Asian refiners’ mixed response to Ukraine conflict
Chinese refiners are yet to buy more Russian crude, while other nations in Asia may help fill Europe’s shortfall in diesel supply, according to energy intelligence firm Vortexa
There is further potential upside for crude prices, says David Wench, chief economist at energy intelligence firm Vortexa, citing a global pattern of low stocks, stagnant supply and solid demand. But the risk of recession—and with it, weaker demand—remains. Seaborne crude liftings have slowed to around 47mn bl/d, down from 50mn bl/d pre-Covid, according to Wench. And it is hard to see new barrels entering the market in the next few months, he says, adding that the UAE and Saudi Arabia could raise output in the short term but that scenario is unlikely. In the medium term, the USA, Iran and possibly Canada could also increase supply. Vortexa currently sees more than 1mn bl of Russian-loading c
Also in this section
28 March 2024
The country’s largest gas field is a bright spot for the North Sea, boasting cleaner operations amid a changing mood in Europe over hydrocarbons
28 March 2024
Whether OPEC+ starts to unwind its oil production cuts from June will depend on heavily debated unfolding supply-demand balances
28 March 2024
As a gas supply shortfall looms, balancing regulatory flexibility with energy security and investor confidence will be critical
27 March 2024
Oil producers have to untangle the increasingly complicated relationship with their natural resources