Wed 1 Nov 2017, 09:05 GMT

Oil and fuel oil hedging market update


By the Oil Desk at Freight Investor Services.



Brent closed up $0.35 last night to $60.94 and WTI closed at $54.38, up $0.23. Who would have thought we'd be up to these dizzying heights? There just seems to be something uneasy about it all though; it doesn't feel comfortable. As quick as this market is to rally, it is also extremely capable of collapsing, and it doesn't take much to really cause a collapse. If the funds have bought in to this rally, then what's to stop them cashing out and selling their long positions? As Paul Daniels would say, "not a lot". However, I think it will be a while yet before we see any kind of price correction. EIA data is out later and, according to API, we can expect to see some pretty chunky drawdowns on crude and products.

Fuel Oil Market (October 31)

The front crack opened at -7.80, strengthening to -7.30 across the day. The Cal 18 was valued at -8.10.

Aggressive offers continued to weigh on the break-bulk ex-wharf premiums of Asia's 380-cst fuel, with some suppliers seeking to stimulate demand.

Demand for spot 380-cst ex-wharf fuel oil has been sluggish in recent weeks amid rising outright prices of 380-cst bunker fuel which has climbed to its highest level since June 2015, keeping some buyers at bay, sources said.

China said it would stop domestic sales of diesel with sulphur content higher than 10 parts ppm, typically used by tractors and ships, from Nov. 1, in its latest effort to clean up the nation's air.

The challenge will be in the execution of the ban, which follows a move earlier this year to stop sales of diesel with more than 50 ppm of sulphur and a 10-ppm cap on diesel used by cars.

Economic Data/Events: (UK times)

* 11am: U.S. MBA mortgage applications for week ended Oct. 27 (prior -4.6%)

* 12:15pm: U.S. ADP employment change for Oct., est. 200k (prior 135k)

* 1:45pm: U.S. Markit manufacturing PMI for Oct., final, est. 54.5 (prior 54.5)

* 2:30pm: U.S. EIA oil inventory report; TOPLive blog coverage begins 2:25pm

* 6pm: U.S. FOMC rate decision, est. 1.25% (prior 1.25%)

** Genscape weekly ARA crude stockpiles report

** International Energy Forum hosts 7th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable, Bangkok, Nov. 1-3. Speakers include Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih, U.A.E. Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei

** International Emissions Trading Association event in London, ahead of the COP23 climate talks that will take place in Bonn starting Nov. 6

** Bloomberg will publish October monthly tanker-tracking assessments for several oil exporting nations, starting Wednesday

** Bloomberg will publish OPEC production survey for October on this day, or Thursday. Data may be the last entire-month set available before OPEC's next ministerial conference on Nov. 30

** International Petroleum Tax Conference, Oslo. Speakers include Norway Ministry of Finance's Tax-Law Director Stig Sollund

** Earnings: Occidental Petroleum

Singapore 380 cSt

Dec17 - 359.25 / 361.25

Jan18 - 357.00 / 359.00

Feb18 - 355.25 / 357.25

Mar18 - 353.25 / 355.25

Apr18 - 351.00 / 353.00

May18 - 349.75 / 351.75

Q1-18 - 353.00 / 355.00

Q2-18 - 348.50 / 350.50

Q3-18 - 343.25 / 345.75

Q4-18 - 338.25 / 340.75

CAL18 - 344.75 / 347.75

CAL19 - 328.25 / 333.25

CAL20 - 301.75 / 308.75

Singapore 180 cSt

Dec17 - 364.25 / 366.25

Jan18 - 353.50 / 355.50

Feb18 -360.75 / 362.75

Mar18 - 359.25 / 361.25

Apr18 - 357.50 / 359.50

May18 - 356.50 / 358.50

Q1-18 - 359.00 / 361.00

Q2-18 - 355.00 / 357.00

Q3-18 - 349.75 / 352.25

Q4-18 - 345.75 / 348.25

CAL18 - 351.50 / 354.50

CAL19 - 337.25 / 342.25

CAL20 - 311.25 / 318.25

Rotterdam 380 cSt

Dec17 338.75 / 340.75

Jan18 337.00 / 339.00

Feb18 336.00 / 338.00

Mar18 335.25 / 337.25

Apr18 334.50 / 336.50

May18 333.50 / 335.50

Q1-18 335.25 / 337.25

Q2-18 333.00 / 335.00

Q3-18 328.75 / 331.25

Q4-18 321.25 / 323.75

CAL18 328.00 / 331.00

CAL19 289.00 / 294.00

CAL20 246.00 / 253.00


Malama vessel dock mounting ceremony. Hanwha Philly Shipyard advances construction on two LNG-fuelled container ships for Matson  

Dock mounting completed for Malama while steel cutting begins on sister vessel Makena.

Bow of the Explora V vessel. Fincantieri launches bow section of LNG-powered Explora V at Palermo yard  

Fifth ship in Explora Journeys’ six-vessel series is scheduled to enter service in 2027.

Steel cutting ceremony of vessel with builder's hull no. H5187. Wah Kwong marks steel-cutting for third dual-fuel LNG carrier at Dalian Shipyard  

Hong Kong shipowner’s 175,000 cbm newbuild is scheduled for delivery as fleet expansion continues.

Yu Neng Jiao Long vessel. Cosco Shipping takes delivery of 64,900-dwt Panamax crude tanker  

Yu Neng Jiao Long features dual-fuel capability and meets IMO Tier III emission standards.

Fuel for Thought: LNG report. LNG fleet reaches 1,665 vessels as methane slip technology advances  

Lloyd’s Register report highlights economic viability and emissions reduction progress for marine fuel.

Aerial view of Piraeus Harbour in Greece. Bureau Veritas seeks emissions compliance verifier in Piraeus  

Classification society advertises for specialist to verify shipping emissions data under IMO and EU regulations.

We are hiring graphic message with a handshake gesture. Trafigura seeks financial controller for shipping and bunkering operations in Athens  

Role involves accounting and controlling activities for shipping and bunkering entities, reporting to regional controller.

Port in Mauritania. Minerva Bunkering launches Mauritania operation after securing regulatory licence  

Company to supply marine fuels from Nouadhibou and Nouakchott to commercial vessels and offshore installations.

Mercedes Pinto vessel. Baleària's third dual-fuel fast ferry Mercedes Pinto hits 38 knots in sea trials  

The 123-metre vessel is destined for the Canary Islands and can run on biomethane.

TFG Marine and DBS USD 300 million working capital facility graphic. TFG Marine secures $300m DBS facility backed by electronic bunker delivery notices  

Marine fuel supplier’s working capital facility leverages digital documentation to enhance transparency and efficiency.