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Urals unrefined discount rates to Brent narrow on softer freight rates to Asia

Urals unrefined discount rates to Brent narrowed amid softening freight rates for crucial paths from Russia's western ports to Asia, while outright prices for the grade dip in line with the global oil market, traders stated and computations showed on Friday.

Freight rates for Aframax ships, which generally fill some 720,000 barrels of Urals crude in Primorsk or Ust-Luga for a. one-way voyage to Indian ports, eased to balance some $7 million. from some $7.5 million for April and March-loading cargoes, 2. sources stated. This is still above $5 million for the trip last. September.

Rates for Suezmax tankers, which normally fill some 1 million. barrels of Urals in Novorossiysk for shipment to India, reduced by. some $0.25 million to some $6.5 million per trip, the sources. added.

As an outcome, Urals differentials to dated Brent in northwest. Europe firmed by some 70 cents per barrel to discount rates above. minus $13 per barrel, calculations reveal.

Discount Rates for 140-tonne Urals cargoes in the Mediterranean. have actually narrowed by some 25 cents and stand above minus $10 per. barrel to Brent.

Urals prices in Russia's western ports have slipped recently. despite firmer differentials of the grade after Brent lost more. then $10 per barrels of its worth considering that mid-April.

Urals cost quotes in Russian ports over the last couple of. days hover around $65 per barrel, still above the western rate. cap of $60 per barrel.

Freight rates for vessels bring Russian Urals unrefined ease. despite U.S. sanctions while Red Sea war threats remain in location.

I anticipate to see freight rates going down to $6 million per. trip from Baltic ports (to India), a source with a trader. told .

At least 3 tankers with Russian Urals oil on board selected. a longer route to Asia around Africa's Cape of Great Hope in. March and April as military risks in the Red Sea remain high,. 2 traders said and LSEG information showed.

(source: Reuters)