Refined Products

U.S.?exports rose to a new record, as Japan rushed for alternatives to Middle?East petrochemical feedstocks after the?Iran Crisis cut them off.?Venezuela?also increased purchases to dilute their heavy oil. The record exports of naphtha are a sign of the changes in the energy markets this year, and of the new trade lines they have brought with them. Asian petrochemical firms are now looking westward to secure supplies, or they will be forced to stop production. Exports to Venezuela have risen to the top of the list. According to Kpler, a ship tracking company, the United States exported a record amount of...

The New York Auto Show saw major automakers unveil new 'electric vehicles' on Wednesday, despite weak consumer demand and sales that have plummeted since Washington removed the $7,500 tax credit for EVs. Kia announced that it will'start selling its lower-priced EV3 to the United States in later this year. Subaru also offered a three-row EV called the "Getaway", which can seat seven. The Japanese automaker will launch its family EV SUV in the U.S. later this year or early next year. It is their fourth EV. The U.S. electric vehicle market is becoming more competitive, but the recent rise in...

Retail sales in the United States increased the most since'seven months' in February, as motor vehicle purchases recovered and temperatures rose. However, rising gasoline prices due to the Middle East war could limit spending in months ahead. Commerce Department's delayed report from?Wednesday indicated that the economy had been on a solid footing before?the U.S. and Israel war with Iran. The conflict that began at the end February has caused global oil prices to surge by more than 50%. This week, the average national retail gasoline price surpassed $4 for the first time since more than three year. Economists have warned...

In a Wednesday decree, the Argentine government announced that it would delay the implementation of tax increases scheduled for liquid fuels, carbon dioxide and other pollutants. This was done in response to the global instability brought about by the U.S./Israeli war on Iran. The decree stated that the move was intended to "support economic growth by sustainable fiscal measures". The decree also stated that the measure would delay the anticipated?tax increase on liquid fuels, carbon dioxide, and other gases for a month, to the end of April. The decree added that this is the second step taken by President Javier...

Retail sales in the U.S. increased in February, as motor vehicle purchases rebounded. Temperatures also warmed. However, rising gasoline prices due to the war in the Middle East may?cripple spending in upcoming months. The Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported on Wednesday that retail?sales increased 0.6% following a 0.1% decline in January. The economists polled had predicted that retail sales (which are mainly goods and not adjusted for inflation) would rise 0.5% following a 0.2% decline in January. After the government shutdown last year, the?Census Bureau has yet to release data. U.S./Israeli conflict with Iran pushed global oil prices up more...

Tom Barkin, Richmond Federal Reserve Bank president, said that businesses continue to believe high oil prices are only a temporary disruption. There is little evidence yet to suggest they have caused consumers to cut back on their spending or changed public expectations of inflation in an alarming way. Barkin said on Tuesday that he had a "short-term" view of the situation based on his weekly credit card spending data and his conversations with executives on pricing, investments and other topics. "Gas expenditure is up, but other spending looks healthy," said Barkin. Barkin is not voting on interest rate policy for...

African governments have increased fuel prices sharply as global oil 'prices are surging due to the Iran War. This could spark inflation on the continent. Most African countries import a large amount of petroleum products. This leaves them vulnerable to disruptions in supply. South Africa, the continent's biggest economy, reduced its fuel tax for a month on Tuesday to curb future price increases in April. This came after business and trade union groups pressed the government to act. CONSIDERING FURTHER ACTIONS The National Petroleum Authority in Ghana raised the'mandatory minimum prices floors' for the April 1-15 price window. This pushed...

The Energy Information Administration reported on Tuesday that U.S. crude oil production fell the most in two years last month following a'severe winterstorm' which knocked production offline?in large parts of the country. The EIA data showed that U.S. crude output dropped 410,000 barrels a day in January, compared to the previous month, to 13,25 million barrels a day, the lowest level since February 2025. The EIA reported that the total U.S. crude and petroleum product consumption fell by 201,000 barrels per day in January to 20.7 millions bpd, which is the lowest level since November '2025. The demand for gasoline...

Federal Reserve Chair?Jerome Powell said on Monday that the U.S. Central Bank can wait to see the impact of the Iran War on the economy and inflation. He noted that policymakers usually look past shocks like those caused by higher oil prices. Powell told a Harvard University macroeconomics class that he felt his policy was in a "good?place" to watch how the war with Iran will affect the economy and inflation. The Iran war is now in its fifth week, and the U.S. As gasoline prices increase to an average of around $4 per gallon, the Fed is faced with...

Officials said that Bangladesh approached the U.S. on Monday to request a temporary waiver of sanctions in order to import Russian diesel. Middle East turmoil is disrupting global energy markets and straining fuel supplies. Officials from the energy ministry said that Dhaka had requested a similar waiver to India and proposed imports of up 600,000 metric tonnes of Russian diesel. Monir Chowdhury is a joint-secretary at the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources. State-run agencies have increasingly relied on the volatile market to fill in the energy gap. The 175 million strong nation is dependent on imports to meet?95% its...

Energy stress is spreading across Southeast Asia and governments are calling on China to fulfill its commitments for closer energy security by allowing the export of fuels and fertilisers, which were previously banned. China, however, has only made vague statements. It has not publicly acknowledged the export bans reported by others. Instead it is focusing on protecting its own economy against the war in 'Iran. Analysts do not expect this to change. They point out the tension between China’s declared ambition to become a more prominent player in regional affairs, and its realpolitik commitment to maintain its own economy ahead...

Federal Reserve officials who want to maintain price control and keep inflation under control face a challenge, as expectations of consumers and the price of gasoline rise. In addition, the bond market is spooked by the rising yields of U.S. Treasury securities. Treasury securities. The U.S. Central Bankers felt confident that the public's expectations of inflation,?particularly in the long-term, were anchored and in line with the Fed's 2% target. This was a sign of their confidence and commitment to achieving their inflation aims. The Fed is closely monitoring any signs of drifting in surveys and investments, which are thought to...

Fatih Binol, the head of the International Energy Agency, said that oil supply disruptions from the Middle East would?rise? in April. They will begin to?impact? the European economy because the Strait of Hormuz is closed. He added that more than 12 million barrels have been lost due to the attacks by Iran on energy?assets and the restrictions on shipping through Strait since the U.S./Israel war against Iran began. "The loss of oil in April will be double the loss of oil in March. On top of that, the loss of LNG... The loss of?oil in April will be twice as...

Brent futures extended gains following a'record monthly % increase in March. Middle East volatility continued to keep markets jittery, despite reports suggesting that the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran could be coming to an end. Brent front-month contract for June rose $1.40 or 1.4% to $105.37 a barrel at 0430 GMT. Brent logged a monthly gain record of 64% in march, according to LSEG's data dating back to June 1998. The U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), crude futures for the month of May increased by $1.59 or 1.6% to $102.97 per barrel. Brent futures for June delivery recovered some...

Early Wednesday, oil prices rose, as Brent front-month contracts?extended a record rally in March, despite reports suggesting that the U.S., Iran, and other Middle East countries may be moving closer to a negotiated settlement of the 'war. Brent front-month contract for June delivery rose?66cents or 0.63% at $104.63 per barrel by 0010 GMT. According to LSEG, the front-month Brent contract for June?delivery hit a monthly record gain of 64%. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures (WTI) for May increased by 96 cents, or 0.95%, to $102.34 a barrel. WTI futures in June rose by 46?cents, or 0.49%, to $93.62 a...

Japan's industry minister said that if the Iran -war continues, the Group of Seven wealthy nations and the International Energy Agency should be prepared to take additional flexible measures to stabilize?energy markets. Ryosei Acazawa, after a meeting online with G7 Finance Ministers, Energy Ministers, and Central Bank Governors, told reporters that these actions could include coordinated additional oil stockpile release at the appropriate time. He said that in Asia, "soaring energy prices and supply concerns are becoming more acute. Shortages of fuel and raw material disrupt global supply chains, and could have a negative impact." The U.S.-Israeli war against?Iran, which...

A document containing an EU internal briefing revealed that the European Union's energy ministers would meet on Tuesday in order to coordinate their responses to the disruption of oil and gas market caused by the Iran War. Europe's heavy reliance?on imports of energy has exposed it to spiraling prices, since the Strait?of Hormuz, the main shipping route was closed effectively and Tehran began attacking the energy infrastructure in Middle East. Since the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran began on 28 February, European gas prices have increased by more than 70%. The EU document asked ministers to "indicate which concrete...

The South Korean Industry Ministry confirmed the import of 27,000 tons of Russian naphtha arriving on Monday. The ministry refused to confirm the destination of the shipment or if it was for one South Korean company or multiple firms. Local media reported that this is the first time South Korea imports Russian?naphtha after the beginning of the Iran War. Local media reported that the industry ministry is working with the South Korean Foreign Ministry to secure additional supplies of Russian naphtha. Naphtha, a refined oil-based product, is typically used as a feedstock by petrochemical manufacturers and is also a key...

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Saturday that Australia would amend its export finance laws to "bolster fuel security" as the Iran War continues to affect 'the nation's supply chain. Since the U.S., Israel and others began their war on Iran in August, Australia has seen localised fuel shortages. This is part of a wider conflict that has disrupted the global fuel supply. Albanese announced?in televised comments that Australia will?establish new powers in order to bring fuel here for Australians. "New fuel security power will allow the government to underwrite private sector fuel purchases." Albanese stated that the powers would...

Portugal announced a temporary subsidy of 10 cents per litre for diesel in key sectors like?agriculture and transportation? on Friday to 'ease fuel costs due to the Iran War. The subsidies, which could amount to up to 450 millions euros (519 million dollars) over three month, will only be paid if the diesel prices are more than 10 cents higher than the average price for the first week of March when the war with Iran intensified. The subsidies will run between April 1 and June 30, and they still need parliamentary approval. They will support sectors such as agriculture, forestry...

As the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continues, a growing number of governments are scrambling for liquidity and to calm the financial markets. This is due to the pressure that the war on Iran has placed on their currencies, and the volatility in the market. How different countries respond: SOUTH KOREA South Korea is planning to 'buy back emergency bonds worth 5 trillion won ($3.32 billion), to inject liquidity into the local bond market, and to cap rising yields. This comes after three-year treasury yields reached their highest level since mid-2024. The ministry has also extended fuel tax reductions and is...

New Zealand announced on Friday a four-phased strategy to manage the rising risks to petrol, jet fuel and diesel supplies. However, it said that no restrictions were needed at this time as the government was well-positioned to respond to potential energy shocks. Nicola Willis, Finance Minister of Canada, said that the country is in the first phase. This phase focuses on global developments and promoting voluntary fuel reductions. Willis said at a press briefing that there was no cause for immediate alarm. Companies have good confidence in fuel deliveries through the end of this month. She warned that the country...

Oil prices dropped in the early morning trade of Friday, and have been down for a volatile week after U.S. president Donald Trump announced that talks with Iran on ending the war are going "very well", and that he will pause his attacks on Iran's energy facilities for 10 days. Brent futures dropped 90 cents or 0.8% to $107.11 per barrel as of 0024 GMT. U.S. West Texas intermediate futures also fell 83 cents or 0.88% to $93.65 a barrel, reducing gains from a previous bullish session. Brent gained 5.7% on Thursday while WTI gained 4% on fears of a...

Prices of oil?dropped more than 5%?Wednesday? on the prospect that a 'possible? ceasefire would ease supply disruptions in the Middle East region, after reports that the U.S. had sent Iran a plan with 15 points to end their war. Brent crude futures dropped $6.21 or 5.9% to $98.28 per barrel at 0058 GMT after falling to $97.57. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $4.67 or 5.1% to $87.68 per barrel after dropping as low as $86.72. Both benchmarks gained nearly 5% Tuesday before paring their gains in volatile trading after the settlement. Hiroyuki KIKUWA, the chief strategist at Nissan...