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CANADA-CRUDE-Heavy oil differential narrows

The differential of Western Canada Select (WCS) heavy unrefined versus the North American criteria West Texas Intermediate (WTI) narrowed on Monday, the first day of the new monthly trading cycle.

* WCS for May delivery in Hardisty, Alberta, traded between $ 12.10 and $12.40 listed below WTI, according to brokerage CalRock. On March 14, the last day of the previous trading cycle, April WCS traded at $15.35 and $15.40.

* The Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion has actually begun line fill, raising demand for Canadian crude at a time when oil sands mines are approaching their spring turn-arounds.

* The pipeline expansion is expected to start service in the second quarter and is the primary factor driving narrower differentials, a market source said.

* WCS-WTI spreads seek to narrow to $9.50 per barrel in the 3rd quarter, RBC Dominion Securities stated in a note.

* On Trans Mountain's existing pipeline, elections are assigned by 24% for April, the company said.

* Worldwide oil futures climbed 1% to a five-month high up on expectations oil demand will climb following the release of positive financial news from the U.S. and China.

(source: Reuters)