Diesel in the money again
Fuel stocks are easing and margins rising, though the rally might be short
AFTER a lengthy diesel glut on both sides of the Atlantic and pressurised margins, fundamentals have finally started to improve for the road fuel. Refiners' profits are rising again. In Europe, the ultra-low sulphur diesel crack spread against Brent crude - the profit to be made by refiners - is now around $14 a barrel, according to pricing pricing-agency Platts. In early April it was just $8/b. Gradual stock draws and falling supplies are behind the rise in Europe and analysts expect the trend to continue. Profit share Margins for producing diesel on the US Gulf Coast are also forecast to keep strengthening, averaging $11/b next year compared with $9/b in 2016. Global diesel supplies rose b
Also in this section
20 April 2026
The region’s gas producers are investing heavily in the fuel in order to satisfy burgeoning demand resulting from economic growth and a shift to cleaner fuels
20 April 2026
The continent is home to mega-scale projects on both its east and west coasts as its growing economies see rising demand for gas
16 April 2026
Demand for oil is falling because supply cannot meet it, not because it is no longer required
16 April 2026
The continent has an immediate opportunity to make the most of its energy resources by capturing gas that is currently slipping away
