Oil Markets
S&P Global Commodity Insights
S&P Global Commodity Insights analysis of key oil price movements across the globe.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 14, 2015 • 8min
Rising crude prices prompt fears of disconnect with physical market
Platts Robert Beaman, managing editor for EMEA crude oil, analyzes recent trends in Brent crude oil prices with North Sea crude editor Ned Molloy and futures specialist George Shaw. The team discusses a perceived disconnect between the rally in futures and the weak physical crude market, as...
May 8, 2015 • 7min
Jet fuel specification change a thorn in European traders' side
Platts Olivier Lejeune, managing editor for European and African middle distillates, and Philippe Casey, European jet fuel editor, discuss the recent change in the European jet fuel specification and the serious implications for oil traders and pipeline operators across the continent. We welcome...
Apr 29, 2015 • 6min
Russia refinery upgrades change face of European gasoil market
Platts Olivier Lejeune, managing editor, Europe and Africa middle distillates and Eline Potie, Europe and Africa gasoil editor, discuss the changing face of the European gasoil market after Russian refinery upgrade projects led to lower sulfur gasoil exports. We welcome any feedback or suggestions...
Apr 23, 2015 • 8min
Iran: What could its crude 'flood' look like?
In this podcast, Vandana Hari, Platts editorial director in Asia, and Pradeep Rajan, Platts senior managing editor for freight markets, assess the oil volumes stockpiled by Iran and how much of it could flood the global market, as well as how the insurance landscape could evolve once oil sanctions...
Apr 17, 2015 • 5min
Short-term resurgence of Northwest European LSFO barge demand
Platts Benno Spencer, senior managing editor, Europe and Africa Oil and Erduan Reid, Europe and Africa fuel oil editor, discuss the surprising resurgence in Northwest European low sulfur fuel oil barge demand seen in the first half of April. The discussion focuses on Vitol's recent buying spree in...
Apr 15, 2015 • 5min
Widening crude import rights in China: A game-changer for independent refiners?
China recently released criteria for refiners that do not have crude import quotas or licenses to start applying for new import quotas. Platts senior oil news writer Song Yen Ling explains this policy change, the current status of application for rights to import crude, and how it may affect the...
Apr 10, 2015 • 8min
Nigeria's oil industry at crucial juncture as new government takes over
On March 28-29, Nigeria elected Muhammadu Buhari as the country's new president, defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. Robert Beaman, Managing Editor for European and African crude oil, discusses the impact of the election on the oil industry and on the physical oil markets with editors Eklavya...
Apr 6, 2015 • 4min
Japan's gasoline margin improves to 4-year high, stable outlook ahead
Gasoline accounts for roughly 30% of Japan's domestic oil demand. Platts Asian oil news associate director Mriganka Jaipuriyar and senior editor Takeo Kumagai analyze Japan's improved refining margins, the changes that helped refiners in the fiscal year 2014-2015, and the industry's outlook for...
Apr 2, 2015 • 4min
Propane supply tight in Europe on lack of US exports
Sophie Byron, managing editor of Europe and Africa light ends, and Iain Stevenson, associate editor for LPG, analyze what is causing the tightness in propane supply in Europe, its impact on prices, and the steps being taken by the region's producers to meet their propane requirements. We welcome...
Mar 18, 2015 • 4min
European gasoline unseasonably firm following US strength
Sophie Byron, managing editor for European and African light ends, discusses with editor Virginie Malicier, the gasoline seasonality switch from winter to summer specification and blending demand; and analyze Where US gasoline strength after strike action, refinery issues and maintenance has...
