Markets

In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, Asian refiners are strategically reassessing their crude supply sources, signaling a potential pivot towards increased imports from the Americas and Africa.

In recent months, China and India have significantly adjusted their oil import strategies, particularly focusing on increased purchases from Russia.

The state energy company, Pemex, is poised to enact substantial cuts in crude exports, redirecting at least 330K b/d from international markets to meet domestic refining demands.

Russia's flagship crude grade, Urals, is currently being sold at around $75/bbl, exceeding the $60/bbl price cap imposed by the G7 and its allies on oil exports involving Western services.

The imminent commencement of the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project is set to reconfigure crude tanker movements in the US West Coast (USWC) and Pacific Aframax market.

US crude exports soared to an 11-month peak in Feb., reaching 4.66MM b/d, marking a substantial 15% increase from the previous month and a notable 16.5% surge compared to Feb. 2023.

Shipping volumes in the Red Sea have sharply declined by over 60% since Nov., attributed to ongoing Houthi attacks.

Saudi Arabia's state-owned firm, a major player in the global oil market, announced a reduction in its supply of heavier crude oil to Asian markets for April.

Amid heightened US sanctions on Russian crude, China has strategically increased its purchases of Sokol crude, taking advantage of India's reluctance to buy.