Refined Products



Refined Products

Sources say that after drone attacks in late August, Russia's gas production dropped to 70% of the domestic demand.

According to two sources in the industry, Russia's gasoline production fell to 70% of its domestic consumption by the end August. This was after a series drone attacks forced major refineries into suspension of operations. Ukraine has intensified its attacks on Russia's infrastructure to reduce Moscow's revenue. This has created a fuel shortage that has forced Russia import petroleum products, and maintain sales restrictions throughout the country. After a short respite in July when local authorities began to?ease or lift restrictions on fuel sale, shortages returned in Russian regions by August. According to sources, gasoline production dropped at the end...






Asia

North America

Refined Products

Crude oil prices set to rise by the most since mid-July as US-Iran tensions fuel oil price gains

As tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated, oil prices rose on Friday. They are now heading towards their steepest weekly gains since mid-July. Brent crude futures rose by 54 cents or 0.6% to $96.06 per barrel at 0100 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude crude futures gained 80 cents or 0.9% to $92.10. Brent and WTI both saw weekly gains of 7.6%, while WTI gained 10.4%, the biggest since the week ending July 20. The U.S. attacks on Iran this week, which killed and injured dozens of civilians including Iranians, were the most violent clashes that have occurred between...

Crude Oil

The steepest weekly increase in oil since mid-July due to intensifying US-Iran tensions

The price of oil rose on Friday, and is on track to be the highest weekly gain since mid July. Rising tensions and renewed U.S. - Iran hostilities have heightened concerns about Middle - East supply risks. Brent 'crude futures increased 15?cents or 0.2% to $95.67 a barge at 0100 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude Futures were up by 26 cents or 0.3% at $91.56. Brent was up 7.1% on a weekly basis and WTI 9.8%, the biggest gains since the week ending July 20. The U.S. attack this week, which killed and wounded dozens of people, including Iranians...

Energy Markets

FOREX Dollar gains as rising bond yields and oil prices fuel inflation fears

The dollar gained on Tuesday, as renewed U.S. - Iran hostilities?sent the oil prices higher and fueled inflation fears?and sparked a global bond saleoff. Tuesday, the U.S. launched a 'new air strike on Iranian targets' which pushed oil prices over 4% higher. The dollar index (which measures the greenback versus a basket including the yen, the euro and other currencies) rose by 0.27%, to 99.68. Meanwhile, the euro fell 0.23%, to $1.1589. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note reached its highest level since January 2025. Investors are urged to buy safer assets such as the U.S. Dollar by higher...

Refined Products

FOREX Dollar gains as oil and yield increases raise inflation fears

The dollar gained on Tuesday, as renewed U.S. - Iran hostilities sent the oil prices higher. This fueled?inflation fears and sparked a global 'bond saleoff. After the first direct attack in a week, U.S. president Donald Trump has threatened to strike again against?Iran?. This has pushed oil prices over 2% higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note reached its highest level since January 2025. Karl Schamotta is the chief market strategist for Corpay. He said that the dollar was rising as a result of the hostilities between Iran and the U.S., which increased inflation risks and raised the possibility...

Oil & Gas

Trump will host oil executives following his accusation that refiners are ripping off consumers.

Donald Trump has accused U.S. refiners of ripping off Americans. He also called for an investigation by the Justice Department and encouraged companies to use their profits to'reduce gasoline prices, which spiked during the conflict with Iran. He is expected to welcome many of these companies to the White House on Tuesday to celebrate their efforts to maintain a well-supplied market in an effort to manage gasoline prices, which currently average over $4 per gallon. Executives have had to make an unusual calculation because of the timing. According to those familiar with the plans and the timing, companies received the...

Refined Products

Sources say that the US is close to a deal with Venezuela to gain long-term access its oil reserves.

Sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed on Thursday that officials in the Trump administration are working to reach a long-term agreement to give the United States, which oversees Venezuela's oil exports, access to a part of Venezuela's crude reserves. Sources?said that the agreement, which is expected to be signed and made public soon?, would allow the U.S. Government to lock in?a group Venezuelan oilfields that will be developed by American firms, and that the supply would be?guaranteed for? the U.S. One of the sources stated that "this is real and being discussed on the highest level of the U.S. government...

Oil & Gas

Trump will meet with refiners and fuel retailers ahead of the midterm elections as Iran war increases gas prices, sources say

People familiar with the situation said that President Donald 'Trump' is expected to meet next week with U.S. fuel retailers and refiners to discuss efforts to reduce?gasoline costs. His administration is attempting to relieve the pressure on consumers from the Iran War ahead of the midterm elections in November. Trump and his Republican colleagues are facing a high political stakes as they try to protect their narrow majority in Congress. Trump's promise to lower the cost of living in 2024 is under threat as a result of higher gasoline prices and an unpopular war with Iran. Trump's approval ratings have...

Refined Products

Russell: Crude oil imports from Asia remain soft in August, despite US claims about the Hormuz blockade

Asia's crude oil imports in August were still far below levels before the Iran conflict began, which raises questions about how much crude actually leaves the Middle East. According to Kpler's data, the top-importing continent will see arrivals of 23,12 million barrels a day (bpd). This is a slight decrease from July, when 23.36 million bpd was recorded. Imports are also down by almost 4 million barrels per day (or 14%) from the average of 26.91 million barrels per day in the three-month period ending February. The United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran on 28 February, prompting...

Crude Oil

Oil prices stable as investors assess impact of US sanctions on Iran

Investors weighed the impact of the new U.S. sanctions against Iran, which are more severe, on the oil prices. Brent 'crude 'futures were down by 9 cents or 0.1% at $92.16 at 0104 GMT. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude oil was up one cent at $85.02 a barrel. Both contracts dropped more than 2% Monday, with U.S. Crude Oil falling to an all-time low after the price had risen over the past two weeks. U.S. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced on Monday an expansion of sanctions in order to cut off Iran’s economic lifeline and force a ceasefire between...

Energy Markets

Investors continue to assess the US-Iran War outlook as oil prices remain stable

Investors assessed the prospects for the 'U.S.-Iran War and the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in the early trading on Thursday. Brent crude futures?for October delivery?rose?25 cents?or?0.3%?to $91.87 per barrel at 0037 GMT?while U.S. West Texas intermediate crude futures?for September?slipped 2 cents?to $85.81 per barrel? The more active WTI contract for October gained 14 cents or 0.2% to $84.53. Brent and WTI benchmarks both gained for a fourth consecutive session on Wednesday. They settled at their highest level since July 24. Later on Thursday, the?September WTI contracts expire. "Oil prices remain elevated, as the market is supported...

Refined Products

As US-Iran tensions fade, oil prices rise as supply risks increase

The price of oil rose on Tuesday, as the prospect of a deal to end the Middle East conflict seemed further out of reach. Iran said it would adopt a more aggressive stance while the U.S. refused to extend a ceasefire. This increased concerns about the energy supply. A senior Iranian official said on Monday that Iran would adopt a "fully offensive' military posture as efforts to negotiate an end to the U.S. war have stalled. Washington has also ruled out the extension of a temporary ceasefire. The progress made towards peace talks, and the resumption of oil-tanker traffic in...

Refined Products

US retail sales decline for the first time in nine months, in July

Retail sales in the United States fell for the first nine months in July as the boost from large tax refunds faded. This suggests a significant slowdown in spending by consumers at the beginning of the third quarter. It was also a payback for Amazon's decision to move its Prime Day event from July to June, while other retailers offered competing promotions. Gasoline prices have also fallen, which has affected service station receipts. The report, which added to the unexpected job losses and mild inflation figures from last month, boosted financial market expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike in...

Europe

Fossil Fuels

Nigeria's Dangote claims refinery IPO will open within days

Owner?Aliko?Dangote announced on Thursday that the initial public offering (IPO) of Nigeria's Dangote refinery, the largest in Africa, would open within the next 10 to 12 days. "Our dream is to double the capacity of our refinery, which would take us up to 1.4 millions barrels per day." Dangote, who was visiting Botswana in Southern Africa, told investors and analysts that the IPO would open within 10-12 days. The African richest man's refinery is expected to try to raise $5 billion, which could be the largest IPO on the continent. Dangote does not reveal refinery margins. However, the industry has...

Refined Products

German long yields are at their highest level in 15 years; ECB rate is priced to be near 3% by late 2027

On Monday, German and French government bond yields reached their highest level in more than a decade as the price of oil and natural gas rose. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh also'suggested that rate hikes might be necessary if inflation continues to exceed target. Investors are watching closely the bond supply of both countries, as Germany increases spending on infrastructure and defense and France enters a tough budget battle. Investors are also concerned that geopolitical tensions may fuel more defence spending. The oil prices increased after new fighting broke out between the U.S. The Iranian army claimed that it attacked...

Fossil Fuels

Six Chinese among seven dead in Russian gas plant explosion

The?plant reported on Wednesday that six Chinese nationals have died and nine others are missing following a fire at a complex of gas chemicals in Russia's Amur region. The plant reported on Telegram that seven people had died, 152 were injured, and 36 were taken to hospitals. It added that the fire that broke out on Tuesday was extinguished. A plane from the emergency services arrived to transport injured patients to hospitals across Russia. This complex is a joint venture between Sinopec and Sibur, a Chinese oil and gas company, and Russian company Sibur. It bills itself as the largest...

Western Europe

Middle East

Energy Markets

Libya's NOC reports drone attempt at fuel depot

The National Oil Corporation (NOC), a state-owned company, said in a press release that a remote-controlled 'drone' attack on a fuel depot in Tripoli, Libya, caused?minor damages. As a precaution, the NOC stated that teams of technical experts had started removing fuel from tanks. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack and the authorities have not revealed who they believe was behind it. The attack caused minor damage to tanks and pipelines no. Ahmed Al-Masallati is the?spokesperson of Brega Petroleum Marketing, who are responsible for Libya's fuel supply. The incident had no impact on supply operations and there were...

Fossil Fuels

Sources say that OPEC+ is likely to maintain its oil production policy on Sunday.

Three sources 'close to the issue' told us that OPEC+ will likely keep its oil production?policy for October unchanged at a meeting this Sunday. The producer group has completed the unwinding one layer of cuts in production and is now focusing on 2027 quota negotiation. The Iran War continues to disrupt oil exports via the Strait of Hormuz. This reduces OPEC+’s influence on prices and market share. The group's decisions on supply now have less impact on the market than in the past. The meeting on Sunday will include seven core OPEC+ countries: Saudi Arabia (and Russia), Kuwait, Algeria and...

Oil & Gas

US Energy Secretary says Venezuelan oil production will more than double within the next few years

Energy Secretary Chris Wright of the United States said that after arriving in Venezuela on Tuesday, the oil companies in the U.S. as well as?other countries will sign deals in Caracas tomorrow that will result in a more-than-doubling in crude production over the next few year. Wright is in Venezuela for a day-long visit, his second trip since U.S. troops seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's office in January. Venezuelan oil production peaked at over 3 million barrels a day in the late 90s, but then plummeted due to a lack investment, poor management and U.S. sanction. In recent months, it...

Refined Products

US energy chief: Venezuelan oil production to double within a few years

Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, said that after arriving in Venezuela on Tuesday that the 'deals' that oil companies from the U.S. The oil companies from the United States and other countries will sign deals in Caracas tomorrow that will result in a more-than-doubling of crude oil production over the next few decades. Wright is on a one day trip to Venezuela, the founding OPEC member. This is his second visit since U.S. troops seized Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro as leader in January. Venezuelan oil production peaked at over 3?million barrels a day in the late 1990s, but then?plummeted due...

Fossil Fuels

Can the Middle East help with Asia's low refined fuel imports? Russell

The Iranian conflict has continued to affect the supply of refined petroleum products in Asia. In August, the region that consumes the most refined fuels saw its imports drop to their lowest level since the start of the war. Asia's imports of light and medium distillates were estimated at 5,10 million barrels a day (bpd), down from 5,61 million bpd during July, according to Kpler data, a commodities analyst. Imports are down by about 2 million bpd, compared to the 7.06 million bpd average in the three months prior to February 28, when Israel and the U.S. launched airstrikes against...

Oil & Gas Refining

Japan's oil imports rose 17% in July, as US supplies jumped

Japan's crude oil imports increased by 17% from the previous year in July, as a result of a surge in U.S. Official data released on Monday showed that?shipments, a resurgence in Saudi Arabian purchases and lower supplies from Middle Eastern producers were offset by a rise in?supplies. The Ministry of Trade, Economy and Industry reported that imports increased to 2,38 million barrels a day (11.72 millions kilolitres) for the second consecutive month despite disruptions caused by the U.S./Israeli war against Iran. Imports to?the Middle East dropped 21.4% from July. The United Arab Emirates, Japan's two largest suppliers, and Saudi Arabia...

Refined Products

Russell: Crude oil imports from Asia remain soft in August, despite US claims about the Hormuz blockade

Asia's crude oil imports in August were still far below levels before the Iran conflict. This raises further questions about how much crude actually leaves the Middle East. According to Kpler's data, the top-importing continent will see an arrival of 23,12 million barrels per day (bpd) this August. This is a slight decrease from July, when 23.36 million bpd were expected. Imports have also fallen by almost?4 million bpd or 14% from the average of 26,91 million bpd for the three-month period ending in February. The United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran on 28 February, prompting Tehran...

Crude Oil

Russell: Iran's response to D-Day sanctions is crucial.

Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury secretary, invoked the 1944 D-Day landings of Allied forces in?France when announcing sanctions against Iran. The measures taken are superior to the much less successful Anzio Beachhead landing in Italy, which was another amphibious landing during World War II. Anzio was a battle that began with a successful landing of the Allies, but a lack of leadership led to the campaign stalling and turning into a long campaign of attrition. Bessent’s new measures are designed to choke Iran economically. They target companies and countries that do business with Iran in five different sectors: digital assets, technology...

Oil & Gas

Sources say that QatarEnergy and Iraq's SOMO offer to load crude oil inside Hormuz through tenders.

Multiple trade sources reported on Monday that 'Iraqi state oil marketer SOMO and QatarEnergy are offering crude in rare tenders which require buyers to load their cargoes within the Strait of Hormuz. Sources said that SOMO offered September-loading Basrah Medium or Basrah Heavy Crude from Iraq's Basrah Oil Terminal or Single Point Mooring?and its related facilities. Iran's official news agency IRNA said that Baghdad had repeatedly requested permission to allow a number of Iraqi tankers to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The bids for Iraqi oil will close on the 26th of August. QatarEnergy, in addition to SOMO, has also...

Heating Oil

Russell: The debate over the volume of crude oil in Hormuz hides a real shortage of refined fuels

The crude oil market is currently debating the wrong issue about how much oil actually moves through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, it should focus on the restricted flows of'refined products' around Asia. Energy Secretary Chris Wright of the U.S. has claimed repeatedly that vessel tracking analysts such as Kpler cannot see how much crude oil is flowing through the disputed Strait. Wright claimed that 15 million barrels of oil per day (bpd), or about 500,000 barrels a day, left the Strait of?Hormuz in a single day last week. If true, this would bring the volumes to?what they were before...

Fossil Fuels

Oil prices fall ahead of US announcements on new Iran sanctions

Prices of oil fell by more than $1 per barrel on Monday, as investors took a profit ahead of an announcement that Washington is expected to make about additional sanctions against Iran. This could further disrupt Middle East supplies. Brent crude futures dropped $1.22 or 1.29% to $93.17 at 0035 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate was $85.86 per barrel, down by $1.20 or 1.38%. The two contracts both posted their second weekly gains, up over 5% last week as the peace talks between Iran and the U.S. hit a deadlock, limiting oil shipments across the Strait of Hormuz, where a...

Refined Products

Tajikistan has requested 2.5 million tonnes of fuel and oil from Iran

The Central Asian country's Transport Ministry said that Tajikistan had asked for 2.5 million metric tonnes of?oil from Iran, while its traditional supplier, Russia, is also experiencing fuel shortages. The ministry posted a statement on its website last week stating that Tadjikistan had requested 2,55 million tons, which included?2 millions tons of crude oil, 150,000 tonnes of gasoline, 300,000 metric tons of diesel, and 100,000 metric tons of jet fuel. Tajikistan has traditionally imported up to 80% of its petroleum products from Russia. However, the Persian-speaking nation also shares close cultural and linguistic links with Iran. The timeframe was not...