This is a legacy page. Please click here to view the latest version.
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.


EIB and Port of Rotterdam signing. Port of Rotterdam secures EUR90m EIB loan for shore power installations  

Financing will support shore power infrastructure at three container terminals, with an EU grant also approved.

IBIA logo. IBIA updates biofuels training module for 2026  

Updated online course covers latest regulatory developments and market trends in liquid and gaseous biofuels.

Brim Explorer’s fully electric passenger vessel concept render Bureau Veritas to class all-electric trimarans for Brim Explorer  

Two zero-emission passenger vessels will operate in Norwegian fjords after extensive Arctic testing.

Steel cutting ceremony for LNG fuel tank project. CIMC SOE starts construction on first 9,000-cbm LNG tank project  

South Korean shipowner SUNBO has commissioned the tanks for 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessels.

Rob Mortimer, CEO of FuelRe4m. Gulf tensions expose shipping’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, says Fuelre4m  

Dubai-based firm warns alternative fuel infrastructure remains fragile compared to established oil and gas systems.

Welcoming of CMA CGM Grand Palais vessel. CMA CGM adds 23,000-teu containership to Asia-Europe service  

CMA CGM Grand Palais will operate on the FAL3 route between Asia and Europe.

WinGD methanol and ethanol webinar invitation. WinGD to host webinar on methanol- and ethanol-flexible fuel engine technology  

Engine manufacturer will discuss market outlook, regulations and operational experience with alcohol-based marine fuels.

Peninsula graduate programme group photo. Peninsula opens applications for 2026 graduate programmes in marine fuels trading  

Two-year scheme offers positions across six global locations starting in September, combining hands-on experience with structured development.

Collin She, Oilmar DMCC. Oilmar DMCC promotes Collin She to key account manager role  

She will lead strategic customer relationships and drive growth opportunities in Singapore and the wider region.

Areion vessel. Dorian LPG takes delivery of dual-fuel VLGC capable of carrying ammonia  

The 93,000-cbm Areion can run on LPG or fuel oil and transport ammonia cargoes.


↑  Back to Top


 Recommended