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.


Seto Azure ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation. Osaka Gas launches ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in Japan  

Japanese energy company now offers all three primary LNG fuel supply methods for vessels.

Gasum logo. Gasum converts to a public limited company to diversify financing options  

Finnish energy company changes legal structure from private to public limited liability company.

Legend of the Seas vessel. Meyer Turku secures Icon 6 and 7 cruise ship orders from Royal Caribbean  

Finnish shipyard to deliver two additional Icon Class vessels under framework agreement extending to 2036.

Ferry Propulsion Summit 2026. BC Ferries orders Everllence engines for four newbuild ferries  

Canadian operator selects 32/44CR engines for vessels designed to support future electric operations.

Steve Bee speaking at Marine Insurance Greece 2026 graphic. VPS executive to join panel on bunker fuel testing adequacy at Athens marine insurance event  

Steve Bee will discuss bunker testing standards with insurance and surveying experts in May.

Everllence 18V51/60 engine. Everllence completes first factory test of 18V51/60 engine running on B100 biofuel  

French facility tests 18,900 kW engine converted to run entirely on biofuel in Corsica.

Maritime industry representatives joining the MARINER project. Genevos secures €2.2m EU funding for 1 MW maritime hydrogen fuel cell development  

French company joins €7m MARINER project to develop and validate modular fuel cell systems.

Container ship at harbour. Skuld warns of unusual chemical compounds in Southeast Asian marine fuels  

Marine insurer reports fuels meeting ISO 8217 standards but containing high levels of hydrocarbon compounds.

Arsenio Dominguez, IMO. IMO chief urges progress on net-zero framework amid Hormuz crisis  

Arsenio Dominguez calls for constructive dialogue as MEPC 84 tackles greenhouse gas measures and ballast water regulations.

Monjasa Shaker vessel. Monjasa reflags UAE-based tankers to Emirates registry  

Marine fuels supplier transitions first of three vessels from Liberian to UAE flag.


↑  Back to Top


 Recommended