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After closing up to USD 83/bbl, crude prices eased to usd 82.6 as latest EIA report showed an increase in US stockpiles though analysts still consider that winter demand outlook remains supportive of a bullish oil market.

In Singapore, most players were offering firm for mid next week arrivals onwards with wider price spread noticed on distillate grades among the main competitors; ifo-180cst availability remains tight, with many suppliers still not keen to offer blends.

In Fujairah, prices seem to have followed market on a softer pace, having trimmed difference from Singapore prices to marginal for all main grades making the UAE hub even more competitive.

In Piraeus, weather conditions today have allowed the recommencement of operations at anchorage as per last update.

In Hong Kong, local players report healthy 180cst and MGO inventories as new cargo arrival has met a slow demand due to the high market levels.