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Russia's Far East ESPO Blend oil slips to broader discount rates in China amid weak need

Russia's Far East ESPO Blend oil << ESPODUB > slipped to larger discounts versus Brent in Chinese ports for May and June cargoes, as Chinese refiners' need for the grade cooled, while supply of the grade stayed high, three traders involved in ESPO Blend oil market stated on Friday.

Some ESPO Blend oil freights filled in the end of May and early in June were still on offer, while the grade normally trades in advance and July-loading cargoes are expected to be provided soon, two of the traders stated.

ESPO Blend oil freights packing in May and June were used at ICE Brent minus $1-1.50 per barrel, below an estimate of Brent flat to $0.50-per-barrel discount rate a month previously, traders stated.

May ESPO Blend oil exports are planned at 3.8 million metric loads (some 920,000 barrels daily), little changed from April loadings, according to an industry source acquainted with the plan.

ESPO Blend oil exports from Kozmino stay high, near to the port's capability, as the route uses better revenue for Russian oil business than western ports due to the short range to the Asian market, one of the traders stated.

Chinese teapots, primary buyers of Russian ESPO Blend, showed lower need for the grade amidst weak refining margins, while freight and payments concerns for Russian oil likewise weighed on the market, according to one of the traders.

Russia and China have actually been rising trade cooperation, however the problems with transactions for oil and other products remain in location as Chinese banks are raising requirements to authorize such deals to offset secondary sanctions dangers.

A decrease in ESPO Blend oil prices supported need from India with at least 3 cargoes of the grade flowing to Indian ports in May, according to the traders.

(source: Reuters)