Taiwan’s CPC mulls base oils unit at Da Lin refinery

: Oil products
10/01/07

Taiwan's state-owned oil firm CPC, which has to shut its sole Group 1 base oils plant at its 220,000 b/d Kaohsiung Refinery by 2015, is looking to start a similar unit at its nearby 300,000 b/d Da Lin refinery.

The Da Lin refinery is configured to maximise output of oil products like gasoline and diesel, limiting its potential base oil feedstock supply. This is prompting CPC to focus on production of bright stock at the planned unit. The product is a key component for marine lubricants, an important product for Taiwan whose exports account for more than two-thirds of its economy.

CPC's current 250,000 t/yr base oils plant, a joint venture with Shell, is due to be shut within five years to comply with a government order to curb pollution in the island's second-largest city. The closure would leave Taiwan without any Group 1 base oils output.

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26/06/05

African Energy Bank schedules September start

Lagos, 5 June (Argus) — The African Energy Bank (AEB) is scheduled to launch in September, promoter African Petroleum Producers' Organisation (Appo) has said. Appo secretary general Farid Ghezali acknowledged "several postponements" but said the new deadline is "to make the bank operational in September 2026 in view of the incompressible deadlines from an administrative point of view". A planned April start was pushed back to this month before Appo members were again mobilised around a third-quarter deadline. Ghezali called on Appo members to redeem their pledges towards the $500mn start-up capital before the end of June. A source told Argus in May that 91pc of this had been raised and that Nigeria's state-owned NNPC and local content regulator NCDMB would make up the balance. The latter, which sits on Appo's board, said earlier this week that Nigeria remains committed to AEB's "formal commencement of operations", but provided no specifics. Ghezali said AEB aims to reverse the situation that sees Africa importing more than 60pc of its oil products consumption and producing only 12pc of global upstream liquids while being home to many of the world's largest national oil and gas reserves. NCDMB said AEB will achieve its aim by "mobilising private-sector funds for energy projects across the continent". Ghezali said the bank will target the financing of 20–30 LNG, petroleum products pipeline, terminals and refining projects by 2030. Projects that monetise natural gas as a transition fuel will take up 40pc of AEB's loan book and the priority will be given to projects that contribute towards the creation of "500,000–1mn direct and indirect jobs in the energy value chain". But even with the September start, Ghezali said AEB loan-making will only "open at the end of 2026". AEB will be based in Abuja, Nigeria. By Adebiyi Olusolape Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Panama Canal sees El Nino slowing transits next year

26/06/04

Panama Canal sees El Nino slowing transits next year

New York, 4 June (Argus) — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) does not anticipate the expected 2026 El Nino weather phenomenon to materially impact vessel transits at the Panama Canal through the end of the year, but it could create the need for water-saving measures in 2027, according to an update it shared in late May. The same weather pattern was responsible for the 2023/2024 drought that encouraged the ACP to enact draft restrictions from early 2023 that severely reduced transits via the freshwater canal. This ultimately shifted the Panama Canal from its traditional first-come, first-serve basis to its current pre-booked transit slot/supplemental auctions model. But the timeline in 2026 is dissimilar to 2023, a year in which the ACP had already enacted its first draft restrictions by 1 March 2023. These were focused on the largest and newest of the transit locks that lift vessels from the lower sea level into the higher freshwater canal, the Neopanamax locks. Draft restrictions mean vessels need to carry less cargo to sit higher in the water, allowing the ACP to further retain freshwater within the waterway overall. The draft restrictions for these larger vessels steadily increased that year as freshwater levels there steadily declined. But focusing on restricting larger vessels ultimately allowed the ACP to avoid restricting draft for the smaller vessels via the Panamax locks that make up 70pc of all transits via the Panama Canal. That retention of freshwater is important during droughts, because the man-made Panama Canal itself is responsible for providing over 50pc of the country's population with potable water, according to the ACP. The ACP reevaluated its operational capacity at the start of the rainy season, which typically begins in May, lasts through June and replenishes steadily declining water levels during the dry season. "Current data does not forecast the need for transit restrictions through 31 December 2026", the ACP said. "History indicates that the most pronounced impacts of moderate or strong El Nino events tend to be reflected more clearly in the subsequent year. Accordingly, operational projects for 2027 are already being developed." The ACP highlighted four water-saving measures that had contributed to higher average water levels in the man-made lakes, Gatun and Alhajuela, that feed the freshwater canal enacted in December 2025 alongside a dry season that was "the wettest on record since 1950". These included doubling up on small ships into a single lane when raising them from sea level, use of water-saving basins via the larger Neopanamax locks to effectively recycle some water from exits that would otherwise drain out to the sea, utilizing "interior gates" within the lanes of the locks for vessels smaller than the total size of those lanes to raise efficiency of water usage and the temporary suspension of hydroelectric power generation at Gatun lake, according to the ACP. El Nino? Or 'El Hombre' The severity of weather phenomena like El Nino are famously difficult to predict with accuracy, and the 2026 El Nino weather event, if it does occur, could be on par with the 2023 event or even stronger, according to World Meteorological Association (WMO) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data. The WMO estimates an 80pc chance of El Nino developing between June-August 2026, with "near or above" a 90pc chance of persisting until at least November. "Although some uncertainty remains about El Nino peak strength and timing, most forecast models suggest it will be at least moderate — and possibly strong," the WMO said. Meanwhile, the NOAA projected in May 2026 that between November, December and January the El Nino had a 37pc chance of hitting "very strong", the highest strength level assessed for the weather pattern. This marked the plurality of all options, with the next highest being "strong" at 30pc probability. The WMO had previously described the 2023-2024 El Nino as peaking at "one of the five strongest on record". A return to this level of severity could upend plans by the ACP of avoiding draft restrictions at the Panama Canal through the remainder of 2026, which would have knock-on effects on shifted global trade patterns. Asian buyers have increasingly relied on Atlantic basin supply, and Panama Canal transits, for energy commodities in the wake of the closure of the strait of Hormuz by Iran. Disrupted Panama Canal transits will create strong upward pressure on freight rates across segments, especially if Mideast Gulf flows remain largely cut-off from the global market when drought again grips Central America. By Ross Griffith Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Air France-KLM flags secure summer jet fuel supply

26/06/03

Air France-KLM flags secure summer jet fuel supply

London, 3 June (Argus) — Air France-KLM said jet fuel supply is secure for the peak summer travel season, becoming the latest European airline to signal stable availability after earlier concerns over disruptions linked to the closure of the strait of Hormuz. "All indicators are positive for the July and August peak travel season" in terms of availability at its French and Dutch airport hubs, chief executive Benjamin Smith said. The company is "continuously monitoring" fuel supply at destination airports but has committed to maintaining its summer flight schedule. Other European airlines have delivered similar messages in recent weeks. Last week, Germany's Lufthansa said there were "no signs" of supply risks at its six European hubs — Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels and Rome. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has said supply appears secure until September, while Jet2 said it does not expect disruption to its summer schedule. The improved sentiment reflects a more balanced supply picture. Higher regional refinery output, stockdraws and imports from the US and Nigeria have helped offset the loss of Middle Eastern supply following the effective closure of the strait of Hormuz, easing earlier fears of jet fuel shortages in Europe. European jet fuel prices have fallen in response, staying below $1,200/t for almost two weeks — the lowest level since the start of the US-Iran conflict, although still around 50pc higher than pre-war levels. Supply remains tight, however. Unplanned refinery outages could quickly disrupt supply to individual airports, while the ongoing lack of flows through the strait of Hormuz means the global jet fuel market remains undersupplied. Europe must continue to compete with other regions for imports, and market participants expect prices to remain elevated for several months. By Amaar Khan Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

HVO-B7-Differenz auf niedrigstem Stand seit zwei Jahren

26/06/03

HVO-B7-Differenz auf niedrigstem Stand seit zwei Jahren

Hamburg, 3 June (Argus) — Der Aufschlag von HVO100 gegenüber B7-Diesel hält sich weiterhin auf niedrigem Niveau und erreichte im Zuge des Iran-Kriegs seinen geringsten Stand seit mindestens März 2024. Dies liegt an dem gestiegenen Preisniveau von fossilem Diesel sowie an den anhaltend hohen THG-Erlösen aus dem Inverkehrbringen von HVO. Tankstellenbetreiber folgen dem Großhandelstrend und verringern die Differenz an der Zapfsäule. Seit Ausbruch des Iran-Krieges ist der bundesdurchschnittliche Dieselpreis deutlich gestiegen (siehe Grafik). Dieser Preisanstieg im fossilen Geschäft betrifft HVO als synthetisches Dieselprodukt allerdings nur indirekt, da in der Produktion andere Grundstoffe wie Tallöl oder tierische Fette eingesetzt werden, die nicht über die Straße von Hormus gehandelt werden. Somit folgt HVO nicht derselben Rohstoff- und Raffinerielogik wie fossiler Diesel. Dennoch orientieren sich viele Marktteilnehmer weiterhin an Dieselbenchmarks in der Preisgestaltung, wodurch steigende Dieselpreise teilweise auch auf HVO übertragen werden — allerdings in abgeschwächter Form. Parallel zum gestiegenen Dieselpreisniveau üben anhaltend hohe Erlöse aus dem Handel mit Treibhausgasminderungen Druck auf die HVO-Preise im deutschen Markt aus. Höhere Erträge aus der THG-Minderung ermöglichen es Inverkehrbringern, HVO zu niedrigeren Preisen anzubieten, wodurch sich die Differenz zu fossilem Diesel weiter verringert, beziehungsweise das Produkt überhaupt wettbewerbsfähig gemacht wird. Die generierten Erlöse aus dem Inverkehrbringen von 100 Litern HVO sind seit dem Beginn der Erhebung durch Argus Ende Juli 2025 um etwa 42 €/100l auf circa 114 €/100l am 02. Juni 2026 angestiegen (siehe Grafik). Der Grund hierfür ist die Implementierung der RED III in deutsches Recht, die deutlich ambitioniertere THG-Ziele diktiert, sowie der Wegfall der Doppelanrechnung für fortschrittliche Kraftstoffe. Im Einkauf im Handelszentrum Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerpen (ARA) vor der Generierung liegt HVO auf UCO-Basis am am 02. Juni etwa 67 €/100l teurer als HVO in Deutschland. Die Großhandelsdifferenz zwischen HVO und B7-Diesel an Tanklagern in Deutschland ist daher seit Anfang April durchschnittlich unter 3 €/100l gesunken. Vereinzelt lag der Aufschlag in diesem Zeitraum sogar unter 1 €/100l — dem geringsten Wert seit der Erhebung durch Argus . In den Regionen Süd, West, Südwest und Nord wurde HVO seit dem Ausbruch des Krieges in Nahost deshalb vereinzelt sogar mit einem Abschlag gegenüber dem jeweiligen regionalen Dieselpreis gehandelt. Im Monat vor dem Ausbruch des Krieges lag der HVO-Aufschlag gegenüber dem B7-Bundesschnitt noch bei rund 5 €/100l. Stetiger Anstieg im Endverbrauchersegment Auch an der Zapfsäule zeigt sich der Trend niedriger Preisaufschläge. HVO100 wird an vielen deutschen Tankstellen inzwischen mit einem Aufpreis von unter 10 ct/l gegenüber B7-Diesel angeboten. Teilweise liegt dieser sogar bei unter 5 ct/l, da Anbieter die gesunkene Großhandelsdifferenz weitergeben oder gezielt versuchen, das Produkt im Markt zu etablieren. Hintergrund sind unter anderem weiterhin bestehende Vorbehalte einzelner Verbraucher hinsichtlich der Motorenverträglichkeit von HVO. Vor dem Ausbruch des Krieges Ende Februar lag der HVO-Aufschlag gegenüber B7 vielerorts noch über 12 ct/l . Das Angebot an HVO100 an der Zapfsäule hat sich in den zwei Jahren seit der Zulassung zum freien Vertrieb an Tankstellen weiter ausgeweitet und liegt laut dem Verein Mobil in Deutschland e.V. inzwischen bei rund 700 Standorten bundesweit. Der Gesamtverbrauch wächst indes weiter an — mehrere Tankstellenbetreiber berichten gegenüber Argus , dass die HVO-Nachfrage an Tankstellen für Industriekunden teilweise zwischen 60 m³ und 70 m³ pro Monat liegt. Tankstellen mit einem größeren Fokus auf Privatkunden setzen vielerorts zwischen 10 m³ und 15 m³ HVO pro Monat um. Absatzmengen an Tankstellen mit gemischter Kundschaft lägen zwischen 25 m³ und 35 m³ pro Monat, allerdings kommt es auch hier zu regionalen Unterschieden. Argus schätzt, dass sich der HVO-Verbrauch in Deutschland im laufenden Jahr mehr als verdoppeln könnte — auf rund 2,6 Mrd. l, nach etwa 1,2 Mrd. l im Jahr 2025. Der Großteil entfällt weiterhin auf die Beimischung zu konventionellem Diesel, während HVO100 bislang nur einen kleineren Anteil ausmacht. Von Marcel Pott Entwicklung des B7-Bundesschnitts THG-Erlös aus dem Inverkehrbringen von 100l HVO Entwicklung des HVO-Aufschlags zum B7-Bundesschnitt Senden Sie Kommentare und fordern Sie weitere Informationen an feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

Kuwait suspends air traffic after drone hits airport

26/06/03

Kuwait suspends air traffic after drone hits airport

Dubai, 3 June (Argus) — Kuwait has suspended air traffic after Iranian drones hit Kuwait International Airport late on Tuesday, the country's civil aviation body Paca said today. A number of Iranian drones targeted the airport's terminal one, the ministry of defense said. The attack caused casualties and significant damage to the airport facilities, said Paca spokesman Abdullah Al-Rajhi. "An additional wave of Iranian drones attempting to attack US forces in Kuwait failed to impact intended targets tonight", the US Central Command (Centcom) said, adding that "defenses successfully downed multiple drones". Kuwait International Airport is closed until 14:00 Kuwait time (11:00 GMT) on 4 June. Kuwait's low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways said all flights scheduled for today have been cancelled until 14:00 local time, or until further notice. The airline said all its aircraft are being repositioned to Saudi Arabia. Kuwait's airport has been repeatedly targeted by Iran since the war with the US and Israel began on 28 February. The attacks damaged infrastructure, with the most recent drone strike causing fires at the airport's fuel depots on 1 April . The new attacks come just two days after Kuwait resumed regional and foreign airline flights from its airport, in hopes to fully restart air traffic operations in the country. Kuwait was the last country in the region to reopen its airspace on 24 April , nearly two months after shutting it when the war began. The disruption to flights has sharply curtailed Kuwaiti jet fuel demand, which fell to 1,000 b/d in March, according to the country's latest submission to the Joint Organisations Data Initiative (Jodi). Kuwait's jet fuel demand averaged around 19,000 b/d in 2025. By Ieva Paldaviciute Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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Taiwan’s CPC mulls base oils unit at Da Lin refinery

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