Global Oil Markets

The Memorial Day weekend in the US is often considered the kickoff to the summer driving season, a period of heightened gasoline demand where families take vacations and refiners profit on healthier margins. But how is the European supply and demand balance coping with changes in the global refining picture, as some European refineries shut down while production ramps up in Africa and further afield? Senior crude specialist Joey Daly speaks with European gasoline and WAF products specialist Matthew Tracey-Cook to discuss the current market dynamics in the Atlantic Basin and how they are affecting the European gasoline market.  The Refining Scenario Manager (RSM) allows for scenario modeling of any refinery globally, to optimize trading and operational decision-making.  Links: Platts Premium 10ppm FOB Rotterdam barges PGABM00 Platts Premium 10ppm FOB Mediterranean cargoes AAWZA00Platts Gasoline STS Lome ABNWG00 Gasoline exports to West Africa fall to 2-month low amid well supplied market (subscriber content)

Mexico is facing regional gasoline shortages as its refining system struggles to meet demand, deepening reliance on U.S. imports. With the Dos Bocas refinery not expected to reach full capacity until 2026, questions loom over the role of private importers in supplying the country with gasoline. In this episode of the Oil Markets podcast by S&P Global Commodity Insights, host Jeff Mower is joined by Sarah Hernandez and Sheky Espejo to break down the numbers, the policy shifts, and what's next for Mexico's fuel supply.

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?

Guyana's latest crude stream is due to reach the market in the third quarter, adding 250,000 b/d to the South American country's production capacity. Output has climbed rapidly since Guyana's Liza grade made its debut in late 2019. This time, however, the new Yellowtail development will be bringing more light sweet crude to the market, which will compete with exports from Argentina and the US. How can Guyana compete at current oil prices, with WTI currently trading below $60/b? What does Yellowtail mean for the US production outlook? Who are the likely buyers for this Guyanese crude? Join Jeff Mower, director of Americas Oil News, as he discusses these issues and more with Platts crude price editor Jada Johnson and Felipe Perez, S&P Global Commodity Insights head of Latin America Fuels & Refining Research and Strategy. Related links: ALIZA00 AUNIA00 AYARA00

When the US began announcing tariffs a month ago and China hit back with reciprocal tariffs, the whole oil market complex tumbled. Despite a relative recovery in line with crude oil four weeks later, the lighter end products of the barrel are still feeling the sting from an uncertain macroeconomic environment, as outlook in the global petrochemical industry flounders. With recession fears looming, what will a world of lower demand and tighter margins mean for the consumption of the two main petrochemical feedstocks, naphtha and LPG? In this episode of the Oil Markets podcast, Joel Hanley leads a discussion with market experts Dias Kazym and Barbara Fernandez-Pita to explore the short and long-term outlook of these two products. Related: MPGC

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

The tech industry came in hot at the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in 2025, and the conversation shifted from decarbonization and energy security in previous years to boosting the energy industry as a key piece of the AI race.  In this bonus episode, Commodity Insights co-president Dave Ernsberger joins Americas oil news director Jeff Mower to recap the key themes and developments from the conference, including the Trump administration's energy and geopolitical strategies, industry's outlook on investment and production, and the prevalence of decarbonization efforts. Read more of SPGCI's CERAWeek coverage Platts Connect

The beginning of spring marks the start of gasoline's seasonal transition from winter into summer specification but the market fundamentals remain under pressure on the prompt. Gary Clark is joined by Dias Kazym and Matthew Tracey-Cook to discuss how weak gasoline fundamentals extended to the European naphtha market, which also faces challenging petrochemical environment despite short-term supply volatility. Links: Join us on Platts Connect European naphtha backwardation at two-months low on weaker fundamentals (Subscriber content)

New US tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico are highlighting the dependence of US refiners and consumers on crude and refined products from both countries. Why is the US Atlantic Coast in particular exposed to the supply and price impacts of the tariffs? Who will eat the costs of tariffs on Canadian crude?  Jeff Mower speaks with senior refining editor Janet McGurty and crude price editor Jada Johnson to discuss what options US Gulf Coast refiners have in obtaining heavy crude barrels, considering the 25% tariff on Mexican oil and considering that imports from Venezuela are no longer stable. Links: Join us on Platts Connect Register for CERAWeek

India Energy Week brought together thought leaders, industry pioneers and curious minds from around the globe to discuss the future of energy in India and beyond. From shifting spotlight of oil producers towards India to the optimism around clean energy, such as hydrogen and biofuels, the event witnessed discussions and debates around India's current and future energy landscape. And a key question that was in focus was -- how will India strike a balance between the need for traditional fuels while embracing a new energy roadmap? In this episode of Platts Oil Markets Podcast, Sambit Mohanty, Asia Energy Editor is joined by Dan Pratt, Head of Upstream Solutions, and Pulkit Agarwal, Head of India Content to discuss the key themes that dominated the event.

In what was the first direct hit from drone attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium route since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, close to 1.5 million b/d of crude output from oil giant Kazakhstan has been brought into the spotlight. The development comes with an uptick in broader energy infrastructure attacks and against a backdrop of US and Russian talks over the war's near-term future. What impact does a damaged CPC pipeline have on crude oil markets in the Mediterranean and more frequent refinery attacks mean for products in the region? Joel Hanley is joined by Nick Coleman, Elza Turner, and Luke Stuart to discuss the latest in this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast. Links: CPC Blend CIF Augusta vs. BTC Dtd Strip - AAHPL00 Azeri Light CIF Augusta vs. BTC Dtd Strip - AAHPM00 Dated Brent - PCAAS00 Kazakhstan's CPC Blend pipeline throughput cut by drone strike - Read more (subscriber content) REFINERY NEWS: Russia's Syzran hit by drone strike, impact uncertain - Read more (subscriber content) Putin tells Kazakhstan's partners to help repair CPC pipeline after attack - Read more (subscriber content) Fujairah Bunkering & Fuel Oil Forum (FUJCON 2025) - More info

Since his return to the US presidency, Donald Trump has launched a maximum-pressure campaign on Iran in pursuit of a nuclear deal, in sharp contrast with a more diplomatic approach towards Venezuela. How will these geopolitical strategies affect oil exports, spot markets, and the role of players like China on the global stage?  Jeff Mower, Kate Winston, Chris van Moessner, and Pat Harrington unpack the latest moves from the Trump administration regarding Iran and Venezuela and what they mean for oil prices and the market landscape.  Links: Register for CERAWeek

India's rapidly growing energy demand, the shifting focus of oil producers towards the country, and the transition to cleaner energy sources are key themes at India Energy Week. Delegates will seek insights on how Indian energy companies and policymakers can balance the reliance on traditional fuels with a new energy roadmap. In a comprehensive discussion, Dave Ernsberger, Co-President at S&P Global Commodity Insights, Ranjit Rath, Chairman and Managing Director at Oil India Ltd, and Sambit Mohanty, Asia Energy Editor, will explore key market issues of interest to delegates. They will address India's evolving relationship with non-OPEC producers and outline the strategies India plans to implement in its upstream sector to attract global investors. This is a special bonus episode of Oil Markets, originally featured in the Commodities Focus series! Tune in!

A fast-paced beginning to the second Trump presidency has sent ripples across financial and commodities markets globally with tough talk on sanctions and tariffs, in particular. Joel Hanley is joined by Thomas Washington and Herman Wang to dissect the impact US policy is having on oil and shipping markets and what OPEC+ make of Trump 2.0.  Links: Register for London Energy Forum 2025 US tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico delayed by one month OPEC+ stays the course with output cuts, pushes for improved compliance (subscriber content) Dated Brent PCAAS00 Dubai Mo01 PCAAT00

The recent expansions of the US Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) vessel sanction list have sent shockwaves throughout the tankers and crude oil markets, raising questions about potential shifts in crude import strategies for China and India. Market participants are closely monitoring the extent to which Iranian and Russian crude exports may be disrupted, how major importers like China and India are adapting, and how sanctions may evolve under the new US administration. In this episode, Benjamin Tang, liquid bulk team lead at S&P Global Commodities at Sea, is joined by Yen Ling Song, associate director for S&P Global Commodities at Sea, and Sameer Mohindru, senior editor for shipping and freight at S&P Global Commodity Insights to discuss the implications of the latest US sanctions targeting Russia's oil tanker fleet and their far-reaching effects on global oil markets.

With European stockpiles of gasoline reaching uncharacteristically high levels in recent weeks, Joel Hanley is joined in this episode by Ernest Puey and Matthew Tracey-Cook. Together, they delve into the factors driving the incentive to store gasoline and explore the latest shifts in the product's flows across the Atlantic Basin. Links: Platts 10ppm Premium AR barges - PGABM00 Platts Eurobob FOB ARA barges - AAQZV00 Platts Eurobob AR FOB barge derivative time spread - GAMBM01 London Energy Forum: https://commodityinsights.spglobal.com/LondonEnergy-Forum.html ARA gasoline stocks at multi-year high; naphtha stocks rise 8.1%: Insights Global European gasoline exports shift as Nigerian imports hit record low: CAS US President Trump to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada starting Feb 1

US refiners have had a dramatic start to the new year, facing wintry blasts on the East Coast and devastating wildfires on the West Coast. Plummeting transportation fuel demand in Southern California, strong heating fuel demand in the Northeast, and cheap blending components in the Gulf Coast have created a balancing act for producers and shippers of gasoline and distillates -- and consumers pay the price. Jeff Mower discusses the weather events, seasonal supply and demand, price movements, and more with senior downstream editor Janet McGurty, Americas light ends manager Sarah Hernandez and Americas middle distillates manager Jordan Daniel.

High volumes of WTI Midland crude arrived in Europe in December, significantly impacting light sweet sentiment in both the North Sea and West African markets. As we enter the new year, a resurgence of demand from Asia is beginning to reshape the landscape. Joel Hanley is joined by Joey Daly and George Delaney to explore the effects of renewed Asian demand for Western barrels and reflect on a month of record-breaking activity in the Platts North Sea physical Market on Close assessment process. Links: Dated Brent - PCAAS00 Bonny Light FOB Nigeria London vs WAF Dtd Strip - AAGXL00 Girassol FOB Angola vs Angola Dtd Strip - AASJD00 WTI Midland CIF Rotterdam vs Fwd Dated Brent - WMCRB00 Boost in eastern demand supports North Sea, Angolan crude grade upticks (subscriber content) Midland volumes pressure European sweets in December (subscriber content) London Energy Forum: https://commodityinsights.spglobal.com/LondonEnergy-Forum.html

It's been quite the year for oil markets. In this special episode of the podcast, Joel Hanley, Jeff Mower, Sambit Mohanty and Richard Swann look back at 2024 and try to untangle the biggest themes, including slowing demand growth, the incoming Trump administration, and the formidable challenge for OPEC+ in its quest for market control. The panel also discusses trade flows, new crude supply, and how changes in China's economic fortunes could have a major impact going into 2025. Links: Shadow fleets: The covert armada defying oil sanctions

The Russian government's announcement of the partial resumption of gasoline exports by the country's refineries comes at a time when global oil product flows are constantly evolving. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, Francesco Di Salvo is joined by Elza Turner, Robert Perkins and Matthew Tracey-Cook to discuss the reasons behind Russia's decision and what it means for product trading patterns along the length of the oil barrel and across global markets. Links: 10ppm Premium FOB AR gasoline barges - PGABM00 FOB MED Premium gasoline cargoes - AAWZA00 Eurobob FOB ARA barges - AAQZV00 Russia lifts gasoline export ban for refineries - Subscriber content Russian refineries runs likely to suffer on poor margins - Subscriber content

China will slash its clean oil product export tax rebates from 13% to 9% starting December 1, which will likely dampen outflows from Asia's third-largest oil product exporter. While this move may be seen as China laying the groundwork for potential trade talks with the US, other factors, such as capacity rationalization and mounting government debt, could also be at play. In light of a potential US-China trade war, Commodity Insights' Asia oil news editor Neo Rong Wei, market specialist Oceana Zhou, and AltView's Grace Lee discuss in the latest episode of the Oil Markets podcast how this could bode well for Chinese oil demand, while exploring the wider implications these developments may have on regional crude and oil product markets in the year ahead. Related content:  AltView Short-Term Outlook Storyboard  Trump election neutral for Chinese oil demand as Beijing looks inward China's VAT rebate reduction to discourage clean oil product exports in 2025 

After several false starts in developing domestic refining capacity, the African continent is now home to one of the world's largest refineries. But while Nigeria's Dangote refinery was expected to meet domestic fuel demand, distribution costs and affordability issues have driven it to export markets.  With new projects soon to come on stream in Angola, Congo, Ghana and elsewhere, Francesco Di Salvo, Matthew Tracey-Cook and Kelly Norways discuss on the latest Oil Markets podcast episode the prospects for African refiners to meet the region's growing demand for oil, amid competitive start-ups in the Middle East and decarbonisation initiatives abroad. Links: Gasoline Prem Unleaded 10ppmS FOB AR Barge - PGABM00 Gasoline CIF West Africa Cargo $/mt - AGNWC00 Nigeria's Dangote refinery to export first gasoline as local market struggles (subscriber content) Africa's refining resurgence on course despite margin risk (subscriber content)

Much has been said about Donald Trump's ambitions in upstream oil sector, specifically his promise to unleash US oil producers and boost output. Conventional oil refiners, many of which have invested in renewables, are hopeful that Trump will reduce support for electric vehicles, propping up demand for conventional fuels. Biofuels producers are looking for Trump to maintain the tax incentives that have incentivized investments in the industry under Joe Biden's administration, and are hoping for an expansion of E15 blended gasoline. However, tariffs remain the wild card.    Jeff Mower discusses these developments with senior downstream editor Janet McGurty, policy editor Eamonn Brennan, and US biofuels and feedstocks price editor Guadalupe Nunez.

The election of Donald Trump for a second term as US president has brought significant attention to US energy policy. Meanwhile, OPEC+ announced on November 3 its decision to delay tapering production cuts of 2.2 million b/d from December to January, having previously postponed from October 2024. As markets absorb president-elect Trump's victory, Payam Hashempour and Charlie Mitchell join Joel Hanley to analyze OPEC+ policy amid and beyond this political shake-up affecting the cartel's major producer counterpart across the Atlantic. Related content: OPEC+ delays plan to ease crude oil output cuts by one month FIRST TAKE Whatsapp channel Track our US Elections coverage Price assesments:  Dated Brent Dubai Mo01 (NextGen MOC)

Crude production in the Permian Basin is growing, but pipeline capacity growth out of the West Texas/New Mexico play is lagging. With Permian crude output expected to reach roughly 7 million b/d by December 2025, some industry watchers are concerned that tight exit capacity could lead to wider crude price discounts for Midland WTI. Will the market see a repeat of August 2018, when the WTI Midland discount widened to $20/b because exit capacity fell short? Does US crude export growth present another potential bottleneck? And what does lower-than-expected US crude export demand mean for several planned terminal expansion on the US Gulf Coast? Jeff Mower, director of Americas oil news, discusses pipeline capacity, crude export demand, and more with senior upstream oil editor Starr Spencer and midstream oil editor Binish Azhar.

The footprint of US crude oil is rapidly expanding, intensifying competition with OPEC and non-OPEC supplies in key Asian markets. As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalate, how much US crude can fill potential supply gaps in Asia? Additionally, how could policies under a new US administration, whether led by Trump or Harris, impact oil outflows? In a wide-ranging discussion with Sambit Mohanty, Asia energy editor, Joel Hanley, global director for crude oil at S&P Global Commodity Insights and Benjamin Tang, head of liquid bulk at S&P Global Commodities at Sea, share their insights on some of the key themes that could potentially have implications for Asia's appetite for crude oil from the non-OPEC supplier, which is heading for a sharp growth in domestic output.

As high sulfur fuel oil cracks in Europe hover at year-to-date highs outside of their traditional summer peaks, reporters Tommy Petrou and Takis Gounaris join Joel Hanley to delve into the fundamentals that are providing a firm footing for fuel oil markets in Europe as heightened tensions in the Middle East stir up volatility across the commodities complex. Links: FIRST TAKE Whatsapp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vah2ZJPGJP8JnyPYbf46 3.5%S FOB Rdam Barge - PUABC00 3.5%S FOB Rdam Barge Brent Crack Mo01 - AATZT00 Rotterdam HSFO barges reach 3-month high amid tight supply (subscriber content)  

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 

As oil derivatives and futures contracts navigate volatile seas, how are the more prompt physical spot markets reacting to an expected return of Libyan supply amid other regional developments? Join Joel Hanley in this episode of the Oil Markets podcast as he engages with market experts Luke Stuart, George Delaney, and Joey Daly. They explore the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East on crude prices in the Mediterranean, West Africa, and North Sea, providing critical insights into current market sentiment and what it means for traders and stakeholders navigating this volatile landscape. Links:Cairo Energy ForumDated Brent - PCAAS00 WTI Midland CIF Rotterdam vs Fwd Dated Brent - WMCRB00 Azeri Light CIF Augusta - AAGZX00 CPC Blend CIF Augusta vs BTC Dtd Strip - AAHPL00 Bonny Light FOB Nigeria London vs WAF Dtd Strip - AAGXL00 Med sweet crude market under pressure amid expected return of Libyan barrels (subscriber content) Azeri Light differential collapses to four-week low as market eyes return of Libyan crude (subscriber content) Dual narrative emerges for Nigerian crude market as attention turns to Nov cycle (subscriber content) Ekofisk-WTI Midland spread at eight-month high amid diverging fundamentals (subscriber content)

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.

Since the politically motivated suspension of crude oil production in Libya on August 26, the oil markets have experienced a heightened level of volatility, with price fluctuations depending on almost every new headline. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets Podcast, Joel Hanley is joined by reporters Charlie Mitchell and Luke Stuart to delve into the country's long history of production woes and discuss the impact of this latest crisis on local and macro oil markets. Links: Libyan factions extend talks amid oil shutdown (subscriber link) OPEC+ weighs delay to Oct output hike amid weak oil prices (subscriber link) Oil market braces for volatility as supply glut fears drag Brent to 9-month low Dated Brent - PCAAS00 Es Sider FOB Libya vs BTC Dtd Strip - AAGYH00 Azeri Light CIF Augusta vs BTC Dtd Strip - AAHPM00 Saharan Blend FOB Algeria vs BTC Dtd Strip - AAHPN00

Emerging trends in Asian oil consumption centers, enhancing energy security and the decarbonization strategies Asian countries are pursuing will be some of the themes in focus at the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference or APPEC 2024, by S&P Global Commodity Insights, which is scheduled to take place from September 9-12 in Singapore.   In a wide-ranging discussion with Asian Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty, three senior market experts, Dave Ernsberger, head of market reporting and trading solutions, Calvin Lee, head of Asia content and  Kang Wu, global head of oil demand research, share their views on what APPEC delegates can expect to hear on those issues as well as on other topics, such as the evolving world of upstream, the supply strategy of OPEC and its allies, and the role of innovation in achieving net zero targets.

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.

OPEC's latest and eagerly watched monthly oil market report, which presented a softer near-term demand outlook compared to its July forecasts, has coincided with a dip in oil prices at a time when the group has made clear its intention to gradually reintroduce supply to the market. Can OPEC and its allies remain calm in the face of a sluggish demand picture? In this episode of the Oil Markets podcast, Joel Hanley is joined by S&P Global Commodity Insights' Nick Coleman and Payam Hashempour to discuss the geopolitical and oil market fundamentals driving current OPEC+ policy. Links: Dated Brent - PCAAS00 Dubai Mo01 - PCAAT00 OPEC+ still hopes to unwind oil cuts in October, as ministers keep close eye on the market (subscriber content) 'Call' on OPEC+ crude in 2024, 2025 trimmed again in bearish update S&P Global Commodity Insights Abuja Forum S&P Global Commodity Insights Lagos Forum

The future of Venezuela's oil industry is in the crosshairs of a political battle. Current president Nicolás Maduro is fighting to maintain power following a contested July 28 election, and protests have caused gasoline shortages in the country, where supply is already limited by low refinery run rates. While crude production has held up, Venezuela's exports have fallen, and it is possible the US will impose tougher sanctions on the country if Maduro clings to power, reducing the likelihood of further upstream and downstream investment.   Jeff Mower speaks with oil analyst Nick Blanco and senior refined products editor Maria Jimenez Moya about the implications of Venezuela's post-election turmoil on oil markets.

In July, US diesel exports to Europe surged to multi-year highs, displacing Middle Eastern flows due to inverted arbitrage economics and a bearish near-term outlook for the commodity in Europe. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets Podcast, host Joel Hanley is joined by Robert Perkins, Nadia Bliznikova, and Rebeka Foley to explore the latest developments in diesel flows, crack spreads, and the macroeconomic environment influencing supply and demand balances in the Atlantic basin. Links: Cairo Energy Forum ULSD 10ppmS CIF NWE Cargo - AAVBG00 ULSD 10ppmS CIF Med Cargo - AAWYZ00 US diesel exports to Europe hit record high despite lackluster demand Middle East diesel exports to Europe hit 9-month low in July amid higher US supplies (subscriber content)

Never before India's oil import basket has changed so dramatically as it has changed in the past three years. The sharp rise in the share of Russian barrels have displaced big volumes of Middle Eastern crude. And now, as Indian refiners start to explore the possibility of signing term deals for Russian crude, market players are looking for answers on how this might further change trade flows as well as influence the production strategy of OPEC and its allies. In a wide-ranging discussion with Sambit Mohanty, Asia energy editor, Rosemary Griffin, OPEC lead at S&P Global Commodity Insights, Pulkit Agarwal, head of India content, and Daniel Colover, head of market engagement for the Middle East, discuss the evolving scenario and the implications it might have on supplies from other regions. Links: Register for APPEC 2024 APPEC (Topic page)

The Dangote refinery in Nigeria is poised to disrupt refined product flows in the Atlantic Basin just months after its long-awaited commissioning in early 2024. As the mega-refinery intensifies its search for crude sources beyond Nigeria's borders, significant changes are expected in the market. In this week's episode of the Oil Markets podcast, host Joel Hanley is joined by reporters Charlie Mitchell, Matthew Tracey-Cook, and Tommy Petrou. Together, they delve into Dangote's quest for alternative feedstocks and the dynamic shifts in gasoline and fuel oil flows in and out of Nigeria. Links: Dangote refinery eyes Brazilian, African crudes amid feedstock woes (subscriber content) Bonny Light FOB Nigeria London vs WAF Dtd Strip - AAGXL00 West Africa Gasoline FOB Northwest Europe - AAKUV00 FOB Rotterdam Marine Fuel 0.5% Barge - PUMFD00 Straight Run 0.5-0.7%S FOB NWE cargo - PKABA00

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.

The European Union's decision on 24 June to target Russian shipping company Sovcomflot in its latest round of sanctions comes as ship tracking data shows a 5% monthly increase in seaborne crude oil exports through June. With changes to Russian crude and oil product exports in firm view for market participants, S&P Global Commodity Insights' Francesco Di Salvo is joined by editors Robert Perkins, Elza Turner and Luke Stuart to discuss the latest flows and refinery news, as well as price sentiment for Russia's flagship Urals export grade. Links:Russia's seaborne crude exports rise in June despite OPEC+ pledges Urals Primorsk vs Med Dtd Strip - AAWVI00 Urals FOB Novo Suez vs Med Dtd Strip - AAHPH00 Urals DAP West Coast India vs Forward Dated Brent - DWCUB00

The aviation sector post-pandemic recovery was seen as a bright spot for regional oil demand this year. However, with uneven recovery within the industry and underwhelming performance in key markets such as China, the growth in demand is expected to ease in the coming months. This demand slowdown could potentially send the jet fuel market into turbulent skies ahead.  S&P Global Commodity Insights' Asia oil news editor Neo Rong Wei discusses Asia's aviation recovery and its impact on jet fuel demand and cracks with associate editor Lee Shu Ling, who covers Asia jet fuel/kerosene markets and Platts Forward Curve associate editor Ernest Puey.

The Northern Hemisphere summer's regular star of the oil barrel, gasoline, has entered its traditional season of price strength with the market structure in contango and cracks far softer than usual for this time of year. With strong refinery production, rising inventories and a modest demand picture, Joel Hanley and frontline reporters Matthew Tracey-Cook and Kelly Norways examine the key variables currently affecting gasoline markets and discuss the impact of returning refinery utilization on the wider oil product spectrum. Links: European gasoline crack hits multi-month low amid dull start to summer driving season (subscriber content) Gasoline Prem Unleaded 10ppmS FOB Med Cargo - AAWZA00Gasoline Eurobob 10ppm FOB ARA Barge Brent Crack Financial Mo01 (NextGen MOC) - ABWFL00 Gasoline Prem Unleaded 10ppmS FOB AR Barge - PGABM00 

Canada's Newfoundland and Labrador province is sitting on an estimated 124 billion barrels in offshore crude reserves with access to global export markets, but needs investors to bolster output. Pulling in investors will likely be difficult considering other offshore opportunities in the Americas, including Guyana and Brazil. Will Equinor Canada take an FID on its delayed Bay du Nord project? What is the potential of ExxonMobil's Persephone prospect? Americas oil news director Jeff Mower and Canadian energy reporter Ashok Dutta discuss these questions and examine the potential of Canada's offshore. Links:  Register for APPEC 2024