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.


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.

UK ETS and FuelEU Maritime event graphic. Lloyd’s Register to host UK ETS and FuelEU Maritime briefing in London  

Event on 12 May will examine maritime emissions regulations ahead of UK ETS expansion.

Ruri Planet vessel. Japanese shipbuilder delivers dual-fuel LNG bulk carrier Ruri Planet  

The 209,000-tonne Capesize vessel can run on heavy fuel oil or LNG.

L&T Energy GreenTech and Itochu agreement signing. L&T Energy GreenTech signs 300,000-tonne green ammonia supply deal with Itochu  

Indian firm to supply Japanese trading house from planned Kandla facility for marine fuel applications.

CMA CGM Iron vessel. Methanol-powered container ship is named CMA CGM D’Artagnan  

French shipping group adds vessel to methanol fleet as part of net-zero target.

Maersk Tahiti vessel. Bound4blue completes second suction sail installation for Maersk Tankers  

Four 24-metre eSAIL units fitted on Maersk Tahiti at Chinese shipyard in April.

Aerial view of Port of Yokohama. Asia-Pacific ports advance cross-sector hydrogen and e-fuel infrastructure  

Accelleron report highlights a coordinated approach combining energy, industry and shipping demand to stimulate market development.


↑  Back to Top


 Recommended