Wed 20 Dec 2017, 09:31 GMT

Oil prices inch upwards ahead of inventory data


By A/S Global Risk Management.



The weekly oil stocks data from the American Petroleum Institute (API), published last night, showed a drop in U.S. crude oil stocks of more than 5 mio. barrels last week, a drop in distillates stocks of almost 3 mio. barrels, while gasoline stocks increased by 2 mio. barrels. Consensus of the official oil inventory report, published by the International Energy Administration (IEA) this afternoon, is a draw of 3.7 mio. barrels in crude, a small draw in distillates and a build in gasoline inventories. The last four weeks have shown draws in crude oil stocks. Expect some volatility ahead of the publishing.

The new oil minister of OPEC's fifth largest oil producer, Kuwait, sees global crude demand increase by 1.5 mio. barrels per day next year. The growth rate complies with OPEC's forecast. The oil minister, Al-Rashidi, also said "that will support oil prices and support refining margins". Kuwait currently producers around 2.7 mio. barrels per day, but is planning to increase production to four mio. barrels per day in 2020. The country is part of the current production cut agreement entered by both OPEC and non-OPEC countries. OPEC's largest oil producer, Saudi Arabia, likely also sees increasing prices next year as the country stated that it expects oil revenue to increase by 12% in 2018.

Turning to economic data, today sees U.S. housing data and a tax reform vote. Also, Bank of England's Carney will speak this afternoon.


Jamaica bunkering hub study presentation. Study maps route for Jamaica to become regional hub for alternative marine fuels  

Research identifies Jamaica's location, port traffic and existing LNG infrastructure as foundations for a regional alternative marine fuels hub.

A2B Progress vessel. A2B-online orders two more methanol-fuelled vessels for shortsea network  

Dutch shortsea operator expands newbuild series to four ships, adding methanol propulsion and battery capacity for emission-free port calls.

Höegh Autoliners and BYD Energy Storage cooperation agreement signing. Höegh Autoliners signs battery deal with BYD for ammonia-ready car carrier  

Ro-ro shipper teams up with BYD Energy Storage to combine batteries, solar power and ammonia-ready propulsion on a single car carrier.

Hercules Angelica vessel. Hercules Tanker Management adds new Ultra-Spec tanker to fleet with FAME cargo run  

Hercules Angelica begins maiden voyage carrying FAME from Malaysia to the UK/ARA region.

SHI and Morimura sign MoU. Samsung Heavy Industries and Japan's Morimura to jointly develop solid oxide fuel cells for ships  

Companies target 2028 commercialisation of SOFC technology for merchant vessels and floating data centres.

Shin Ueda and Benny Hilstrom. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding gains WinGD approval for ammonia fuel handling system  

Japanese shipbuilder becomes first in the country to receive supplier pre-approval for key components of WinGD's ammonia-fuelled engine.

Rendering of a battery-powered bulk carrier vessel. Battery-powered bulk carrier wins NOK 89.2m Enova grant  

Bulk Loaders and DP World secure Norwegian state funding for a zero-emission cargo vessel designed by NSD.

Empire State Building, New York. Maersk Oil Trading seeks New York-based fuel trader for Americas bunker business  

Firm looking for candidates with 'several years' of relevant experience in fuel trading, bunker trading, fuel marketing, cargo trading, or similar.

Taha Karakan and Aydın Yıldız, Alkagesta. Alkagesta completes Energy Petrol takeover, appoints new marine sales leadership in Türkiye  

Acquisition includes eight marine fuel supply vessels and a long-term lease of tank capacity in Gebze.

Venezuela flag. TFG Marine extends Caribbean bunkering reach into Venezuela  

Majority Trafigura-owned bunker supplier partners with Impordiesel to offer marine fuel across Venezuelan ports and coastal waters.