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Sources say that Indian naphtha prices are rising as Gulf and Russian supplies become tighter.
Spot premiums for Indian naphtha have risen to levels seen last in late March as tight supplies from the Middle East and Russia, and renewed concerns about U.S.-Iran tensions, drove demand from Far East buyers. Multiple trade sources reported?on Monday that Indian state refiners Bharat Petroleum Corp. and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. sold about '63,000-65,000 tonnes (567,000-585,00 barrels) or naphtha through tenders last week, at prices similar to those seen in late March. BPCL sold a total of 36,000-37,000 tonnes of?naphtha on a 'free-on-board' (FOB basis) to Middle East quotes for loading between July 30 and 31. HPCL sold 27,000-28,000 tons of light distillate on a FOB basis at a premium price of $68 per ton compared to Middle East quotes for loading during July 25-27, two sources confirmed. The premiums have increased from just a little above $40 per ton in the previous week. A Mumbai-based trader reported that the Middle East's and Russia's tight supplies have increased demand for Indian naphtha by buyers in the Far East. Oil companies do not usually comment on trading. (Reporting by Mohi Narayan; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair)
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Jet fuel in Europe is running out as tensions with Iran escalate
Europe imported 'jet fuel' from the U.S., Asia and other regions. It also increased its refiners output and drew on stock to keep planes in the air. Yet it remains the most vulnerable region as Middle East tensions increase the risk of supply disruption. Britain, France and Germany are especially vulnerable on a continent that is more dependent than others on Middle Eastern oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz due to decades of refinery closings. The Strait was reopened to a limited extent in June after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes launched a war against Iran. Strikes by both sides threatened a fragile ceasefire in July. According to data from Energy Aspects, dated 18 June, a deficit of 600,000 barrels per day is expected in Europe in the third quarter. This compares with surpluses in the United States of 116,000 barrels per day and Asia-Pacific of 425,000 barrels per day. Energy Aspects reported that inventories in the United States were 99 million barrels, while the European stockpiles stood at 38 millions barrels. Calculations show that Europe has less than 30 day's supply to cover demand -- the tightest market of all the major jet fuel markets. According to the latest data from the International Energy Agency, the jet fuel stock at the end May was 10% higher than the previous year, and refinery production rose 30%. These figures also indicated only a one-month 'leeway. Janiv Shah, an analyst at Rystad, said: "We still expect some tightness until August at this rate." The European Commission also acknowledges that the situation could worsen. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen stated in June that the bloc was facing tighter jet-fuel stocks as the holiday season approached. He also said that Brussels would coordinate the release of national reserves, if necessary. CARGOES FROM SOUTH KOREAN TO CANADA Up until the outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end February, Europe relied on Middle East jet fuel for about half of its imports. Analysts had predicted that the worst hit countries would be African ones, who sourced almost all of their jet fuels from the Middle East. According to Kpler, a commodities intelligence company, data shows that they have increased their imports of Nigerian refinery Dangote, as well India and Oman. Europe has so far avoided a shortage of supplies by turning to other sellers such as Canada. Kpler data shows that in June, Europe imported the most jet fuel since October 2025. Kuwait, Canada and South Korea were also among the top exporters of goods to Europe. In June, imports from India reached their highest level since February. Nearly 25,000 barrels of Kuwaiti oil per day are due to arrive for the first time in early March via a ship-to ship transfer on board the Proteus Harvonne in August. Kuwait was a major jet supplier to the region before the flow of jets was interrupted. Italian refiners have increased their jet fuel production 10% in the first 4 months of this year. According to UNEM, the Italian fuel producers' association, imports of both countries fell by 6%. This allowed domestic production to cover nearly 70% in March and April. Industry sources claim that Eni, which produces around half of Italy's jet-fuel, increased production by importing semifinished products from outside Europe. The jet fuel price in Northwest?Europe has fallen from $215.32 a barrel at the end of March to $133.27, which eases pressure on airlines. Fuel accounts for 20% to 25% of airline operating costs. Analysts say that immediate discounts on air tickets are unlikely as the demand for flights is high and the capacity is limited. This is especially true after many airlines cut flights in order to maximize fuel supplies.
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MORNING BID EUROPE - Oil swept on Troubled Waters
Wayne Cole gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. The week has started off with a shaken market as Iran and?United States trade wars in the Gulf while Tehran claims that it closed the vital Strait of 'Hormuz. The strait of?Hormuz is a vital waterway for commercial traffic. According to U.S. officials, 20 ships have been escorted by U.S. officials in the past 24 hours. The UKMTO reported that transits were already down to 10 on Friday. Ship tracking sites also showed that there were no ships in the narrowest section of the strait by Monday or, at least, none with transponders turned on. Brent and U.S. oil rose almost 4% and 10-year yields increased by 2 basis points. The dollar also gained in value. The Nikkei led Asian stock markets lower and European share futures are down about 0.6%. Nasdaq Futures fell 0.6% as investors focused more on the upcoming earnings season, and if high expectations for chipmakers and AI-related companies can be met. The major banks will begin their earnings season on Tuesday. Netflix and General Electric also have a lot to look forward to. Analysts at BofA warned that the AI capex boom is eroding the cash generation. Hyperscalers have spent $234 billion in this year, and the free cash flow for the future will be negative for the very first time since 2007. Investors are also pointing to the possibility of an interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve just one day before Chairman?Kevin Warsh will be addressing Congress for the very first time as his new role. The headline inflation rate for June could be lower than the 4.2% reported on Tuesday, as petrol prices fall. However, some of this will reverse once oil prices rise again. The dollar strengthened to 162,05 yen on Monday, regaining ground lost last Friday after Japanese Finance Minister Satsukikatayama floated a?idea? to encourage the Government Pension Investment Funds (GPIFs) of $1.8 trillion and other retirement vehicles to bring home some of their cash. The pound has eased to $1.3381 in anticipation of a crucial week for UK politics. Andy Burnham will be officially?anointed on Friday as Labour leader and named as Prime Minister on July 20. Market developments on Monday that may have a significant impact - Appearances of Fed Board Governor Christopher Waller; Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman; ECB Member Isabel Schnabel; Bank of England Executive director Ruth Smith
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Copper drops as Middle East conflict renews inflation risk
The price of copper fell on Monday as the fighting between the U.S., Iran and other countries intensified.?Tehran announced that it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor. Benchmark three-month Copper on the?London Metal Exchange fell 0.72% to $13,387 per metric tonne by 0300 GMT. Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded copper contract lost 0.75% to 103,030 Yuan per metric ton. The U.S. forces and Iranian forces traded heavy drone and missile assaults at the weekend. This 'diminished risk appetite' and reignited fears that higher inflation and energy prices could prompt policymakers to raise interest rates for longer. The price of oil increased while non-yielding gold and silver declined. High interest rates have a negative impact on the economy and industrial metals. The U.S. dollar strengthened ?slightly over the weekend, making greenback-denominated commodities like copper more expensive for ?buyers using other currencies. In the meantime,?aluminium has largely ignored a possible disruption in supply. It looked like it was returning to full capacity after an interim peace agreement following a war that broke out on February 28, firstly in the Middle East. On the LME the metal was stable, ticking up 0.05%. It fell by 0.35% on the SHFE. Emirates Global Aluminium, a major supplier of alumina in the UAE, announced on Friday that it had restarted its alumina refining plant. The LME warehouses registered with the exchange also showed that visible aluminium stocks were at their lowest level since 2022. In June, the exchange reported that 95% of all available Russian-origin aluminum stocks were in LME warehouses. Consumers have found alternative materials to offset the worst of the shortage despite the conflict and declining inventories. Other?LME Metals: Zinc lost 0.71%;?lead fell 1.08%; nickel dropped 1.02%; and Tin fell 0.24%. The SHFE saw zinc fall 0.64%; lead fell 0.78%; nickel rose 0.05% and tin dropped 1.38%. Reporting by Solomon Cefai, Editing by Harikrishnan Nair
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Minnesota Governor mobilizes National Guard for Wildfire Fighting in Northern Part of State
By Erwin Seba Minnesota Governor Tim Walz mobilized the state National Guard troops on Sunday to fight wildfires along Minnesota's northern border with Canada. According to the Minnesota State website, these fires have burned more than 800 acres over five days. They are still not contained. The fires are among a series of fires that have been raging across the United States due to the hot and dry conditions caused by El Nino. Walz, a Democrat, said: "I have declared a 'peacetime emergency' and mobilized the National Guard in order to help with wildfire suppression efforts in northern Minnesota." "Minnesotans express our deepest thanks to all first responders who work around the clock to ensure the safety of their neighbors," said Walz, a Democrat. The Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota is currently ablaze with?16 fires. This forest normally receives around 150,000 visitors during the summer. According to the website of the Minnesota Natural Resources Department, park rangers escorted visitors out of the parks over the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, the high temperatures over the weekend increased fire risks.
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Nine people are killed and 10 injured in a traffic accident in Mexico, including four Americans
Civil Protection reported that a multi-vehicle crash?in Mexico, caused by a tractor-trailer, left nine 'people dead 'and ten injured, including four U.S. residents, on a highway within the state of Jalisco. The report from the agency indicated that two of the victims were minors. Two members of the National Guard are also in serious condition. They have been 'transferred' to the Magdalena Hospital, Guadalajara. Local media posted videos on social media showing several vehicles burning?on the highway that connects Guadalajara with?Tepic. Four patients with minor conditions, all?U.S. "Four patients in minor condition,?all?U.S. citizens, were transported to the Arboledas Hospital?in Guadalajara?by a private ambulance?from the highway," Jalisco Civil Protection said. (Reporting and writing by Daniel 'Becerril, in Mexico City; Sarah Kinosian, in Caracas; editing by Stephen Coates.)
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Oil prices jump 3% following US and Iran's increased strikes in the Middle East
The oil prices soared?on?Monday as Iran increased its strikes against?Gulf States following US attacks, threatening energy?shipments through the Strait?of Hormuz. Brent crude futures rose $2.34 or 3.08% to $78.35 at 2311 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed $2.21 or 3.09% to $73.62 a barrel. The U.S. and Iran launched new strikes against each other over the weekend. This is the latest in a series of counter-attacks and attacks on shipping through the Strait. U.S. president Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz was open for commercial?traffic. Iran had earlier declared that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel traveling on an unapproved route was struck. Shiptracking data from Kpler revealed that six vessels crossed the strait Sunday, the lowest number for five weeks. The increasing attacks have cast doubt on the future a U.S.-Iranian interim agreement signed last week that was intended to reopen strait after 60 more days of negotiation and end war. In its report published on Friday, the International Energy Agency said that following the agreement, oil supplies worldwide?rose by 4,1 million barrels per days in June but were still 9,4 million bpd lower than pre-war levels. ANZ analysts wrote in a note that the chances of a relatively 'quick resolution' to the skirmishes over the weekend may have been lowered. IG analyst Tony Sycamore stated that the'relatively tame' rise in oil prices indicated the market believed the current flare-up was an escalation of a fragile truce, and fell far short of a total collapse of the ceasefire. In a letter, he wrote: "How accurate this view is yet to be determined."
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Five people were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, including a young girl, according to medics
Palestinian officials said that Israeli attacks on Sunday killed at least five people, including a nine-year-old child. Medical personnel said Israeli gunfire was directed at an encampment of a 'tent' on the eastern edge of the Al-Bureij Refugee Camp in central Gaza, killing Tala Abumatar. The Israeli military didn't immediately comment on Tala Abu Matar's death. Four people were killed in an airstrike on a metal foundry located in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. Three Israeli missiles were reported by witnesses to have struck the site. Israel's military claimed to have struck "terrorist infrastructure" without providing any further details. Despite the fact that Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025, it failed to stop Israeli attacks which have killed over 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza since its implementation. In the same time period, militants have killed four Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Hamas leaders are in Cairo to continue discussions about implementing the second phase U.S. president Donald Trump's Gaza Peace Plan. According to sources familiar with the talks, there are discussions about Hamas disarmament, and Israeli army withdraws. However, they add that a breakthrough has not yet occurred. Hamas controls a small strip of land on the coast where nearly all of Gaza's two million residents, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times, live. According to Israeli statistics, Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people during their cross border attack into Israel on October 7, 2023. Gaza's health ministry reported that more than 73,000 Palestinians had been killed on the territory since. Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Editing by Helen Popper
Gold drops as dollar remains firm amid Fed rate hike expectations
Gold prices fell more than 1% on Tuesday due to a stronger?U.S. ?dollar on the expectation of a Federal Reserve rate hike this year. Investors also assessed U.S.
As of 0548 GMT, spot gold was down by 1.7% to $4,119.13 an ounce. U.S. gold contracts for August delivery dropped 1.5% to $4137.10.
Tim Waterer is the chief analyst at KCM Trade. He said that while gold had benefited from lower oil prices, it was not getting any help from the U.S. dollar, which continued to rise on expectation of Fed rate increases.
Gold is less affordable for those who hold other currencies as the dollar has remained near its one-year high.
After the first round of talks in a new peace agreement, the United States lifted sanctions against Iran for 60 days starting Monday. Meanwhile, officials in Lebanon reported that fighting had slowed down under the agreement.
JD Vance, the U.S. vice president, said that talks with Iranian officials held in Switzerland laid a solid foundation for a peace deal. Iran however denied having begun to discuss its nuclear program.
Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee stated that the labor?market is stable and that his focus now is to determine whether the too-high rate of inflation will "remain that way" or "recede", as the effects from high tariffs diminish, and if there's a resolution in the Middle East conflict.
CME FedWatch Tool shows that traders now expect an 88% probability of a rate increase in December. This is up from 61% prior to the Fed meeting held last week.
Investors are watching U.S. The Fed's preferred inflation gauge, Personal Consumption Expenditures, is due to be released later this week. This data will provide further monetary policy clues.
Silver fell by 4% at $62.59 an ounce. Platinum dropped 2% to $1.644.75, while palladium declined 2.3% to $1,236.50. (Reporting by Pablo Sinha in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)
(source: Reuters)