processing...

Blog Details

Backwardation less steep / Petchem and Blending Demand Look Weaker

Backwardation less steep / Petchem and Blending Demand Look Weaker

May 30, 2024

On the European naphtha markets, the crack spread was slightly wider on May 29. The backwardation had been less severe. According to one trader, the petrochemical market has been weak and therefore there is a lack of demand for naphtha. According to other sources, cracking demand is poor. Premiums for light virgin naphtha compared to open specification naphtha have been reduced to $15-17/mt. This reflects the petrochemical weakening. A broker said that "blending appetite has also decreased" which is supported by the fundamentals of a shrinking gasoline/naphtha differential. The spread between the front-month Eurobob gasoil swap and the equivalent forward-month naphtha switch was $173.75/mt in May 29. It had been $183.25/mt in May 28. Petroineos, the refinery's owner, announced that a unit at Scotland's Grangemouth 150,000 b/d refinery will be...

Exclusive market movement data, shipping lineups, demand signals and pricing rationale continue in full report.

Unlock complete article access with a paid account.

Continue Reading With Membership

This is a preview. Login and activate a paid plan to read the complete article.

Login to Continue