Explore every episode of the podcast Oil Markets
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The final countdown: Europe readies for full Russian LPG ban | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:18:51 | |
Europe's 19th sanctions package has promised to shut the door on the last remaining flows of Russian energy still trading into the region, including butane and isobutane that was previously exempted from import bans. From Jan 2026, the new LPG embargo will force lead buyer Poland to find alternatives to Russian supplies, adding support to an already tight European market. Associate Director, Pricing, for EMEA Clean Refined Products Gary Clark joins LPG Pricing Specialist Barbara Fernandez-Pita and London Oil News Reporter Kelly Norways to discuss Polish preparations for the move, alternative supply routes and potential LPG outlets for an increasingly distressed Russian energy sector. | |||
| Low prices, high stakes in the Caribbean | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:28:28 | |
The US has ramped up its naval presence in the Caribbean, following several strikes against suspected drug smuggling vessels off the coast of major oil producer Venezuela. Yet oil prices have barely budged as Latin American production continues to ramp up. What is the role of Guyana and Argentina's emerging crudes, and how do flows to destinations like India fit into Trump's strategy? How are Permian operators responding to sustained low prices? Jeff Mower unpacks how low oil prices play into the Trump administration's military push in the Caribbean, along with Latin America oil markets reporter Jada Johnson and senior news reporters Ashok Dutta and Eamonn Brennan. Links: Vasconia FOB Colombia PCAGI00 | |||
| APPEC to look at Asia's changing energy narrative amid tariffs and transition | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:25:25 | |
APPEC to look at Asia's changing energy narrative amid tariffs and transition
Navigating trade, technology and transition—that's the theme of this year's Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference, or APPEC 2025, by S&P Global Commodity Insights. It is scheduled to take place during September 8-11 in Singapore, where CEOs, government officials and market experts will share their insights on geopolitical influences on energy markets, technological innovation, and disruptions, redefined decarbonization strategies and price outlooks. Delegates will also seek answers on how Asia is navigating a multi-faceted energy future to ensure energy security at a time when many countries are faced with high trade tariffs and sanctions on energy producers are either limiting or diverting energy flows. In this episode of Platts Oil Markets Podcast ahead of APPEC, Asia energy editor Sambit Mohanty discusses with Vera Blei, head of Market Reporting and Trading Solutions, Calvin Lee, head of Asia Content, and Pulkit Agarwal, head of India Content, some of the key themes that will dominate discussions at APPEC. | |||
| West African gasoline supply in limbo after Belgian export ban | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:13:33 | |
The West African Gasoline market is about to undergo major transformations. Belgium has proposed new environmental measures to suspend low-quality motor fuel exports, following similar move by the Netherlands. Will consumers like Nigeria turn to alternative blending hubs, or resign themselves to higher prices at the pump? In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, London-based downstream reporter Kelly Norways and gasoline editor Matthew Tracey-Cook join Joel Hanley to discuss the impacts of these new regulations and how the markets have reacted so far. Related price assessments: Further reading: | |||
| With Venezuela sanctions lifting, what's in store for Mexican and Canadian crudes? | 09 Nov 2023 | 00:13:44 | |
The lifting of Venezuelan oil sanctions by the US has sparked a series of reactions in the upstream market. S&P Global expects an increase of roughly 100,000 b/d in crude exports from Venezuela to 850,000 b/d. Jeff Mower, director of Americas oil news, sits down with Americas crude markets editor Patrick Harrington and Mexico energy editor Sheky Espejo to discuss the sanctions and the impact their lifting will have on competing Mexican and Canadian crude grades. | |||
| European fuel oil sulfur spreads caught between Asia and the Americas | 03 Nov 2023 | 00:11:27 | |
European fuel oil sulfur spreads surged in October as events further afield spurred opposing price movements for low- and high-sulfur fuel grades. A sudden easing of US oil and gas sanctions on Venezuela has sent high sulfur markets tumbling, while a mysterious shift in exports from Kuwait hit low sulfur markets in the Middle East and Asia, all against the backdrop of a gentle wind-down to an unusual European summer. Related price assessments: | |||
| Geopolitical turbulence prompts Asia to rethink its oil strategy | 26 Oct 2023 | 00:26:01 | |
Oil market volatility amid the conflict in the Middle East has started to ring alarm bells for Asian refiners. Hamas' surprise attack on Israel has fanned worries of a long-drawn period of geopolitical turbulence at a time when global oil markets are already been facing a squeeze in supplies, while demand continues to grow. This has rekindled the debate on oil crossing the $100/b threshold again. S&P Global Commodity Insights' Asia energy editor Sambit Mohanty speaks with Kang Wu, head of global demand and Asia analytics, and Daniel Colover, head of market engagement for the Middle East, on how some of the recent geopolitical developments, including the removal of sanctions on Venezuela, could potentially affect Asian oil markets. | |||
| Oil markets experience heightened volatility amid Israel-Hamas conflict | 19 Oct 2023 | 00:21:03 | |
Geopolitical tensions are, once again, spooking oil markets, with the Israel-Hamas war dominating all discussions. Even with the impact of the armed conflict so far restricted to the Mediterranean, market players are increasingly concerned about the potential for escalation, which is being reflected in rising insurance premiums. Related price assessments: As mentioned in the episode, explore our Energy Security Sentinel™ and see how disruptions affect energy flows in the region. | |||
| Is Russian supply "to be, or not to be" for Brazil diesel markets? | 12 Oct 2023 | 00:13:46 | |
After sanctions on Russia in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine, Brazil started sourcing 78% of its imports from Russia. But in mid-September, Russia announced a ban on refined product exports to ease its own domestic fuel prices. It quickly changed course, however, partially lifting the ban in early October to free up storage for winter grade diesel and to offload remaining summer product. Now, the Brazilian market must decide whether to trust Russia as a steady source of fuel or to to return to the more reliable US Gulf Coast for diesel supply. S&P Global Commodity Insights' light ends pricing manager Sarah Hernandez, middle distillates manager Jordan Daniel, and Latin America refined products reporter Maria Jimenez Moya discuss how Russia lifting its diesel ban is affecting trade flows in Brazil. Links: | |||
| Ban on diesel and gasoline exports: Will Russia double down or reverse course? | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:15:58 | |
Global fuel markets were set to receive another shockwave when Russia announced a ban on diesel and gasoline exports amid tight domestic supplies. Brazil and other importers of Russian diesel were expected to suffer the most. But judging by the falling prices, things are not going quite as some had expected. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, London-based oil news reporter Elza Turner and oil price reporters Matthew Tracey-Cook and Sasha Foss join Francesco Di Salvo to discuss the market's reaction to a ban that many traders doubt Russia can stick to for much longer. Related price assessments: Read more: Russian authorities discussing easing diesel export ban: energy minister | |||
| $90/b oil makes producers and refiners sanguine in Q3 | 28 Sep 2023 | 00:16:52 | |
As crude prices have recently inched up past the $90/b level, they are on pace to end the third quarter nearly 35% higher than they started, fundamentally altering the landscape for both upstream and downstream players. Drillers and producers are ramping up output as they look to capitalize on high prices, while refiners are more cautious as they expect tight supply, low inventory and rising demand through year-end. S&P Global Commodity Insights' oil futures editor Chris van Moessner chats with upstream editor Starr Spencer and senior refinery writer Janet McGurty about the industry is adapting to the new price environment and how that could impact Q3 results.
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| How high can it go? Crude market tightness sparks oil price surge | 21 Sep 2023 | 00:11:10 | |
The OPEC+ production cuts continue to impact both crude oil and refined products. Dated Brent has reached a 10-month high. Prices in the diesel market are also rising amid supply constraints. Meanwhile, the latest report from the IEA has warned investors of strong demand in Q4. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, London-based oil news reporter Robert Perkins and oil price reporters Sam Angell and Sasha Foss join Francesco Di Salvo to discuss the current bullish sentiment supporting prices as market participants react to the latest developments in the oil markets. Price assessments discussed: | |||
| At Asia's APPEC, energy transition and Russia steal the limelight | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:17:58 | |
The 39th annual Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference in Singapore captured the tone of Eastern oil markets in early September, catapulting the energy transition back into focus after the distraction of recent world events. Richard Swann, Dave Ernsberger and Joel Hanley share their views on what was a lively week, packed with information on oil, carbon, shipping, biofuels and more. They also reveal the conference's oil price prediction for the end of the year. Related: Interactive: Platts Periodic Table of Oil - 6th edition sees new technology, carbon intensity data Check out our coverage of APPEC 2023 on our website. | |||
| Drones hammer Russian, Ukrainian energy infrastructure amid push for peace deal | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:23:42 | |
The world's attention has turned the US in recent days after back-to-back peace summits separately involving Russia's and Ukraine's presidents. But in the absence of a ceasefire deal, drone attacks have taken on a new intensity, continuing to claim civilian lives and knocking out critical infrastructure. In the past week alone, Russia has sustained damage to at least five major oil refineries, as well as its main crude pipeline link into Central Europe. Meanwhile, its own attacks risk straining fragile ties with neighbors like Azerbaijan. Join London oil news reporters Kelly Norways and Nick Coleman to unpack the impact of a new destructive chapter in the region's drone warfare, with insights from Platts refining expert Elza Turner. Links: | |||
| Is the bionaphtha market ready to soar as European biorefining booms? | 07 Sep 2023 | 00:12:03 | |
The European bionaphtha market is starting to gain traction as the number of available feedstocks increases and demand for cleaner alternatives grows. Limited supply capacity has kept prices high, but production is set to increase amid a boom in biorefinery construction in the region. As a result, more trading opportunities will become available, along with the potential for a liberalized and transparently priced market. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, London-based oil price reporters Vinicius Maffei, Simone Burgin and Aly Blakeway join Francesco Di Salvo to discuss the development of bionaphtha, as well as SAF and biopropane markets, as Europe leads the way in alternative fuels. PAADU00 - Bio-Naphtha FOB NWE Premium $/mt | |||
| Russia's impact on Americas naphtha and refined products | 01 Sep 2023 | 00:16:23 | |
Americas refined products markets are adjusting to altered trade flows more than a year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Refined products that were once supplied to Brazil from the US Gulf Coast have now been replaced by Russian barrels, while other markets in Latin America are still being wary of touching Russian product out of fear of repercussions from the US. Oversupply has caused naphtha in particular to deal with volatility and low export demand. S&P Global Commodity Insights' Maria Jimenez Moya, Latin America refined products price reporter, sits down with Sarah Hernandez, managing editor for Americas light ends pricing, to discuss the changes arising in North and Latin American markets of naphtha and refined products as a result of Russian inflows. Related prices: | |||
| APPEC to throw spotlight on oil's future, energy security vs sustainability debate | 24 Aug 2023 | 00:25:10 | |
Asia's oil demand revival, China's much anticipating role in aiding that recovery, heightened concerns around managing legal, regulatory and sanctions risks , as well as the region's affinity for embracing new energy will be some of the key themes in focus at the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference -- or APPEC 2023 -- organized by S&P Global Commodity Insights and scheduled to take place in Singapore from September 4 to 6 of 2023.
In a wide-ranging discussion with Asia Editorial Lead Sambit Mohanty, three senior market experts at S&P Global Commodity Insights -- Calvin Lee, Asia Head of Content, Mriganka Jaipuriyar, Asia Head of News, and Kang Wu, Head of Global Demand and Asia Analytics -- share their insights on the key themes that could potentially dominate the discussions at APPEC, we well as how Asian energy companies and policy makers are crafting out their future energy strategies in a region heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports. S&P Commodity Insights APPEC is returning to Singapore this September 4-6. Save the date! Stay on top of our coverage of APPEC 2023 on our website. We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz | |||
| European oil markets after the Russian embargo (part 2) | 17 Aug 2023 | 00:21:16 | |
For many years, Russia was Europe's main supplier of key refined oil products until Western sanctions were imposed in February 2023. Six months into the embargo on Russian refined products, markets across the continent continue to adjust. Prices appear to be rising and shipping times have lengthened as European buyers find products further afield in India, the Middle East and the US Gulf Coast. In the second of a special two-part Platts Oil Markets podcast retrospective, OPEC+ Oil News reporter Rosemary Griffin and Refined Oil Products Managers Gary Clark and Kieran Hess join Francesco Di Salvo to discuss how European oil markets have adapted to a "new normal" following one of the most consequential events in the geopolitics of oil in decades. Click here to listen to part 1 of this special retrospective. Related price assessments:
S&P Commodity Insights APPEC is returning to Singapore this September 4-6. Save the date! Stay on top of our coverage of APPEC 2023 on our website.
We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz | |||
| European oil markets after the Russian embargo (part 1) | 10 Aug 2023 | 00:15:34 | |
Trade disruptions. Refinery adjustments. New arbitrage flows. These are some of the consequences Europe faced as the continent had to wean itself off Russian crude following the embargo, which came into effect in December 2022. Russia has since managed to find new customers in Asia, but military attacks on oil infrastructure in the Black Sea could jeopardize such a strategy. In the first of a special two-part Platts Oil Markets podcast retrospective, OPEC+ Oil News reporter Rosemary Griffin and Crude Oil Managers Emma Kettley and John Morley join Joel Hanley to discuss how European oil markets have adapted to a "new normal" following one of the most consequential events in the geopolitics of oil in decades. KBCOB00 – KEBCO CIF Med vs Med Dtd Strip
S&P Commodity Insights APPEC is returning to Singapore this September 4-6. Save the date! Stay on top of our coverage of APPEC 2023 on our website.
We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz | |||
| Guyanese Dream: Oil boom in Guyana could transform global crude market | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:23:24 | |
The small South American country of Guyana has experienced a quick transformation within the past decade, going from zero oil production in 2019 to nearly 400,000 b/d in 2023 and that is expected to reach around 600,000 by the end of 2024. That will position Guyana as one of the world's top oil producing countries in the world and a rare exception in the market where exploration and production is expanding. S&P Global Commodity Insights' oil pricing and news experts Laura Huchzermeyer, Patrick Harrington, and Starr Spencer discuss investment and pricing trends in Guyana, as well as new price assessments for Guyana's Unity Gold. Prices in this episode: We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz | |||
| Asian refiners look for answers in petrochemicals as EVs threaten transport fuels' future | 27 Jul 2023 | 00:18:50 | |
Refiners in Asia are crafting out expansion strategies and pumping billions of dollars to diversify their portfolio and adapt to the changing energy landscape. Renewables, hydrogen and solar energy are starting to figure in their ambitions. But a key area of focus for refiners is to raise their petrochemicals intensity to ensure business models remain profitable in the event electric vehicles and other cleaner forms of energy take a toll on demand for transport fuels. In a wide-ranging discussion with Asia Energy Editor, Sambit Mohanty, three senior market experts at S&P Global Commodity Insights -- Maria Tsay, Global Head of Petrochemicals Pricing, Zhuwei Wang, Asian Oil Analytics Manager, and Pulkit Agarwal, India Content Head -- share their insights on whether going further downstream would be the only option for refiners to remain profitable and over the longer term. We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: SPGCI Podcast Survey | |||
| Nigeria: Another force majeure at Forcados? | 20 Jul 2023 | 00:11:09 | |
Nigeria, Africa's largest crude oil producer, is struggling to keep oil flowing amid leaks at the Forcados oil terminal port. The ill-fated facility has been offline for much of 2022 due to sabotage, and now faces the prospect of another force majeure that could affect European markets. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, oil news reporter Charlie Mitchell and oil price reporters Luke Stuart and George Delaney join Francesco di Salvo to discuss what is happening in Nigeria and how traders have reacted so far. Related price assessments: We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz | |||
| A perfect storm in the USGC buoys Americas sour crudes | 13 Jul 2023 | 00:13:28 | |
North American heavy and sour crude price differentials have reached multiyear highs in recent weeks. These are prices that are typically seen only after major production disruptions like hurricanes. But there are no clouds in sight in the Gulf of Mexico. Sour crude prices are supported by a myriad of factors including global supply tightness, Strategic Petroleum Reserve buybacks and very strong values for high sulfur fuel oil. S&P Global Commodity Insights' Laura Huchzermeyer, Americas crude pricing manager, discusses current pricing trends with USGC crude reporter Kristian Tialios and residual and marine fuel manager Patrick Burns. We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz | |||
| The dire consequences of falling Rhine water levels on refined oil products | 06 Jul 2023 | 00:16:04 | |
Europe is bracing for challenges this summer as its main waterway experiences lower-than-usual rainfall. The Rhine is drying up well ahead of historical patterns, and the short-term forecast is for water levels to fall below critical levels for barge navigation as early as mid-July. In this Platts Oil Markets podcast from S&P Global Commodity Insights, John Morley is joined by oil news reporter Robert Perkins, as well as Natasha Tan and Vinicius Maffei, middle-distillates and light-ends price reporters respectively. Together they look at the immediate impact and potential disruption to European oil product markets should the Rhine suffer a severe dry spell. Related price assessments: We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz | |||
| What's in store for US diesel and jet? | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:22:45 | |
US diesel prices have rallied this summer as strong export demand has helped to tighten inventories, while jet fuel prices have remained stable. With diesel stocks remaining tight, export demand, refinery maintenance and hurricane season present upside risks to prices. In contrast, jet fuel is well supplied, keeping a lid on prices. The outlook for both diesel and jet fuel has been complicated by US trade negotiations, with tariffs putting demand into question. What do recent travel warnings mean for jet demand? Why is the Caribbean pulling more US diesel? How will refinery closures on the US West Coast change jet flows? And what are the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill on diesel and jet? Tune in as Jeff Mower, director of Americas oil news, digs into these and other questions with senior distillates reporters Aaron Tucker and Benjamin Peyton. Links: Jet Fuel USGC Prompt Pipeline Differential to NYMEX ULSD (NextGen MOC) ADIAS00 Jet Kero Los Angeles CA Pipeline vs NYMEX NY ULSD Mo01 AANVY00 Renewable Volume Obligation Current Year RVOR002 ULSD USGC Prompt Pipeline AATGY00 ULSD New York Harbor Barge AATGX00 ULSD No2 CARB Diesel Los Angeles CA Pipeline POAAK00
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| What's in store for US refined products and distillates this summer? | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:16:41 | |
Summer travel season is upon us, so what's the outlook for fuel demand in the Americas for the coming months? Naphtha, a key component in gasoline, was recently in short supply but now appears to be in ample supply, and recent S&P Global analyst reports show an anticipated rebound in diesel demand in the second half of 2023. S&P Global Commodity Insights' Sarah Hernandez, Americas light ends pricing manager, discusses recent trends in gasoline, aromatics and distillates with petrochemicals editor Wendy Dulaney and Americas distillates manager Jordan Daniel. We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz | |||
| As Asian crude import mix evolves, how relevant are OPEC's cuts still? | 22 Jun 2023 | 00:15:09 | |
OPEC's kingpin Saudi Arabia has slashed its crude output by a further 1 million b/d in July, bringing the alliance's total cuts to 4.7 million b/d in the month, or about 5% of global capacity. But with Asia's crude import mix evolving since the Russia-Ukraine conflict, S&P Global Commodity Insights' Asia Oil Editor Neo Rong Wei spoke with Asia Oil News Managing Editor Philip Vahn and China Analyst Oceana Zhou about the impacts of these cuts, as well as factors affecting Asia's crude demand.
We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz Related Platts price assessments: Explore the details of the Energy Asia Conference here. CERAWeek by S&P Global is a knowledge partner for the conference.
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| Exploring Europe's shifting trade patterns amid the Russia-Ukraine war | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:13:39 | |
The war in Ukraine has created a new set of trade flows, as many buyers look to avoid Russian commodities. What are European buyers doing to replace Russian crude oil, and how have these changed flows upturned the markets?
We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz Related price symbols: And explore more crude grades on our Periodic Table of Oil, an interactive with all the key information on region of origin, price, trade volumes, sulfur content, viscosity, carbon intensity, trade flows and benchmarks. | |||
| The cost of wildfires and inflation on Canadian crude production | 08 Jun 2023 | 00:12:47 | |
Canada's crude production has been reduced in recent weeks by wildfires in Alberta, tightening price discounts for some Canadian crude grades. While the bulk of output has returned, and longer-term output is expected to rise 500,000 b/d by 2030, high development costs are threatening that outlook, with Equinor announcing a delay of its Bay du Nord project. S&P Global Commodity Insights' Jeff Mower, director of Americas oil news, discusses these market conditions and their impacts with Americas crude pricing reporter Julia Pecha and Calgary correspondent Ashok Dutta. We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz | |||
| Dark ship-to-ship transfers keep Russian oil flowing despite sanctions | 01 Jun 2023 | 00:20:03 | |
More and more ships are turning off their transponders in the Black Sea in risky but lucrative trades. Deep discounts on Russia's main export crude, Urals, and refined products such as gasoil and diesel, are attracting strong market interest. And dark shipping in "no man's land" now appears to be another option for those willing to play the markets. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights editors Max Lin, Luke Stuart and Natasha Tan join Joel Hanley to discuss Russia's new attempts to break through Western sanctions. We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz Related price symbols: Related content by our speakers on this episode: | |||
| From Russia to Asia - oil's new map may prompt policy rethink by OPEC+ | 26 May 2023 | 00:18:57 | |
As Asian oil demand recovery shows signs of sustaining the strong momentum, there were two key questions that's keeping refiners on tenterhooks -- if purchasing Russian crude would increasingly get tougher following the recent pledge by G7 leaders to ensure stricter policy enforcement. And secondly, if OPEC and its allies would aim for further cuts as prices have climbed down to relatively modest levels. In a wide-ranging discussion with Asia Energy Editor, Sambit Mohanty, three senior market experts at S&P Global Commodity Insights -- Kang Wu, Head of Global Demand and Asia Analytics, Herman Wang, Associate Editorial News Director for the Middle East and Europe, and Paul Sheldon, Chief Geopolitical Advisor -- share their insights on Russian flows, the future strategy of OPEC+ and other key issues that could potentially alter the oil supply landscape.
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| Dangote Refinery: Is Africa's largest refinery finally ready? | 18 May 2023 | 00:17:17 | |
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is due to inaugurate the 650,000 b/d refinery on 22 May. But after many years of delays, and with the project running $11 billion over its original $9 billion production cost target, many traders are questioning whether the project is really ready. Further reading, by speaker Charlie Mitchel: Long-awaited Dangote refinery set to shake up WAF crude, products flows Related price assessments: | |||
| Diesel in the western hemisphere faces a shifting landscape | 11 May 2023 | 00:11:36 | |
This year, the US, alongside G7 countries, placed a price cap on Russian-grade refined product at $100/b. This marked another set of sanctions designed to shrink Russia's influence on global oil markets. Following the Feb. 5 price cap, disruptions have been seen in both the clean tanker market and the Americas diesel market. In this Oil Markets episode, S&P Global Commodity Insights' shipping, diesel, and Latin America refined products experts Eugenia Romero, Jordan Daniel and Maria Jimenez Moya sit down to discuss the current landscape and recent changes to these trade flows. Related prices: Clean USGC-Brazil 38kt (TCAFQ00) ULSD USGC prompt pipeline (AATGY00) ULSD USGC export (AAXRV00) | |||
| Making crude oil history: WTI Midland cargoes join Brent benchmark | 04 May 2023 | 00:18:37 | |
As of May 2, 2023, Platts incorporated US WTI Midland crude oil into Platts Dated Brent and related benchmark assessments. This is the first-ever inclusion of a non-North Sea grade and is expected to boost the liquidity of the world's most important physical crude oil leading benchmark assessment. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights crude oil managers John Morley and Emma Kettley discuss with Joel Hanley the scope of the change and the implications of this momentous development. Learn more: Methodology and Specifications Guide, Europe and Africa Crude Oil Contact us: platts_oil_feedback@spglobal.com | |||
| China's uneven economic recovery and what it means for oil in Asia | 27 Apr 2023 | 00:17:08 | |
One of the largest crude importers globally, China had seen demand plummet amid the pandemic, although it has been showing signs of recovery – with better-than-expected economic growth and record-high production in Q1 2023. S&P Global Commodity Insights Asia Oil Editor Neo Rong Wei discussed with Analyst Oceana Zhou and Asia Oil News Managing Editor Philip Vahn the outlook for oil in the region. On this episode of the Oil Markets podcast, we dive into what China's economic recovery means for the markets, and how Asia's outlook on oil may change amid a regional economic downturn. Related Platts price assessments: | |||
| Tainted crude: Europe responds to Azeri Light contamination | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:20:39 | |
An outbreak of crude contamination impacting Azerbaijan's Azeri Light supply has set Europe's refiners on edge. As buyers seek to avoid being hit with corrosive organic chlorides, prices for the premium crude grade have tumbled, and some refiners have been forced to draw on emergency oil reserves. Kelly Norways, a downstream oil news reporter, is joined by senior news team editor Nick Coleman, Sam Angell, manager of Platts EMEA crude oil pricing and light ends reporter Dias Kazym to discuss the impact for crude and products in the impacted regions. | |||
| Italy's Eni finds success in Mexico's oil upstream | 20 Apr 2023 | 00:12:56 | |
Italy's Eni has been one of the most successful drillers in Mexico. One of many E&P companies active in Mexico's upstream auctions following the country's 2013-2014 liberalization, Eni was the first independent to produce in Mexican waters in 2019. Most recently, Eni announced a 200 million boe discovery at the Yatzil well in the Salina sub-basin, and has just been given approval to drill another offshore exploration well. Jeff Mower, director of Americas oil news, and Sheky Espejo, Mexico energy correspondent, discuss what Eni's success means for Mexico's struggling oil output. Register for the Middle East Petroleum & Gas conference here | |||
| Non-dollar oil trade: a distant dream or a feasible reality? | 13 Apr 2023 | 00:17:43 | |
The debate over the use of alternative currencies in global oil trade has intensified over the past one year following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has not only dramatically reshaped oil flows but also altered energy relations between producers and consumers. But there are questions as to how quickly the global trading community can embrace alternative currencies while balancing the risks associated with moving away from the US dollar.
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| OPEC+ oil production cuts shake oil markets | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:16:33 | |
Increased volatility, rising prices and strained geopolitical relations. These are some of the side-effects of the latest OPEC+ production cut. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights editors Rosemary Griffin, Sam Angell and Luke Stuart join Joel Hanley to discuss the immediate impact of the OPEC+ announcement, the decision by Russian sellers to change the way they price barrels, and potential threats to an already fragile global oil supply. Join us at MPGC 2023! Related Platts price assessments: | |||
| March Mayhem: HSFO supply glut vs. high freight | 30 Mar 2023 | 00:15:53 | |
US fuel oil stocks in the first quarter of 2023 reached their highest levels since April 2020. Traders have had to alleviate their oversupply by exporting, though high freight rates have made profits more difficult to find. In this Oil Markets episode, Americas fuel oil experts Beth Brown and Patrick Burns sit down with Americas shipping experts Catherine Rogers and Catherine Kellogg to discuss how traders have had to shift routes and export heavier material to find an open arbitrage.
Prices in this episode: PUAFZ00 (USGC HSFO) TDUCG00 (Dirty USG-UKC Aframax) | |||
| What is next for Africa's oil products markets? | 16 Mar 2023 | 00:15:31 | |
In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets podcast, Francesco Di Salvo is joined by Gary Clark, Patrick McAllister and Matthew Tracey-Cook to explore the theme of evolving standards and specifications for transport fuels in the continent reflecting on the main takeaways of ARDA Week 2023.
Price assessments discussed in this episode: | |||
| Oil at CERAWeek: Production and export challenges compound on rising demand | 09 Mar 2023 | 00:13:14 | |
Energy stakeholders from around the world gathered in Houston this week for CERAWeek by S&P Global to talk about the biggest issues and current trends in the energy industry. On the oil front, speakers and panelists highlighted permitting timelines amid record-high export crude demand, while a shift in hedging practices was seen in light of recent volatility in crude prices. In this Oil Markets podcast, Jeff Mower sits down with Dave Ernsberger and Binish Azhar to discuss these topics and others coming out of the conference. Register here for the World Petrochemical Conference, March 20-24 | |||
| King of the barrel: will jet or diesel win the battle in 2023? | 02 Mar 2023 | 00:10:59 | |
The year 2023 did not start as expected: China suddenly dropped all COVID restrictions, boosting sentiment in the global jet market, while diesel prices fell despite the ban on Russian oil product imports into the EU from 5 February. As a result, European jet fuel cracks jumped above diesel, but the spread narrowed by the end of February and the two products are now neck and neck, raising the question of which one will be maximised by refiners, thus tightening the supply of the other in the coming months. In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights experts Maxim Kotenev and Gary Clark join Francesco Di Salvo to discuss the outlook for the jet fuel market, its potential impact on other middle distillates and whether a recession is likely to prevent aviation from fully recovering from the pandemic.
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| Asia prepares for two-way oil product flows as EU ban takes effect | 23 Feb 2023 | 00:17:02 | |
With the European Union's ban on Russian oil products coming into effect, the spotlight is now on Asia as the market tries to find answers to the extent to which the region can absorb Russian products displaced from Europe and how Asian refiners can take advantage of the product vacuum in other regions of Europe. In a wide-ranging discussion with Asia Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty, S&P Global Commodity Insights senior experts Jonathan Nonis, Wendy Cheong and Zhuwei Wang discuss the outlook for potential changes in product flows, such as diesel, naphtha and LPG, that Asia could see, as well as the pricing, shipping and logistics challenges that could arise with long-distance product shipments. | |||
| Boom in US crude exports: WTI Midland flows to Europe set to soar | 16 Feb 2023 | 00:13:12 | |
In March, Europe is set to experience a record surge in WTI Midland crude flows from the US, as demand for American crude booms. Related price assessments: | |||
| Q4 earnings tell a tale of inflation and underinvestment | 09 Feb 2023 | 00:14:40 | |
Oil and gas producers and service companies have been reporting their fourth-quarter earnings over the past few weeks. And, apart from the headline-grabbing record profits, we've seen some common themes and concerns emerge. While companies have generally been more optimistic as far as inflation and bottlenecks go, they also continue to express concerns about underinvestment. What does this mean for oil and gas production? Jeff Mower, director of Americas oil news, is joined by senior oil editor Starr Spencer and natural gas editor Dylan Chase to discuss these issues and more. Subscribe to Platts Dimensions Pro for access to assessments and premium content covering Midland WTI (PCACJ00), Waha gas (IGBAD21) and much more. | |||
| Tightness in USGC heavy crude puts spotlight on Canadian access | 31 Jul 2025 | 00:25:35 | |
Heavy crude supplies to the US Gulf Coast have tightened. Waterborne imports have dropped sharply, driven largely by declines from Mexico and Venezuela. Canadian wildfires have further limited access to heavy barrels, and refiners like Valero are starting to feel the squeeze. Why are Mexican and Venezuelan crude imports collapsing, and can they recover? Why aren't USGC refiners just turning to Canada via pipeline to replace lost barrels? What Canadian pipeline expansion plans are in the works to bring more crude to the USGC or overseas markets? Jeff Mower, director of Americas oil news, speaks with senior oil news editor Ashok Dutta and Canadian oil market reporter Alex Saucer to break down what's driving the tightness and where new supply might come from. Links: | |||
| The future of naphtha and diesel flows after EU sanctions | 02 Feb 2023 | 00:19:26 | |
What will replace Russian diesel and naphtha flows to Europe after EU sanctions take effect on 5 February? Where will Russian supply go instead? In this episode of the Platts Oil Markets Podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights editors Rowan Staden-Coats and Vinicius Maffei join Joel Hanley to discuss the expected impact of the upcoming sanctions, what uncertainties remain about replacement supply and whether Russian production will have to be cut after 5 February, and what impact this could have on global supply and prices. Related price symbols: | |||
| EU sanctions on Russian refined products will reverberate across the Atlantic | 26 Jan 2023 | 00:15:10 | |
The Russia-Ukraine war has dominated the attention of global commodity markets for nearly a year now. As the start date for the latest EU sanctions against Russian refined products approaches, questions about what these sanctions could mean for trade flows also grow. And while these questions often center on potential changes in US and European markets, the global impact of sanctions could also extend to other regions, such as Latin America. S&P Global Commodity Insights' Americas oil experts Anna Trier, Jeff Mower and Maria Jimenez Moya dive into the impacts seen from the Dec. 5 sanctions against Russian seaborne crude, and what we could expect to see in US, Europe, and Latin America markets after the Feb. 5 sanctions go into effect. | |||
| China's oil product export quota: What it means for Asia's supply and demand in the new year | 18 Jan 2023 | 00:17:14 | |
China has already hinted at its first batch of oil product export quota for 2023, which has left some market watchers nervous amid the current economic headwinds at the start of this year. In this episode, we look deeper at the implications of the oil product export quota from China, how it could impact the oil product supply-demand fundamentals in Asia, and what the rest of Asia can expect. S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts—Oceana Zhou and Su Yeen Cheong from the Platts editorial team and Wang Zhuwei Manager, Asia oil analytics. Related price symbols: PGAEY00 - Gasoline Unl 92 FOB Spore Cargo | |||