Topical market themes

WTI Midland is now the world’s largest freely traded grade of crude oil by output and volume. In December 2015, the US lifted a 40-year ban that had restricted exports of US crude overseas. Since the ban was lifted, export volumes have soared and US crude now makes its way to markets all over the world.

As the most consumed refined product in Europe, diesel is a fundamental source of road fuel. But without sufficient local refining capacity to cover demand, the region is dependent on imports of this critical product. These trade flows have changed dramatically since the start of 2022 as Europe rejects Russian-origin oil and turns to long-range cargoes from other sources. This ‘new normal’ requires new price benchmarks for the European diesel market.

EU-wide targets driven from mandates such as the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive, have increased the need for ethanol-blended gasoline across Europe. In most European countries, gasoline must now contain either up to 5pc or 10pc ethanol. Due to its higher bioethanol content, E10 gasoline is being rolled out across more countries in Europe as a means for governments and companies to help meet greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets.

As more global carbon reduction mandates come online, airlines will look to fulfill their environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) requirements with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF is the only solution for airlines to fly more sustainably, electrification is not yet a solution and we are probably decades away from that being a reality if at all.

Argus’ price assessments allow you to compare alternative to conventional bunkers. Our analysis pieces provide you with insight into alternative fuels trends.

Argus provides a solution by publishing daily prices for HVO based on what is happening in the physical market, including bids, offers and trades.

Argus provides key insights into the developments and discussions at Cop. We shine a light on how they will affect the global energy and commodity markets.

US sanctions on Venezuela’s national oil company PdV, first imposed on 28 January 2019, cast another layer of geopolitical uncertainty onto the international oil market. The sanctions take effect in stages, gradually intensifying their impact on the Opec country’s imports and exports, and the sanctions rollout and partial unwinding of commercial ties will help to shape near-term market dynamics, with longer-term implications for policy and investment. Follow along with Argus as we deliver the latest news and market analysis on this story.

Discover the global implications of Western Canada’s new Trans Mountain Expansion Pipeline (TMX) and its potential impact on your business. The pipeline provides a critical route for Canadian crude oil to reach the Pacific, reshaping crude flows, shipping logistics, and refinery operations worldwide.