US crude oil markets can seem as befuddling as an elephant
Few people are often in complete agreement. Each reaches a conclusion based on their own past experiences and expectations.
U.S. ethanol exports reach highest level since 2011
(Thu, 10 Mar 2016) U.S. exports of fuel ethanol reached their highest level in four years in 2015, totaling 844 million gallons, a slight increase from 2014 and second only to the 1.2 billion gallons exported during 2011. U.S. imports of ethanol, which totaled 73 million gallons in 2014, also increased in 2015, reaching a total of 92 million gallons. The United States remained a net exporter of fuel ethanol for the sixth consecutive year and exported the fuel to 35 different countries in 2015.
Romance of the high seas strong in shipping industry hearts
Joseph Conrad said, "There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting, and enslaving than the life at sea". Platts Konstantinos Tsolakis gives an account of the maritime industry today.
Quarterly Coal Distribution Report (QCDR) ? Fourth Quarter 2014
(Wed, 09 Mar 2016) This report provides detailed U.S. domestic coal distribution data for October ? December 2014, excluding waste coal and imports, by coal origin, coal destination, mode of transportation, and consuming sector. Quarterly coal distribution data for all years are preliminary and will be superseded by the release of the corresponding ?Annual Coal Distribution Report.?
U.S. oil production continues to decline, and is now below its year-ago level
(Wed, 09 Mar 2016) U.S. monthly crude oil production in December 2015 continued to decline, as oil production reached its lowest level since November 2014. Production also declined from year-ago levels for the first time in more than four years. This continued production decline is the result of lower crude prices, which have declined more than 70% since the summer of 2014.
United Kingdom Country Analysis Brief
(Wed, 09 Mar 2016) Production of petroleum and other liquids in the United Kingdom increased in 2015, as investments made when oil prices were high came to fruition, but the UK remains a net importer. Although production in the UK has not yet responded to lower oil prices, investment in the UK?s oil and natural gas industry is declining. This decline will likely lead to lower production in the future.
As arb from NWE slams shut, where will Med utilities get their fuel oil from?
Platts editors on why the premium of Med LSFO prices over NWE tumbled to its narrowest level in 20-months on the back of plummeting freight rates between the two regions.
Likely impact of first US shale gas shipment to EU on region's plastics
Platts looks at the impending arrival of the first shipment of US shale gas to Europe and its likely impact on the region's plastics industry.
Coal made up more than 80% of retired electricity generating capacity in 2015
(Tue, 08 Mar 2016) Nearly 18 gigawatts (GW) of electric generating capacity was retired in 2015, a relatively high amount compared with recent years. More than 80% of the retired capacity was conventional steam coal. The coal-fired generating units retired in 2015 tended to be older and smaller in capacity than the coal generation fleet that continues to operate.
Short-Term Energy Outlook - Market Prices and Uncertainty Report
(Tue, 08 Mar 2016) The North Sea Brent front month futures price rose $2.83 per barrel (b) from February 1 to settle at $37.07/b on March 3. The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) front month futures price rose $2.95/b and settled at $34.57 over the same period.