Thu 18 Oct 2018, 06:07 GMT

Will Saudi Arabia be able to replace Iranian oil?


By A/S Global Risk Management.


Michael Poulson, Senior Oil Risk Manager at Global Risk Management.
Image credit: A/S Global Risk Management
After a huge inventory build of 6.5 mio. crude barrels from EIA yesterday, prices dropped to below $79.50 before slowly starting to recover. The $80 threshold was once again broken through and Brent crude did not retrace above $80 as fast as earlier. This indicates a possible loss of belief in the market after the news of Saudi Arabia being able to replace the missing Iranian oil. However, will Saudi Arabia really be able to offset possible future missing barrels? It is considered very possible that more barrels will be taken off the market when the U.S. sanctions on Iran really kick in. Some analysts believe that these are replaceable due to the unutilized production and spare capacity in primarily Saudi Arabia and Russia. This alleged production and spare capacity has, however, never really been utilized as Saudi Arabia is approaching record production and Russia is already producing at record-breaking levels. As of now, it seems the market believes that the Iranian oil is replaceable.

The ongoing dispute between the US and Saudi Arabia is yet to be resolved as the columnist is still missing - last seen at the Saudi embassy in Turkey.


Graphic of the ABS logo with a blue background and light effects over a globe. ABS consortium delivers ammonia fuel safety report for EMSA  

Report expands on IMO interim guidelines and highlights need for comprehensive understanding of ammonia properties.

Green Future vessel. NYK operates methanol-fuelled bulk carrier for BHP, claims 65% emissions cut  

Green Future becomes first oceangoing bulk carrier to use low-carbon methanol fuel.

Genesis Sea vessel. Ulstein Verft completes sea trials for Genesis Sea CSOV ahead of spring delivery  

The 89.6-metre vessel features hybrid battery propulsion and preparations for green methanol operation.

S-4L waterjet render. Kongsberg Maritime launches S-4L waterjet series with Gotland ferry order  

Hydrogen-ready Horizon X ferry to feature new propulsion technology on Swedish route.

Annual Capital Link Forum in Athens. ECSA calls for EU to withdraw shipping legislation once IMO reaches global agreement  

European shipowners' association urges Commission to clarify that regional measures are transitional pending an international framework.

QRDI Grant Award event. CircleProcess Technologies wins Qatar grant for onboard LNG-to-hydrogen conversion project  

Project ReformLNG aims to convert LNG into hydrogen fuel and solid carbon onboard vessels.

Two people shaking hands with Uni-Fuels seeks bunker traders for Dubai operations  

Nasdaq-listed marine fuel provider advertises positions as part of team expansion in the UAE.

Working meeting at the headquarters of Puertos del Estado. Spain nears completion of standardised LNG bunkering specifications framework  

Document aims to harmonise LNG and bioLNG supply procedures across Spanish port authorities.

YM Willpower vessel. Synergy Marine Group takes technical management of two Yang Ming LNG dual-fuel newbuilds  

Singapore-based ship manager assumes responsibility for 15,500-teu container vessels delivered from Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Plate cutting ceremony for Horizon X vessel. Austal begins construction of hydrogen-ready ferry for Swedish operator  

Shipbuilder cuts first steel for 130-metre Horizon X vessel at Philippines facility.





 Recommended