Explore every episode of the podcast Argus Media

Os recursos de hidrogênio presentes no subsolo podem oferecer uma forma completamente diferente de produzir hidrogênio de baixo carbono. Investidores estão apostando nessa tecnologia, governos estão concedendo licenças de exploração e acordos comerciais já estão sendo firmados. Mas, apesar do entusiasmo, ainda existem grandes incertezas em relação a aspectos científicos e comerciais. Acompanhe a conversa entre Camila Fontana, chefe-adjunta da redação da Argus em São Paulo, e Pamela Machado, colaboradora do relatório Hydrogen and Future Fuels no escritório da Argus em Paris.

Os tópicos discutidos neste episódio incluem:

• Potenciais vantagens do hidrogênio geológico 

• Projetos de exploração já anunciados em vários continentes

• Potencial de produção em escala comercial

• Ressalvas e particularidades do hidrogênio como energia

• Presença de gás hélio em reservatórios 

• Descobertas na América Latina

Hydrogen resources found underground could offer a completely different way of producing low-carbon hydrogen. Investors are betting on this technology, governments are granting exploration licenses, and commercial agreements are already being signed. But despite the excitement, major scientific and commercial uncertainties still remain. Listen to the conversation between Camila Fontana, Deputy Bureau Chief at Argus in São Paulo, and Paris-based Pamela Machado, a contributor to the Hydrogen and Future Fuels report.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Potential advantages of geological hydrogen

• Exploration projects already announced across several continents

• Potential for production at commercial scale

• Caveats and particular characteristics of hydrogen as an energy source

• Presence of helium gas in reservoirs

• Discoveries in Latin America

In this week's Strait Talk, Argus experts examine why freight rates are rising so rapidly, whether increasing Middle East exports are driving demand for tankers, and what the implications are for crude-importing regions such as Europe and Asia.

As shipping costs climb, the economics of oil trading are becoming increasingly strained. Freight premiums are adding tens of dollars per barrel to delivered crude costs, raising questions about demand destruction and the sustainability of current market pricing.

Crude futures are easing as Saudi supply returns, but tight physical barrels, Hormuz risks and diesel stress mean sentiment could turn fast

In this week's episode, David notes the easing of prices since September highs as recovery in crude pipeline and tanker flows has been absorbed by the market. But attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz are if anything increasing, physical prices are still signalling alarm and further draws in already-tight distillate stocks are on the agenda. As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, attention is turning towards Gulf Coast diesel and LNG exports.

• Futures ease, physical stays tight: Crude futures have pulled back since the Saudi East-West pipeline restarted, but physical North Sea Dated still trades at a steep premium to Brent futures.
• Hormuz flows are recovering despite attacks: Record tanker freight rates are tempting shippers to run the gauntlet, and crude shipments through the Strait are climbing back towards pre-crisis levels.
• Diesel and gas are the next worry: A G7 emergency stock release has eased pressure, but diesel margins remain extreme and a tropical storm is heading for US Gulf Coast refineries and LNG facilities, so sentiment could turn quickly.

Business aviation is moving SAF from early adoption to everyday airport operations, bringing new demands around fuel quality, logistics and customer confidence. In this episode of SAF Insights, Louise Burke (Senior Vice President, Oil Products and Global Aviation and Renewables) speaks with Keith Sawyer (Manager, Alternative Fuels, Avfuel Corporation) about the practical steps required to deliver certified SAF across a growing US network.

Key themes

• Scaling SAF from pilot projects to nationwide supply
• Certification and traceability: ASTM and ISCC requirements
• Growth opportunities: Feedstocks, blending hubs and regional demand

Airport adoption: The role of customers and communities

The renewable diesel market is being reshaped by changing trade flows, evolving policy incentives, and shifting demand patterns on both sides of the Atlantic. In this episode, Argus experts Giulia Squadrin and Philip Goughary discuss the latest developments in US-EU trade flows and within the US market, including record Renewable Fuel Standard mandates, the growing influence of California, and the factors affecting renewable diesel production, pricing, and exports. As US domestic demand strengthens, they explore how market participants are adapting to a changing regulatory and commercial landscape. 

The conversation also examines the implications of policy changes in North America on the European market, where renewable diesel demand is on the rise. From shifting trade flows and supply availability to the broader impact on market economics, this episode provides valuable insight into the forces shaping renewable diesel markets today. 

Listen to learn: 

How recent policy changes are reshaping renewable diesel market dynamics 

What is driving changes in US renewable diesel supply, demand and exports 

Why California remains a key factor in renewable diesel economics 

How shifting trade flows are affecting renewable diesel availability in Europe 

What market participants should watch as renewable diesel markets continue to evolve

Welcome to Episode 24 of the Methanol Market Puts-and-Takes podcast, part of the Chemical Conversations series.

In this episode, Senior Analyst Cassidy Staggers talks with Dave McCaskill, Argus VP of Methanol and Derivatives and Becky Zhang, Argus lead methanol consultant on:

• Argus Methanol & Ammonia Conference recap
• Pricing trends, supply constraints, and trade flow adjustments in Asia/China
• Outlook for Atlantic Basin considering ongoing political tensions in the Middle East

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial. 

As renewable generation continues to expand and extreme weather phenomena become more frequent, managing weather risk is becoming increasingly important for energy companies. Conventional hedging strategies can help manage price exposure, but they do not always address the financial impact of unexpected weather patterns on demand, generation or trading positions.

As a result, weather derivatives are gaining greater attention. In this episode, Argus European Electricity Editor Helen Senior and Deputy Editor Apostolos Tsarikas talk with Pierre Buisson, Senior Weather and Energy Structurer, and Theresa Kammel, Weather Trader and Originator at Munich Re, to discuss how these products work and where the market is headed.

Listen to discover key insights on:

• How are weather derivatives used to manage and hedge weather risk?
• Who are the biggest market players and which products are the most liquid?
• How is the market expected to evolve in the coming years?

This podcast was created using data and insights from the Argus European Electricity service

Request trial access or more information >>

In this week's Strait Talk: Thin Diesel, Argus experts examine how the market has changed following the Houthi maritime ban on Saudi-linked shipping and attacks on key refining infrastructure. Product exports through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have fallen sharply, while fresh warnings to shipowners and repeated attacks on the Jizan refinery have increased uncertainty for fuel exporters and buyers alike.

As biocarbon production scales up and international trade expands, transport regulations are emerging as one of the industry's biggest challenges.

In this episode of Biomass Beat, Hannah Adler, Deputy Editor of Biomass, speaks with Captain Bulut Kartal, General Manager at Control Union North America, to discuss why the lack of a dedicated International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC) schedule is creating uncertainty across the supply chain and what regulators are doing to address it.

Tune in for insights on:

• The difference between the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) and IMSBC Codes, and why it matters for bulk biocarbon shipments.
• How new IMO transport requirements are impacting producers, traders, and shipowners.
• Why regulators focus on a material's properties rather than whether it's called biochar, biocarbon, biocoal or torrefied biomass.
• What a future regulatory framework for biocarbon could look like, and the key milestones the industry should watch.

Argus offers biomass prices, news, analysis, and consulting. 

Get more information and request a free trial. 

Geopolitical conflict and Middle Eastern supply disruption are increasing the value of larger, more flexible LPG and ethane inventories in China. In this episode of Global LPG Conversations, Matt Scotland (Editor, LPG World) speaks with Celia Chen (Lead LPG Analyst) about how growing supply concerns are reshaping storage investment decisions.

Listen to discover:

• Why China is adding more than 700,000t of LPG and ethane storage
• How trade tensions are reshaping butane and ethane infrastructure
• The growing role of storage in strengthening supply security
• Why tight propane availability could limit strategic stockbuilding

The discussion draws on the Global LPG Storage Survey, available to LPG World subscribers through Argus Direct. Explore the survey data for detailed information on LPG and ethane storage capacity, infrastructure developments and major projects across China, the wider Asia-Pacific region, and the rest of the world. 

What’s driving record diesel prices and unexpectedly tight gasoline markets in Europe? Join George Maher-Bonnett (Deputy Editor, Argus European Products), Josh Michalowski (Diesel Reporter) and Atishya Nayak (Senior Gasoline Reporter) as they examine the supply disruptions, shifting trade flows and changing demand patterns reshaping Europe’s road fuels markets. 

In this episode, our experts discuss how geopolitical tensions, low inventories, refinery maintenance and seasonal demand trends are keeping diesel and gasoline markets unusually tight, and what market participants should watch as Europe heads into winter. 

Listen to discover:

• Why diesel and gasoline markets remain under pressure
• The key supply and demand drivers behind recent price strength
• How changing trade flows are impacting fuel availability across Europe

What the outlook is for road fuels markets in the months ahead

In this episode, Guo Harn Hong (Argus Global Lead for Base Oils) is joined by Chu Ren Tan (Senior Base Oils Analyst), Li Li Chng (Associate Editor, Base Oils), Tara Tang (Associate Editor, Base Oils & Waxes) and Victor Hu (Senior Analyst) to discuss how geopolitical tensions, logistical disruptions and shifting trade flows continue to reshape Asia-Pacific base oils markets. While new capacity additions across the region have eased some supply pressures, the lubricant supply chain remains under strain as refiners optimise output streams and downstream blending economics evolve.

The discussion explores the impact of changing crude and base oil trade flows, refinery strategies affecting product availability, and the opportunities emerging for market participants amid ongoing disruption.

Key themes:

• Geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges reshaping crude and base oil trade flows
• New Asia-Pacific capacity easing supply constraints, but not fully resolving market disruption
• Refinery optimisation and its impact on base oil production and lubricant supply chains
• Emerging trade opportunities amid shifting regional market dynamics

In this week's Strait Talk, Argus experts examine a series of developments that could reshape energy markets, from reported peace talks between US representatives and Iran to signs that Saudi Arabia may soon restart crude shipments through its critical East-West pipeline.

As compras de fertilizantes para a segunda safra de milho 2026-27 do Brasil se aceleraram, mas preços acima do esperado pelos agricultores e a ampla janela de compras mantêm as importações de nitrogênio abaixo do nível do ano anterior.  Acompanhe a conversa entre Renata Cardarelli e Gisele Augusto, que produzem o relatório Argus Brasil Grãos e Fertilizantes.

Os tópicos discutidos neste episódio incluem:

• Parcela das necessidades já supridas de fertilizantes para a safrinha 

• Queda de preços cria oportunidade de compra

• Guerra no Oriente Média e restrições da China às exportações 

• Preferência por sulfato de amônio

• El Niño e limitações no crédito agrícola: 

• Perspectiva e reposição de estoques

Purchases of fertilizers for Brazil's 2026-27 second corn crop have accelerated, but prices remain higher than farmers expected and the extended purchasing window is keeping nitrogen imports below last year's levels. Listen to the discussion between Renata Cardarelli and Gisele Augusto, who produce the Argus Brazil Grains and Fertilizersreport.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The share of fertilizer requirements already secured for the second corn crop

• Lower prices creating buying opportunities

• The Middle East conflict and China's export restrictions

• Preference for ammonium sulfate

• El Niño and agricultural credit constraints

• Market outlook and inventory replenishment strategy

Freight rates have gone vertical.

With tanker costs doubling in September and new threats to Saudi export infrastructure, the economics of oil trade are changing fast.

This week on Strait Talk, Argus experts unpack the freight crisis, the growing pressure on Red Sea and Hormuz shipping routes, and what it means for global oil markets.

In this week's episode, Tom Reed is joined by John Olett, Head of EMEA Freight, and Nader Itayim, Head of Dubai Editorial examine the military, shipping and market developments shaping Middle East crude flows.

Geopolitics drives mineral markets. Ed Conwayjoins Argus to explore trade wars, rare earths, and if the West can rebuild critical mineral supply chains.

The US Gulf Coast gasoline market has undergone notable shifts in 2026, driven by the lasting effects of the US-Iran conflict, changing domestic fuel movements and the seasonal transition to higher-RVP winter gasoline specifications.

In this episode of Driving Discussions, Argus experts examine how the temporary Jones Act waiver reshaped Gulf Coast gasoline and blendstock flows, redirecting volumes from the Bahamas to direct shipments between US ports and increasing movements to both the West Coast and Atlantic Coast. The discussion also explores how tightening inventories, strong export demand and ongoing supply concerns have continued to support gasoline prices, even as the summer driving season comes to an end.

As the market moves through the fall RVP transition, our specialists analyze evolving blending economics, changing demand for key gasoline components and the supply factors that market participants should watch in the months ahead.

Key topics covered:

• How the US-Iran conflict and Jones Act waiver reshaped Gulf Coast gasoline and blendstock trade flows
• Why Florida and the Atlantic Coast have become key drivers of Gulf Coast gasoline demand
• The supply, inventory and export trends supporting gasoline prices despite seasonal demand declines
• How the fall transition to higher-RVP gasoline is changing blending economics and component demand
• What refiners, traders and market participants should monitor as regional supply balances evolve

Tune in for expert analysis of the market dynamics shaping the US Gulf Coast gasoline sector and the outlook for pricing, trade flows and blending economics heading into the winter gasoline season.

• Physical vs. paper disconnect. Crude, diesel and freight markets are signalling stress that futures prices aren't yet capturing — driven by Middle East pipeline disruptions and restricted flows through critical maritime chokepoints.
• Fragile recovery reversing. A tentative summer rebound in regional exports is losing ground as shipping attacks intensify and instability spreads along key routes.
• A genuine fork in the road. Either flows are restored and inventories rebuild gradually, or exports fall further — forcing rebalancing through demand destruction: price shocks first, then a broader economic slowdown.

Argus spot prices for the rare earth compound dysprosium oxide are currently ten times higher in the US than in China. Such a gap reflects a world where geopolitics is increasingly shaping commodity markets. But as broadcaster and author Ed Conway argues, the weaponisation of trade, for critical minerals and beyond, is as old as trade itself.

In this episode, Ed joins Argus battery materials reporter Chris Welch to discuss his new book, Trade World: The Ties That Bound Our Past and Could Unravel Our Future, exploring whether the global trade is unravelling after all and whether Europe and the US can rebuild their critical minerals industries once again.

Key topics include:

• Why China's rare earth export controls are not new
• Can Western carmakers build knowledge in partnerships with China?
• Why pricing power has shifted from carmakers to their suppliers
• How BYD resembles Henry Ford's vision for cars
• The impact of declining standardisation of traded goods on pricing

Rotterdam’s record-low VLSFO sales reveal how quickly Europe’s marine fuel market is being reshaped by forces at home and abroad. In this episode, Josh Michalowski (Diesel Reporter, Argus European Products) speaks with Bob Wigin (Fuel Oil Reporter, Argus European Products) about the changing balance between VLSFO and HSFO as RED III alters bunker economics and geopolitical disruption reshapes supply.

Key themes:

• Regulatory impact on European bunker demand
• Middle East disruption redirects European VLSFO to Asia-Pacific
• Russian VGO tightness and marine fuel blending

Ammonia production across Europe face major consequences due to mounting pressure on European gas markets. Ahead of winter, record-low inventories, conflict in the Middle East as well as Russian and Ukraine, strong Asian demand and maintenance outages are all pushing delivered gas prices to their highest since 2022.

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of the impact of the gas market on Europe’s ammonia industry, covering ammonia production costs, prices, influence of CBAM and decarbonisation, risks to ammonia supply this winter, the prospects for Q1 2027 and food security implications. Join Mike Nash, Senior Editor – Fertilizers and Lizzie Lancaster, Deputy Editor - Ammonia as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Weight of Freight: Iron ore and jet fuel, Hormuz knock-on effects

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of what’s driving China’s feed phosphate market. Fresh from the VIV Select China trade show, we discuss market sentiment, price movements, demand trends, and the impact of raw material and production costs on China's feed phosphate sector. We also examine how rising freight rates are shaping export opportunities and take a closer look at tricalcium phosphate (TCP).

Join Hui Xuan Lek, Market Reporter – Fertilizers and Johanna Jing, Market Analyst, Phosphate, Potash as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

• What are feed phosphates and what is the relevance of the different grades?
• VIV Select China Tradeshow: What was the feed phosphate market sentiment at the event?
• How have prices, demand, raw materials cost and overall production costs impacted the Chinese feed phosphate market?
• How much of an impact have rising freight costs had on the export market?
• TCP, Tricalcium Phosphates: How is it produced and why has there been growing demand for it, particularly in Europe and Japan?

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of the urea market outlook — what's left of 2026, and what 2027 has in store. Is it simply going to be more of the same? Does the uncertainty and geopolitical disruption we've seen this year just persist into next year? Where's the upside, where's the downside, and what are the key risks to the forecast?

Join Stephen Mitchell, Analyst and Owen Gooch, Senior Analyst as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Os preços dos contratos de biodiesel para o 5º bimestre subiram em todo o país. Por que, mesmo com uma oferta menor de óleo de soja, os compradores ainda conseguem limitar os avanços nos preços? E o que isso indica para o restante do ano? Acompanhe a conversa entre Natalia Dalle Cort, colaboradora do relatório Argus Brasil Combustíveis, e Lucas Boacnin, gerente de desenvolvimento de negócios da Argus.

Os tópicos discutidos neste episódio incluem:

• Fees e formas de comercialização de biodiesel 

• Situação do complexo soja que definiu as negociações 

• Margem de esmagamento empurra remuneração do biocombustível

• Diferenciais por região

• Levantamento da Argus com produtoras e distribuidoras

• Perspectivas para fim do ano e 2027

O programa Gás do Povo ampliou o acesso ao gás de cozinha para famílias de baixa renda e alcançou sua meta de inclusão de milhões de beneficiários. No entanto, a iniciativa ainda não gerou o aumento no consumo de GLP que muitos agentes do mercado esperavam. Saiba mais nesta conversa entre Camila Fontana, chefe adjunta da redação da Argus em São Paulo, e Flavia Alemi, uma das responsáveis por precificação de combustíveis fósseis na América do Sul.

Why carmakers are turning to high-manganese chemistries and how Firebird plans to develop a full manganese battery supply chain outside China.

Just when the outlook for the Strait of Hormuz appeared to be stabilising, tensions have escalated again.

Following US strikes on Iranian military installations on Larak Island on 30 August, Iran retaliated with further attacks across the region and intensified its targeting of shipping. Saudi vessels have been struck in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, while the possibility of further military action against Iranian tankers is raising fears of a new tanker war.

In this week's episode, Tom Reed is joined by John Olett, Head of EMEA Freight, and Nader Itayim, Head of Dubai Editorial examine the military, shipping and market developments shaping Middle East crude flows.

In this episode of the Biomass Beat podcast, Argus’ deputy editor Hannah Adler speaks with Nova Pangaea Technologies' Chief Commercial Officer Jonathan Wood to discuss the future of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the role of biomass feedstocks, and what it will take for the next generation of SAF projects to secure investment and scale commercially.

Tune in for key insights including:

• Can SAF supply keep up with demand? 
• The feedstock challenge: Which biomass resources, including waste wood, forestry residues, and agricultural waste, are best placed to support long-term SAF growth?
• Carbon-negative aviation fuels: How Nova Pangaea’s pyrolysis technology and biochar co-production could create additional revenue streams and generate carbon removal credits.
• Financing the next generation of projects: The role of policy support, including the UK’s proposed Revenue Certainty Mechanism, and the key milestones to watch for Project Speedbird.

Argus offers biomass prices, news, analysis, and consulting. 

Get more information and request a free trial. 

Thailand’s SAF market is moving from ambition to production as new capacity comes online and airlines consider their next steps. In this episode of SAF Insights, Sarah Giam (Associate Editor, Asia Biofuels and Net Zero) speaks with Bundit Hansapaiboon (President, Refinery and Marketing Business Group, Bangchak Corporation) about launching Southeast Asia’s third standalone hydrotreated biofuels plant and building a viable market around it.

Key topics:

• Certification as the gateway to global SAF markets
• Unlocking Thailand’s untapped UCO supply
• Closing the gap between airline ambition and demand
• SAF-HVO flexibility as markets develop
• The next stage of Thailand’s bio-refining transition

Just a few years ago, the biggest question facing lithium developers was whether demand would justify a wave of new supply. Today, as producers raise demand forecasts, battery storage booms and governments scramble to secure critical minerals, the debate has shifted to whether new supply can keep up.

In this episode, Cornish Lithium founder and executive chairman Jeremy Wrathall joins Argus battery materials reporter Chris Welch to discuss the company's plans to supply up to 20,000 t/yr of battery-grade lithium from Cornwall, the challenges of permitting and financing projects in Europe, and why he believes secure domestic supply is a strategic priority. 

Key topics include:

• Cornish Lithium's path to commercial production
• Whether the UK's 50,000 t/yr lithium target is realistic
• The biggest barriers facing lithium projects in the UK
• Why China remains central to the global lithium market
• The growing importance of supply-chain security and defense

In this week's episode, Tom Reed is joined by John Olett, Head of EMEA Freight, and Nader Itayim, Head of Dubai Editorial examine Washington's latest efforts to isolate Iran economically, the state of Iran's domestic economy and whether mounting hardship could influence Tehran's negotiating position.

The discussion also tackles one of the most important questions in global oil markets today: how much crude is actually getting out of the Strait of Hormuz? With estimates varying widely and volatility remaining elevated, the answer has major implications for oil prices, trade flows and market sentiment.

A sharp reduction in Russian diesel exports is creating a new strain on an already fragile global market. In this episode of Driving Discussions, Benedict George (Editor, Argus European Products) and Josh Michalowski (Diesel Market Reporter) discuss how the loss of Russian supply is reshaping trade flows and intensifying pressure across European and international diesel markets.

They examine how supply disruption spreads between regions, why Europe remains exposed even without importing Russian diesel directly, and whether refiners and consumers can absorb another period of market tightness.

• Growing pressures in global diesel supply chains and their wider market impact
• How shifting trade flows are reshaping diesel markets around the world
• The factors driving unprecedented volatility in diesel pricing
• Why global energy markets are becoming increasingly interconnected
• The challenges facing refiners, traders and fuel consumers in today's market

A guerra no Oriente Médio alterou fluxos de asfalto e pressionou preços. Entenda os impactos para a América Latina com especialistas.

A look at the logistical, pricing and seasonal consequences of restricted access to Germany’s inland LPG market.

Record-low Rhine water levels have brought LPG barge traffic to a near standstill, cutting German buyers off from the ARA hub and disrupting a vital route for European supply. In this episode of Global LPG Conversations, David Appleton (Senior Vice-President, Global LPG) speaks with Waldemar Jaszczyk (Deputy Editor) about how extreme drought is affecting petrochemical demand, inland distribution and LPG pricing across the region.

Key themes:

• German crackers lose access to key butane supplies
• Limited alternatives: rail and low-water barges struggle to fill the gap
• Winter supply risk: volatile propane pricing meets low German stocks

Critical minerals have become central to geopolitics, industrial policy and the energy transition. But who ultimately controls supply chains, and can western governments realistically challenge China's dominance?

In this episode, Argus battery materials reporter Chris Welch speaks with journalist and author Nicolas Niarchos, whose book The Elements of Power: A Story of War, Technology, and the Dirtiest Supply Chain on Earth follows cobalt, copper and other critical minerals from mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the industries that depend on them.

Key topics include:

• Whether western financial systems are suited to commodity investing
• China's influence over markets and even prices
• The influence of long-term contracts in cobalt over spot markets
• The reliability of data for industrial pricing benchmarks
• Whether a focus on extraction neglects the role of surrounding infrastructure
• The challenges facing governments

Dila Odluyurt, senior reporter covering the Turkish PE, PP and PVC markets, speaks about:

• Key developments in the Turkish polymers market since July
• How freight conditions have affected market dynamics
• The current market landscape and key factors influencing the outlook

Record U.S. biofuels compliance mandates, EPA small refinery exemptions, and shifting supply chains continue to influence RIN supply dynamics, adding complexity to increasingly sophisticated forecast models.

In this episode, Philip Goughary (Business Development Manager, Renewables and Biofuels) speaks with Zander Capozzola (Principal Consultant, Renewable Fuels) about why understanding the RIN bank is now central to pricing, positioning and compliance risk.

The conversation looks at how RIN balances have become more complex in 2026, what “paper blending” means for the market, and why Argus Biofuels Outlook uses live compliance modelling to track policy, production, feedstock and credit signals across a 15-month forecast horizon.

This week episode, Tom Reed is joined by John Ollett, Head of EMEA Freight, and Nader Itayim, Head of Dubai Editorial break down the latest developments in Middle East crude logistics, alternative export routes and what they could mean for global oil markets.

Welcome to Episode 23 of the Methanol Market Puts-and-Takes podcast, part of the Chemical Conversations series.

In this episode, Senior Analyst Cassidy Staggers talks with Dave McCaskill, Argus VP of Methanol and Derivatives on:

• How supply dynamics in the Strait of Hormuz are leading to tightening market conditions
• Why global methanol demand is set to decrease in 2026
• The pricing outlook for Asia and the Atlantic Basin

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial. 

In this episode, ElectraLith chief executive Charlie McGill explains how the company's electrochemical extraction and refining technology aims to eliminate water and chemical use during processing, while helping bring new lithium resources into production.

Key topics include:

• ElectraLith's Captura partnership and pilot programme
• Why water is becoming a key lithium constraint
• The economics of direct lithium extraction and refining
• The challenge of refining outside China
• Where governments should focus funding

As the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) begins to take effect, the industry faces significant questions around investment, scale-up, recycled content targets and mass balance accounting.

In this episode of Chemicals Conversations, Argus speaks with Valentijn De Neve, CEO of BlueAlp and President of Chemical Recycling Europe, about the role pyrolysis can play in helping Europe meet its circularity goals and what the industry needs to succeed before 2030.

Listen as they discuss:

• The latest developments in Europe's pyrolysis and chemical recycling markets
• Whether capacity can scale quickly enough to meet PPWR requirements
• Investment trends and the outlook for new projects
• The importance of mass balance rules and regulatory clarity
• Cost challenges facing chemically recycled polymers
• How policy can support growth ahead of mandatory recycled content targets

Argus is proud to partner with the Chemical Recycling Europe Forum, taking place in Brussels on 29-30 September 2026. Join industry leaders, policymakers and recyclers to discuss the future of circular plastics, including a keynote appearance from Wolfgang Trunk, Team Leader for Plastics and Packaging at the European Commission's DG Environment. Argus Media's Will Collins will also be chairing a session exploring the upgrading challenge facing plastic recycling.

Register for the event and connect with the Argus team in Brussels.

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/getting-ready-for-2030-targets-powering-circular-plastics-made-in-europe-tickets-1985497741192

Overview

In this episode, Argus examines new US export controls on tungsten scrap and battery black mass, introduced as part of a broader effort to secure domestic critical mineral supply chains. Our experts discuss the immediate market impact, the implications for recyclers and processors, and whether similar measures could spread to other metals and regions.

Covered in this episode

• What the new US restrictions on tungsten scrap and battery black mass mean for exporters, recyclers and consumers
• How the measures are affecting prices, trade flows and domestic processing capacity in the US
• Why tungsten and battery materials are increasingly being treated as strategic resources
• Whether similar export controls could be extended to other critical minerals and non-ferrous scrap streams
• How the European Union is approaching scrap retention and critical raw material security
• The long-term implications for recyclers, global trade and vertical integration across metals supply chains

Speakers

• Ronan Murphy, Editor, Argus Non-Ferrous Markets
• Reagan Patrowicz, Reporter, Critical Minerals Markets
• Cristina Belda, Associate Editor, Battery Materials
• Zach Schumacher, Editor, Argus Scrap Markets

For decades, Europe's ethylene and propylene markets have relied on monthly contract settlements to establish pricing across the value chain. But changing market dynamics, greater discounting and a smaller pool of negotiators are prompting discussion about how pricing could evolve in the years ahead.

In this episode of the Chemical Conversations series, Alan Williamson, Argus Olefins Consultant, speaks with Alex Sands, Head of European Olefins Editorial, about the evolution of Europe's pricing system, the role of spot markets, and the factors driving conversations around new pricing benchmarks.

Tune in for insights on:

• Why monthly contract prices remain the foundation of European olefins trading
• The feedstock, supply-demand and spot market signals that influence settlements
• How Europe's pricing system differs from those used in Asia and the US
• Why shrinking participation in negotiations is prompting discussion about alternatives
• How new Argus price indices could provide additional transparency and commercial flexibility

This episode is part of the Olefins Market Structure & Pricing podcast series, where Argus experts examine how ethylene and propylene markets operate across Asia, Europe and the US. The series explores the pricing mechanisms, commercial practices and market dynamics that underpin regional olefins trade, while highlighting how pricing approaches continue to evolve.

Hear Argus' hydrogen experts assess whether Europe can meet ReFuelEU Aviation targets and what this means for e-SAF growth.

Tune in for key insights on:

• How the EU SAF project pipeline is developing — from announced plans to the few projects reaching FID.

• Why meeting early-year targets looks increasingly difficult and the volumes required in real terms.

• Positive signs for e-SAF: policy momentum, new funding commitments and EU ETS incentives supporting uptake.

• The scale of the cost gap to conventional jet fuel, and which regions offer the lowest production costs.

• The key cost drivers and what actions could narrow the gap — power prices, electrolyser costs and CO₂ sourcing.

This episode features data and analysis drawn from the Argus Hydrogen and Future Fuels service.

Request a free trial or more information >>

The Polyethylene and Polypropylene markets across South and West Africa continue to evolve in response to shifting global trade flows, changing supplier strategies and regional demand dynamics.

In our latest podcast, Dila Odluyurt, Senior Reporter, Chemicals explore the key factors shaping these markets, including:

• The impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflict on supply chains and product availability

• How suppliers have adjusted pricing strategies in response to changing market conditions

• Seasonal demand patterns and purchasing trends across key African markets

• Feedstock considerations and how market participants manage procurement and supply security

• Emerging opportunities and challenges for buyers, traders and distributors

• What market participants should watch in the months ahead

Saudi crude looks relatively cheap for a European buyer, after state-owned Saudi Aramco cut its official formula prices for European buyers by more than expected. This would benefit European refiners in September, who have been scrambling for medium sour crude since the start of the US-Iran war.

In this episode, Argus Crude deputy editor Lina Bulyk and Mediterranean crude reporter Ellanee Kruck discuss how the Mideast Gulf supply will shape Europe’s medium sour markets in September.

Key topics include:

• How do Aramco and Somo official prices for September compare to rival spot grades
• How does Aramco export its barrels amid the US-Iran war and Houthi threats
• What does this mean for the European medium sour market next month

How are ethylene and propylene prices established in one of the world's most influential olefins markets? As trade flows evolve and pricing mechanisms continue to develop, the US market offers valuable insight into how prices are discovered, referenced and negotiated across the olefins value chain.

In this episode, Craig Barry, Lead Olefins Consultant and Michael Camarda, Senior Editorial Lead for US Olefins, discuss the factors shaping ethylene and propylene pricing in the US and what sets the market apart from other major regions.

Listen to learn more about:

• Why the US market has become a key reference point for global ethylene and propylene pricing.

• How spot market activity has changed the way market participants assess value and negotiate contracts.

• The differences between US ethylene and propylene markets, including the growing role of pricing indexes.

• What expanding exports and changing market fundamentals could mean for olefins pricing in the years ahead.

 This episode is part of the Olefins Market Structure & Pricing podcast series, where Argus experts share insights into the pricing mechanisms and market dynamics shaping ethylene and propylene markets across Asia, Europe and the US. Bringing together perspectives from each major region, the series highlights why pricing practices differ across global olefins markets, how prices are established and referenced, and the market fundamentals that influence commercial pricing decisions.

As North American fuel flows shift, El Paso is becoming a more important pricing point for gasoline and diesel moving across the Southwest. In this episode, Amanda Hilow (Distillates Editor, US Products) and Jared Ainsworth (Gasoline Editor) discuss the launch of Argus’ new El Paso assessments, including Argus ULSD fob El Paso and four new gasoline assessments covering regular and premium CBOB. 

The conversation looks at why El Paso’s role is growing as Gulf Coast supply moves west, California refinery capacity tightens, Arizona seeks more secure inland routes and Mexico remains a major outlet for US gasoline exports.