Long VGO market leads to USGC floating storage

: Freight, Oil products
16/01/27

Persistent length in the US vacuum gas-oil (VGO) market has led at least two traders to take up floating storage in the US Gulf coast.

Lukoil has booked the Front Thor, a 130,000t Suezmax to store VGO starting 1 February, for up to 90 days, according to an industry shipping report. Vitol was heard to have booked the Kara G, another Suezmax to store VGO for 15-75 days last week.

Other traders were also heard considering similar options for floating storage, but no other fixtures have been revealed so far.

Floating storage for Gulf coast VGO was used only one time before, in 2012 when Vitol stored VGO on two Suezmaxes.

VGO supply has risen coming into 2016 with approximately 10 to 11 unsold VGO cargoes arriving in the second half of January through early February. An expected increase in VGO consumption tied into crude unit turnarounds starting in January failed to manifest fully as unplanned catalytic cracker outages came into play as well.

VGO demand was also adversely affected by refiners turning to cracking distillates in December when depressed heating oil prices dropped below VGO values, making it feasible for refiners to cut up to 10pc of VGO feed to incorporate that percentage of straight run.

The long VGO market lingered, causing tanks to fill up, leading to the floating storage option. The oversupply has already pressured VGO differentials down by almost 50pc since early January.

On 4 January, low sulphur VGO differentials to Nymex WTI crude futures hovered at Nymex +$9/bl for barges and Nymex +$9.5/bl for cargoes. As of 26 January, low sulphur VGO differentials to Nymex WTI were down to Nymex +$4.75/bl for barges and Nymex +$4.5/bl for cargoes. Cargo prices also slipped below barges because of the number of uncommitted vessels arriving in the US.

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25/12/17

US to blockade Venezuela oil flows: Trump

Washington, 16 December (Argus) — US president Donald Trump dramatically escalated the conflict with Venezuela Tuesday night by declaring a blockade of most Venezuelan seaborne oil shipments. Trump, in a social media post, also demanded — without providing any credible explanation — that Venezuela return "all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets that they previously stole from us." Venezuelan oil flows to Cuba already have stopped and cargoes to other destinations were grinding to a halt, following the 10 December seizure of a Cuba-bound Venezuelan oil tanker by the US Coast Guard. "I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela," Trump said. The tanker seized by the US was previously sanctioned for alleged involvement in transporting Iranian oil. More than 30 tankers could be within the reach of US naval forces positioned near Venezuela if Washington decides to continue seizing ships on its sanctions list. It is not clear what Trump meant by claiming that Caracas "stole" US-owned oil, land or assets, especially his reference to "land". Venezuela during the rule of former president Hugo Chavez nationalized assets of US and other western companies. The government of President Nicolas Maduro also faces claims of expropriation of mining and other western assets, and it has defaulted on sovereign debt obligations. All in all, almost $60bn worth of claims have been advanced against Caracas and state-owned PdV in US courts and international tribunals. A US federal court ordered the sale of PdV-owned US refiner Citgo to partially satisfy those claims. Trump's post concluded a day that featured his senior national security advisers briefing US lawmakers on the US military operations near Venezuela, without mentioning a possible escalation that likely requires congressional approval. The US has stationed a large naval force in the waters near Venezuela since early September as part of an effort ostensibly aimed at stopping waterborne drug shipments. The US Navy has reported having destroyed 25 boats allegedly carrying drugs near the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia since early September, killing 98 crew members. The most recent strikes, destroying three boats, took place on Monday. US lawmakers briefed by defense secretary Pete Hegseth and secretary of state Marco Rubio earlier on Tuesday said they were left wondering about the ultimate objectives of the US military operation. By Haik Gugarats Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

US House clears hurdle to pass permitting bill

25/12/16

US House clears hurdle to pass permitting bill

Washington, 16 December (Argus) — Republicans in the US House of Representatives have overcome an initial obstacle to passing a marquee permitting overhaul bill after committing to vote on key amendments that would strip out potential benefits for offshore wind. Republicans in the House voted 215-209 in a vote on Tuesday to approve a rule that will dictate the terms of debate for votes later this week on the SPEED Act, which has become the focus of bipartisan efforts to fast-track the permitting process for pipelines, electric transmission lines, railroads and other infrastructure. A group of far-right conservatives initially voted against the rule, but most reversed course during the vote in exchange for revisions that have yet to be made public. The Tuesday vote was one of the last remaining hurdles to House passage of the SPEED Act, which is expected to pick up some Democratic votes when it comes up for a final vote later this week. The House majority typically is responsible for putting up all the votes for a rule, meaning it would only take a few Republicans to block bill debate. Republicans were uncertain they would have enough votes for the rule, as far-right conservatives such as US representative Andy Harris (R-Maryland) and others were lobbying for changes. On Monday, US representative August Pfluger (R-Texas) urged attendees of a conference to put as "much effort as you possibly can" into persuading wavering Republicans to support the permitting bill. Pfluger is the chair of the Republican Study Commission, a caucus that represents a majority of House Republicans. "Go talk to them and let them know how important this is," Pfluger said during an event organized by the think tank the Conservative Coalition for Climate Solutions. Ahead of the vote, an industry coalition on Tuesday released a joint letter offering "strong support" for the bill. Among the signatories were the American Petroleum Institute, the US Chamber of Commerce, the Association of American Railroads and the US LNG Association. President Donald Trump has yet to take an explicit position on the SPEED Act, but administration officials are optimistic permitting legislation could be enacted. "I think we are at a time where the chance of a real permitting reform bill is higher maybe than it's ever been," US energy secretary Chris Wright said at the event on Monday. The SPEED Act would focus on the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a decades-old law that requires federal agencies to prepare environmental reviews of infrastructure projects. Pipeline companies and renewable energy developers alike blame the law for costly delays, both because of the time it takes for agencies to issue reviews and then the risks that permits will be thrown out because of lawsuits. The bill would narrow the scope of environmental reviews, aligning with a unanimous US Supreme Court ruling this summer. But the bill's most significant changes would make permits more durable. Even if a court found a NEPA review was flawed, the bill would keep permits intact during further analysis. And in a last-minute change, the bill would offer more permit "certainty" by limiting the government's ability to rescind prior approvals. That could protect pipeline permits such as the now-canceled Keystone XL pipeline, while also stopping Trump from halting more offshore wind projects. But the permit certainty language drew concern from far-right conservatives who oppose offshore wind. House Republicans in response agreed to vote on an amendment sponsored by Harris and others that would remove the "permit certainty" changes. Two other amendment votes also backed by Harris would stop expedited permitting treatment in the SPEED Act for offshore wind or any project that Trump has sought to block. Passage of those amendments could cost some Democratic support for the bill. Even if the bill passes, it is expected to be subject to major changes in the US Senate to attract enough support from Democrats to prevent a filibuster. Senate Democrats are hoping to insert language that would prevent what they describe as a "solar ban" being enforced by the Trump administration. By Chris Knight Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

EU-Kommission möchte Verbrenner-Aus abschwächen

25/12/16

EU-Kommission möchte Verbrenner-Aus abschwächen

Hamburg, 16 December (Argus) — Die Europäische Kommission hat einen neuen Vorschlag für eine Reduzierung der Flottenemissionen von Pkw um 90 % bis 2035 vorgelegt. Damit ersetzt sie das zuvor vereinbarte Ziel von 100 %, das faktisch das Aus für Fahrzeuge mit Verbrennungsmotor bedeutet hätte. Der Plan würde erlauben, dass einige Fahrzeuge mit Verbrennungsmotor auch nach 2035 weiter genutzt werden dürfen — neben Plug-in-Hybriden, Reichweitenverlängerern und Mild-Hybriden sowie Elektro- und Wasserstoffautos. Die verbleibenden 10 % der Emissionen müssten laut Kommission durch den Einsatz von CO2-armen Stahl, eFuels oder Biokraftstoffen ausgeglichen werden. Die Vorschläge müssen sowohl vom Europäischen Parlament als auch von den EU-Mitgliedstaaten mehrheitlich angenommen werden. Automobilhersteller könnten dann zwischen 2030 und 2032 Emissionsgutschriften "ansparen und ausleihen", um das bestehende Ziel einer 55 %igen Reduzierung gegenüber 2021 zu erreichen. Nach den neuen Vorschlägen müssten Hersteller, die diese Möglichkeiten nutzen, nur eine durchschnittliche Reduzierung von 40 % erreichen — statt der bisher geplanten 50 %. Die Kommission erklärte, dass Gutschriften für Treibhausgaseinsparungen durch eFuels und Biokraftstoffe bis zu 3 % der Ziele für 2035 ausgleichen können, während Gutschriften für CO2-armen Stahl weitere 7 % kompensieren dürfen. Verkehrskommissar Apostolos Tzitzikostas sagte, das Gutschriftensystem werde die Nutzung nachhaltiger Kraftstoffe fördern: "Dies ist ein klares Signal, dass auch andere Technologien als batterieelektrische Fahrzeuge (BEV) nach 2035 auf den Markt gebracht werden können." Erweiterte Kriterien für CO2-Neutralität würden es ermöglichen, dass nachhaltige Biokraftstoffe zur Erreichung der derzeit ab 2035 geforderten 0 g/km beitragen. Der europäische Interessenverband für erneuerbares Ethanol ePure erklärte, dass die Emissionen von Ethanol im Jahr 2024 um 79 % niedriger lagen als bei fossilen Brennstoffen – wie bereits in den Vorjahren. Der Europäische Biodieselverband setzt Einsparungen von 77 bis 81 % für Biodiesel an, basierend auf dem offiziellen Vergleichswert für fossile Brennstoffe von 94 g CO2e/MJ. Der deutsche Europaabgeordnete Peter Liese kritisierte das ursprüngliche Verbot von Verbrennungsmotoren, sagte jedoch, die Probleme der Industrie seien auf Marktveränderungen zurückzuführen, nicht auf Brüssel. "Die Industrie muss aufhören, Brüssel für ihre eigenen Fehler und für Marktentwicklungen, etwa in China, verantwortlich zu machen", sagte er — und fügte hinzu, dass er sich für die Anerkennung von grünem Stahl vor 2035 einsetzen werde. Von Dafydd ab Iago und Johannes Guhlke Senden Sie Kommentare und fordern Sie weitere Informationen an feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

EU eases ICE phase-out with 2035 CO2 car target: Update

25/12/16

EU eases ICE phase-out with 2035 CO2 car target: Update

Adds details on credits, transport commissioner comment in paragraphs 4-6 Brussels, 16 December (Argus) — The European Commission has proposed a new 90pc cut in car fleet emissions by 2035, replacing the previously agreed 100pc target that would have effectively phased out the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from that date The plan would allow some new ICE vehicles to remain on sale beyond 2035, alongside plug-in hybrids, range extenders and mild hybrids, as well as electric and hydrogen cars. The remaining 10pc of emissions would need to be offset through low-carbon steel, e-fuels or biofuels, according to the commission. The proposals need to be adopted by a majority in the European Parliament and among EU states. Automakers could also "bank and borrow" credits between 2030-32 to help meet the existing 2030 target of a 55pc cut from 2021 levels. Under the new proposals, manufacturers using these flexibilities would only need to achieve a 40pc fleet-average reduction, down from a previously planned 50pc. The commission indicated that credits for greenhouse gas (GHG) savings from e-fuels and biofuels can compensate up to 3pc of manufacturers' reference targets for 2035 and low-carbon steel credits can compensate for a further 7pc. Transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said the credit system will boost uptake of sustainable fuels. "This is a clear signal than other technologies than battery electric vehicles (BEV) can be put on the market after 2035," said Tzitzikostas. Expanded carbon-neutral criteria would allow sustainable biofuels to help meet the targets that currently require 0g/km from 2035. EU renewable ethanol group ePure said emissions from ethanol were 79pc lower than fossil fuels in 2024, in line with previous years. The European Biodiesel Board reported savings of 77-81pc for biodiesel, using the official fossil fuel comparator of 94g of CO2e/MJ. German MEP Peter Liese criticised the original ICE ban, but said industry problems stem from market shifts, not from Brussels. "The industry must stop shifting the blame for its own mistakes and for market developments, for example in China, onto Brussels," he said, adding that he will push for green steel recognition before 2035. By Dafydd ab Iago Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

EU eases ICE phase-out with new 2035 CO2 car target

25/12/16

EU eases ICE phase-out with new 2035 CO2 car target

Brussels, 16 December (Argus) — The European Commission has proposed a new 90pc cut in car fleet emissions by 2035, replacing the previously agreed 100pc target that would have effectively phased out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The plan would allow some ICE vehicles to remain in use beyond 2035, alongside plug-in hybrids, range extenders and mild hybrids, as well as electric and hydrogen cars. The remaining 10pc of emissions would need to be offset through low-carbon steel, e-fuels or biofuels, according to the commission. The proposals need to be adopted by a majority in the European Parliament and among EU states. Automakers could also "bank and borrow" credits between 2030-32 to help meet the existing 2030 target of a 55pc cut from 2021 levels. Under the new proposals, manufacturers using these flexibilities would only need to achieve a 40pc fleet-average reduction, down from a previously planned 50pc. Expanded carbon-neutral criteria would allow sustainable biofuels to help meet the targets that currently require 0g/km from 2035. EU renewable ethanol group ePure said emissions from ethanol were 79pc lower than fossil fuels in 2024, in line with previous years. The European Biodiesel Board reported savings of 77-81pc for biodiesel, using the official fossil fuel comparator of 94g of CO2e/MJ. German MEP Peter Liese criticised the original ICE ban, but said industry problems stem from market shifts, not from Brussels. "The industry must stop shifting the blame for its own mistakes and for market developments, for example in China, onto Brussels," he said, adding that he will push for green steel recognition before 2035. By Dafydd ab Iago Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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Long VGO market leads to USGC floating storage

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