Singapore resumes gasoline export to Mexico in February

Spanish Market: Oil products
01/03/23

Singapore, a gasoline blending hub, exported gasoline to Mexico in February for the first time since November 2022.

The city-state exported around 51,500t (435,000 bl) of gasoline in February, according to Enterprise Singapore data. Mexico was indicated as the discharge port for a 296,000 bl cargo during the week to 22 February and for a 135,000 bl cargo loading during the week to 8 February.

The last time Singapore exported gasoline to Mexico was a 266,000 bl shipment in November last year, with the second last export of similar volume in July. Singapore does not usually export gasoline to Mexico. The city-state exported only around 558,000 bl last year, although volumes were higher at about 887,000 bl in 2021.

Mexico gets the majority of its gasoline supply from the US, with the arbitrage flow from Asia getting rarer in recent months with sporadic exports from China, according to oil analytics firm Vortexa.

Mexican trading firm PMI could have chartered three medium-range vessels to load a total of 887,000 bl of gasoline from Singapore to the west coast of Mexico on 5 February, 15 February and 2 March, according to shipping fixtures data.

The flow could become more common with a wider east-west spread, or the spread between the price of gasoline in Singapore to gasoline values in Europe. The east-west spread has been assessed at around -$1.80/bl for March, but is wider at around -$4.75/bl for April.

By Aldric Chew

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20/06/25

Mideast Gulf gasoline premiums rally on tight supply

Dubai, 20 June (Argus) — Gasoline premiums in the Mideast Gulf have surged to their highest in more than two years, driven by tightening supply, rising freight costs and growing concerns over potential disruption following the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Iran. The 92R gasoline premium in the Mideast Gulf rose to $5.75/bl on 19 June, the highest since April 2023. Backwardation — when prompt-month cargoes trade at a premium to later months — widened to $1.85/bl, the steepest level in two years. Premiums had already been rising before the Israel-Iran conflict began on 13 June, averaging $5.22/bl earlier in the month. But a surge in freight rates and the potential for higher Additional War Risk Premiums (AWRPs) in the region have since added "logistical challenges", boosting premiums further, traders said. AWRPs cover vessels against war-related physical loss or damage. While the conflict has not directly disrupted supply, traders voiced concern over possible interruptions to Iranian naphtha flows, which are used for gasoline production elsewhere in the region. Iran exported around 157,000 b/d of naphtha to the UAE in 2024, accounting for more than 63pc of the region's total naphtha imports, according to vessel-tracking data from analytics firm Kpler. Actual volumes may be higher, given the difficulty of tracking sanctioned Iranian cargoes. Shipping firms remain cautious about sending vessels to load or discharge refined products in the Mideast Gulf, market participants told Argus. Reports of increased electronic interference and heavier marine traffic in the strait of Hormuz have caused delays and raised safety concerns. Freight rates for Long Range and Medium Range tankers could remain elevated in the near term. The latest tender by Pakistan State Oil (PSO), a major gasoline importer, reflected the bullish sentiment. Trading firms Vitol, BB Energy and Oman's OQ Trading offered gasoline cargoes at premiums of $7–9/bl to the Mideast Gulf 92R spot assessment — up from $5–6/bl in earlier tenders this year. Supply in the Mideast Gulf was already constrained by local refinery outages and maintenance. Saudi Arabia's PetroRabigh completed a planned 60-day full shutdown of its 400,000 b/d refinery in Rabigh in mid-June. This has been exacerbated by tighter supplies to the region from India, partly because of scheduled maintenance at state-owned MRPL's 301,000 b/d Mangalore refinery, which is expected to restart by 25 June. Gasoline arrivals from India into the Mideast Gulf fell to 307,000t during 1–20 June, down from 460,000t in the same period in May, according to oil analytics firm Vortexa. Underscoring the tightness of the regional market, Nigeria's privately-owned 650,000 b/d Dangote refinery may send its first gasoline export cargo to the Mideast Gulf, according to shipping fixtures — an unusual trade flow prompted by constrained supply. By Rithika Krishna Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

BMWE legt RED III Entwurf vor

19/06/25

BMWE legt RED III Entwurf vor

Hamburg, 19 June (Argus) — Das BMWE hat Verbänden am 19. Juni einen ersten Referentenentwurf zur Umsetzung der RED III vorgelegt. Diese sieht grundlegende Veränderungen zur Erfüllung der THG-Quote vor. Erste Preisindikationen steigen schlagartig. Um die auf EU-Ebene gültige dritte Fassung der Erneuerbare-Energien-Direktive (RED III) in deutsches Recht umzusetzen, hat das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWE) einen Entwurf zur Anpassung des Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetzes (BImSchG) vorgelegt. Unter anderem sieht der Entwurf vor, die Treibhausgasminderungsquote (THG-Quote) bis 2040 schrittweise auf 53 % zu erhöhen (siehe Grafik). Das bisherige Ziel war eine Quotenhöhe von 25,1 % im Jahr 2030. Auch der Pfad bis 2030 wurde leicht angepasst. Damit käme das Gesetz, wenn es in dieser Form umgesetzt wird, einer vielgeäußerten Forderung der Biokraftstoffindustrie nach, die sich für eine stärkere Quotenerhöhung eingesetzt hat. Infolgedessen melden erste Marktteilnehmer Angebote für Andere Zertifikate für das Verpflichtungsjahr 2026 in Höhe von 175 €/tCO2e. Für dieselben Zertifikate für 2025 werden 125 €/tCO2e geboten. Zusätzlich enthält der Entwurf einen Mechanismus, der im Falle einer Übererfüllung die Höhe der Quote im übernächsten Jahr erhöht. Ausschlaggebend ist dafür, ob die gesamte Quotenerfüllung in einem Jahr bereits ausreichen würde, um die Quotenhöhe des Übernächsten Jahres zu erfüllen. Darüber hinaus sieht der Entwurf vor, die Option zur zweifachen Anrechnung von als fortschrittlich geltenden Biokraftstoffen abzuschaffen und die Mindestquote zu erhöhen. Diese steigt dann bis 2030 auf 3 %. Zuvor lag das Ziel bei 2,6 %. Viele Marktteilnehmer haben gemutmaßt, dass die Doppelanrechnungsoption entfallen würde, um die benötigte Menge an Erfüllungsoptionen zu erhöhen. Auch welche Kraftstoffe zur Erfüllung der Quote genutzt werden können wird angepasst: So können keine Kraftstoffe auf Soja- oder Palmölbasis zur Erfüllung genutzt werden. Letzteres schließt auch Kraftstoffe aus Nebenprodukten der Palmölproduktion, allen voran Palmölmühlenabwasser (POME) ein. Dieses wurde in der Vergangenheit insbesondere genutzt, um die fortschrittliche Unterquote zu erfüllen, da es dank einer Sonderklausel trotz seiner Einstufung als fortschrittlich nur einfach zur Erfüllung der THG-Quote angerechnet werden konnte. Diese Regelung würde direkt ab Inkrafttreten der Gesetzesänderung wirksam werden. Die Anrechnungsgrenzen für futtermittel- und abfallbasierte Kraftstoffe werden ebenfalls angepasst: Während das Limit für futtermittelbasierte Produkte bis 2030 von 4,4 % der in Verkehr gebrachten Energiemenge auf 3 % reduziert wird, steigt das Limit für abfallbasierte Produkte wie Altspeiseöl (UCO) bis 2039 von 1,9 % auf 2,8 %. Zusätzlich wird eine Mindestquote für erneuerbare Kraftstoffe nicht-biogenen Urpsrungs (RFNBO) eingeführt. 2026 beträgt der energetische Mindestanteil 0,1 % und soll bis 2040 auf 12 % steigen. Zu den RFNBOs gehören unter anderem synthetische Kraftstoffe wie eFuels (PtL, Power-to-Liquid) und Grüner Wasserstoff. Der Entwurf erweitert den Geltungsbereich der THG-Quote außerdem auf den Luftverkehr. Bisher galt hier eine gesonderte Quote für erneuerbare Kraftstoffe. Darüber hinaus unterliegt nun auch der Seeverkehr der THG-Quote. In der Seefahrt genutzte Kraftstoffe, die im Straßenverkehr anrechenbar wären, können hierbei jedoch nicht für die Erfüllung genutzt werden. Damit soll vermieden werden, dass Unternehmen die Erfüllung ihrer Verpflichtung komplett vom Straßenverkehr auf die Seefahrt umwälzen. Der Entwurf sieht außerdem vor, dass erneuerbare Kraftstoffe nur noch angerechnet werden können, wenn Vor-Ort-Kontrollen der Produktionsstätten durch staatliche Kontrolleure ermöglicht werden. Dies soll das Betrugspotenzial bei der Anrechnung von Biokraftstoffen mindern. Der Entwurf liegt nun den Branchenverbänden vor. Ein Mitglied des Umweltausschusses erklärte am 4. Juni im Rahmen einer Podiumsdiskussion, dass der Entwurf nach Anpassung an eventuelle Verbandsvorschläge im Oktober dem Parlament zur Debatte vorgelegt werden soll und idealerweise zum 1. Januar 2026 in Kraft treten soll. Der Referentenentwurf sieht vor, dass die Änderungen an der THG-Quote mit Beginn des neuen Verpflichtungsjahres in Kraft treten. Dies soll Marktverwerfungen verhindern, für den Fall, dass die Gesetzesänderung innerhalb eines Verpflichtungsjahres in Kraft treten sollte. Von Svea Winter & Max Steinhau Entwicklung der THG-Quote bis 2040 Senden Sie Kommentare und fordern Sie weitere Informationen an feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

Brazil central bank raises target rate to 15pc

18/06/25

Brazil central bank raises target rate to 15pc

Sao Paulo, 18 June (Argus) — Brazil's central bank today raised its target interest rate by 0.25 of a percentage point to 15pc, the highest level since July 2006, citing a still "adverse and uncertain" global economic scenario. That is the seventh consecutive hike from a cyclical low of 10.5pc at the end of September last year. The bank had last increased the rate by 0.5 of a percentage point in May . "The [economic] scenario continues to require caution on the part of emerging countries in an environment of heightened geopolitical tension," the bank said, citing the US' "uncertain economic policies." The bank also said it increased the interest rate because Brazil's inflation remains above the ceiling of 3pc with a tolerance of 1.5 percentage points above or below. Annual inflation eased to 5.32pc in May . Central bank forecasts for 2025 and 2026 inflation remain at 5.2pc and 4.5pc, respectively, it said. "Inflation risks, both upside and downside, remain higher than usual," the bank said By Lucas Parolin Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Market risks grow as Trump threatens Iran: Update

18/06/25

Market risks grow as Trump threatens Iran: Update

Updates with details throughout Washington, 18 June (Argus) — The prospect of wider escalation in the Middle East if the US joins Israel's attacks on Iran is affecting marine insurance, freight and middle distillate prices, even though the flow of energy commodities out of the Mideast Gulf so far remains unfettered. US president Donald Trump, in wide-ranging remarks throughout the day, hinted at a potential US role in Israel's bombing campaign against Iran. But he also suggested that a diplomatic solution is still possible, noting that he has yet to make a decision on whether to target Iran. Trump told reporters at around 3:10pm ET that he would shortly convene another meeting with his top national security advisers to discuss US options. Speaking from Tehran earlier in the day, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned of "irreparable damage" to the US if it joins the attacks. Trump, in remarks to reporters at the White House this morning, said he presented an "ultimate ultimatum" to Tehran. And as for a potential US air raid on Iran, Trump said: "I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do." Speaking from the Oval Office in the afternoon, Trump said, "I'd like to make a final decision one second before it's due." Khamenei, in a televised address today, denounced Trump's "absurd, unacceptable rhetoric to openly demand that the Iranian people surrender to him". Iran will oppose any "imposed peace", Khamenei said. The escalating conflict in the Middle East is causing a surge in Europe-bound freight rates for medium range tankers loading in the US Gulf coast. Mideast Gulf middle distillate premiums are at multi-month highs. Additional War Risk Premiums in the Mideast Gulf could rise sharply in the coming days, as the number of insurance underwriters willing to commit at current levels appears to be shrinking. Some LNG carriers that have held off from transiting the strait of Hormuz in recent days have since sailed through or have approached the strait, while no carriers loaded in the Mideast Gulf have slowed from sailing via the strait. Few barriers to US participation Domestically and internationally, there is no significant pushback against a potential US involvement. But the isolationist wing of Republican politicians and media figures loyal to Trump, including former Fox New anchorman Tucker Carlson, is urging him to avoid involvement in an Israel-Iran war. Trump's extensive commentary suggests a perceived need to push back on criticism of his sudden eagerness to involve the US in another war in the Middle East after years of lambasting his predecessors for having done so. Trump told reporters this afternoon that "Carlson called and apologized the other day because he thought he said things that were a little too strong." The argument Trump says he is trying to make is that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon may be worth a military intervention. "I'm not looking to fight," Trump said. "But if it's a choice between fighting or having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do." The US intelligence community assessed, most recently in April, that Iran has not restarted work on nuclear weapons despite building up enriched uranium stockpiles since 2018, when Trump terminated a functioning agreement that curbed that program. "I've been saying for 20 years, maybe longer, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump said today. Mixed messages on talks Trump claimed that Iran's government has reached out to him for a diplomatic solution and has expressed willingness to send a high-ranking official to the White House. The offer is "courageous", Trump said, but added, "I said it's very late to be talking." Iran's mission to the UN subsequently denied a request for a meeting at the White House. Iran after the Israeli attack canceled a round of talks scheduled to take place in Oman on 15 June. Khamenei, in his remarks today, hinted at a "suspicion" that the US diplomatic approach had been part of Israel's preparation for military strikes. "Considering their recent remarks, this suspicion is growing stronger day by day," Khamenei said. Trump said he began to consider the possibility of US military action in the immediate aftermath of the Israeli attack. "The first night was devastating, and it really knocked the one side off," Trump said. Russian president Vladimir Putin reached out with an offer to mediate in the Israel-Iran conflict, Trump said. The conversation took place on 14 June, according to the Kremlin. "I said, do me a favor, mediate your own," Trump said, referring to Russia's war in Ukraine. "Let's mediate Russia first. OK?" By Haik Gugarats Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Tarifas podem incentivar interesse dos EUA na AL

18/06/25

Tarifas podem incentivar interesse dos EUA na AL

New York, 18 June (Argus) — As tarifas dos Estados Unidos causarão uma transferência de renda da Ásia para a América Latina devido aos maiores níveis de tarifas impostas aos países asiáticos, de acordo com o ex-secretário de comércio dos EUA, Wilbur Ross. A administração do presidente Donald Trump está mais rigorosa com os países asiáticos, como a China, comparado à maioria dos países da América Latina, e isso tornará a região mais atrativa para as empresas norte-americanas, disse Ross durante a convenção Marine Money, em Nova York. "Se você perceber, muitos países asiáticos estão sendo sujeitados a tarifas em torno de 40pc, o que é basicamente dizer 'você não fará negócios conosco' porque 40pc não é uma tarifa absorvível", disse. "Ao passo que a maioria dos países latino-americanos estão sujeitos a uma tarifa de 10pc." Trump pausou o aumento de tarifas na maioria dos países por 90 dias em abril, mas elevou as tarifas na China. No último mês, os EUA e a China concordaram em cortar as tarifas bilaterais até agosto após negociações comerciais em Genebra, na Suíça. Mas Ross disse que ficou surpreso ao ver fortes tarifas mirando o Vietnã, uma vez que tem servido como polo de transbordo de exportações para os EUA para contornar as tarifas da China que começaram durante a gestão anterior de Trump. Ross previu que haverá um acordo comercial entre os EUA e o Vietnã, devido a Trump não ter razão para ser repressivo com o Vietnã e porque a China e o Vietnã são inimigos históricos. "Com sorte, eles chegarão a um acordo porque seria um pouco estranho ter encontrado neles uma reposição à China e puni-los por ter realizado essa missão", disse. Ross também disse que a aprovação de Trump à aquisição da siderúrgica US Steel pela contraparte japonesa Nippon Steel é um sinal de esperança para um acordo comercial com o Japão, porque ele não acha que o presidente teria assinado o acordo se ele não previsse um acordo mais amplo com o Japão. Por Luis Gronda Envie comentários e solicite mais informações em feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . Todos os direitos reservados.

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