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.


Caroline Yang, Diana Mok and Francois-Xavier Accard, IBIA. IBIA appoints three new members to Asia regional board  

Caroline Yang, Diana Mok and Francois-Xavier Accard join the board following unanimous approval.

Reimei vessel. MOL achieves 98% methane slip reduction in LNG-fuelled vessel trials  

Japanese shipping company exceeds target in demonstration trials aboard coal carrier operating between Japan and Australia.

Seaside LNG logo. Seaside LNG expands C-suite with four industry veterans  

Houston-based firm appoints new leadership team as LNG bunkering market projected to reach $15bn by 2030.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters. ICS calls for swift adoption of global regulatory framework  

Secretary general notes MEPC discussions were constructive, but that many member states were still not in a position to adopt the framework without further changes.

WSC quote on maritime discussions. WSC welcomes 'constructive engagement' on global emissions reduction measure  

The liner industry has invested $150bn in dual-fuel ships, but emissions reductions depend on a global framework, notes WSC CEO.

MEPC 84 session. IMO committee agrees intersessional work to rebuild consensus on emissions framework  

Two meetings scheduled before December session as members seek convergence on mid-term greenhouse gas measures.

Map showing existing and planned Emission Control Areas (ECAs). IMO adopts Northeast Atlantic ECA covering waters from Portugal to Greenland  

New ECA to enter into force in September 2027, connecting existing European zones with Canadian Arctic waters.

Renewable and low-carbon methanol project pipeline chart as of April 2026. Renewable methanol project pipeline reaches 61 MMT as China groundbreakings accelerate  

GENA Solutions reports pipeline growth despite concerns over construction readiness for Chinese projects.

Rendering of a diesel-electric chemical tanker. Berg Propulsion to supply propulsion system for Akdeniz-built chemical tanker  

Turkish shipyard Akdeniz orders diesel-electric propulsion package for an 8,000-dwt vessel destined for Transka Tankers.

Ningyuan Diankun vessel. China Classification Society certifies 740-teu pure-electric container ship  

Ning Yuan Dian Kun features battery-swapping capability and is claimed to eliminate 1,462 tonnes of CO2 annually.


↑  Back to Top


 Recommended