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Backwardation volatile but remains steep / Naphtha ARA stock jumps on week

Backwardation volatile but remains steep / Naphtha ARA stock jumps on week

Apr 20, 2024

The backwardation on the European naphtha markets was very volatile and steep throughout the day. As the market tries to account for potential disruptions to flows from the Persian Gulf or Red Sea, which are the main naphtha exporters to Asia, the escalation of Middle East tensions has supported the naphtha East West -- the spread between CFR Japan naphtha and CIF NWE. The gasoline/naphtha differential remained wide, resulting in a strong naphtha demand from gasoline blending. This is especially true for the heavy naphtha grades that are used to reformate. Supply tightness on the final products market continues to support naphtha demand in petrochemicals. This is reflected by higher light naphtha prices. Despite a volatile backwardation system, the stocks of naphtha at ARA increased significantly over the past week....

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