, global director for clean refined products, discusses summer demand and more with clean products associate editorial director Matthew Kohlman and Americas middle distillates manager Jordan Daniel.

S&P Global Commodity Insights' Francesco Di Salvo and editors discuss the impact of sanctions on Russian oil flows, including the rise in seaborne exports despite sanctions. Topics include changes in crude and product exports, price sentiment for Urals grade, and challenges faced by the G7 in controlling oil sales.