Clean tanker rates in the East of Suez have remained at a high level despite erratic demand in the region. The main driver of this situation lies on the supply side. In this insight we dive into the dynamics behind rates in the East, and link the chain of events to trace the freight rate trajectory.
PADD 3 diesel exports surged in April as import demand strengthened from key consumers in Latin America and Europe - the latter seeking to progressively reduce its reliance on Russian supply. PADD 3 exports rose despite stronger domestic diesel demand, once again underlying the growing global competition for diesel.
Europe has sucessfully made first steps in scaling back Russian oil imports and resupplying from other sources. But only about one third of the diesel challenge has been managed so far, already leading to record pricing. Global refining is severely constrained.
As we enter the start of driving season for the Atlantic Basin, we have already seen refined product cracks rise to historical highs in both the US and Asia markets which have boosted global seaborne gasoline loadings to a 24-month record for March. Looking forward, high crude runs in a few selected regions could be the factor to cool gasoline cracks and refining margins somewhat.
Russian oil exports are increasingly struggling, given the strong dependence on "unfriendly countries". IEA's call of 2.5-3mbd crude supply losses looks plausible but is at loggerheads with range-bound oil prices.
China issued the first batch of crude import and product export quotas to refiners this year at around 10% and 55% lower than last year’s respectively, signaling its commitment towards further consolidating the refining sector.
Global crude exports ended 2021 on a high, driven by higher volumes from key OPEC Middle East producers, the US and Russia.
As we witness global naphtha cracks continuing strength since the spring, we can see that seaborne naphtha imports carry on their impressive recovery. Strong flows are expected to continue on the back of firm petrochemical demand East of Suez and European gasoline blending.
As we witness global naphtha cracks continuing strength since the spring, we can see that seaborne naphtha imports carry on their impressive recovery. Strong flows are expected to continue on the back of firm petrochemical demand East of Suez and European gasoline blending.
Russian seaborne crude and clean products have undergone a significant decline in July. We examine the key factors driving this shift, including rising pipeline flows and a tightening domestic gasoline market.
Vortexa outlines how supply and demand dynamics appear to be improving for LNG markets in a supportive price environment
Vortexa outlines how naphtha has had a strong demand recovery but increasing demand for road fuels gasoline and diesel could incentivise refiners to adjust their yields to make less naphtha.
Vortexa outlines how Latin American countries are increasing imports of crude and refined products whilst simultaneously exporting refined products into storage hubs, suggesting an oversupplied region.