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SEB – Jordbruksprodukter, vecka 18 2012

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SEB Veckobrev Jordbruksprodukter - AnalysSådden av majs går framåt mycket fort i USA. Nu är mer än hälften sått. Höstvetet är i mycket gott skick och det brukar leda till en stor skörd. På torsdag nästa vecka är det dags för WASDE-rapport igen. Den väntas vara ”bullish” sojabönor och ”bearish” vete och majs.

International Grains Council (IGC) skriver i sin senaste rapport att de globala marknaderna för spannmål och oljeväxter har påverkats kraftigt av en rad olika bedömningar av grödorna under april, där osäkerheten kring grödornas tillstånd har hjälpt till att upprätthålla en period av hög prisrörlighet.

Mestadels goda utsikter för den kommande amerikanska vete- och majsskörden tyngde marknaderna, medan resultaten var mer osäkra på andra håll och där det ogynnsamma vädrets effekter och dess påverkan på grödor i Europa och OSS fortfarande håller på att identifieras. Sojabönskomplexet har hållit sig fortsatt starkt allteftersom produktionsestimaten i Sydamerika successivt har justerats ned.

Tendens/Vy på råvarupriser - SEBFör vete, har nedgången i priserna i USA framförallt triggats av gynnsamma växtförhållanden, men det negativa, ”bearish”, sentimentet har mildrats av nedjusteringar i prognoserna för EU’s produktion samt en stark efterfrågan på gammal skörd, speciellt till foder. Den kraftiga ökningen i majspriserna i slutet på förra månaden har urholkats av en ökad optimism över att nästa skörd i USA kommer att bli mycket stor. Nedjusterade estimat över produktionen av i Sydamerika har gett stöd och drivit sojabönsmarknaden högre, med frontkontraktet på CBOT som nu närmar sig 4-års högsta.

Arealen för spannmål under 2012/13 förväntas öka med 1.6% till 539 miljoner hektar, den högsta på 16 år. Den totala vetearealen kommer sannolikt inte att förändras så mycket jämfört med 2011/12, medan arealen för majs och korn kommer att öka, framförallt i Nordamerika och OSS. Baserat på de senaste siffrorna över sådd areal och med hänsyn till visst bortfall av höstvete, justeras prognosen ned för spannmålsproduktionen under 2012/13 med 7 mt till 1 869 mt, vilket dock är en ökning med 1.5% sedan förra året. Veteproduktionen förväntas minska medan produktionen av majs, korn, durra, havre och råg förväntas öka. Den globala konsumtionen av spannmål beräknas öka med 1.5% jämfört med förra året, till rekordhöga 1865 mt, där användning av spannmål som foder beräknas stiga jämförelsevis snabbare än användningen till livsmedel eller till industriell bearbetning. En stigande efterfrågan på kött i utvecklingsländer förväntas vara en bidragande orsak till ökad användning av foder, men det kan däremot komma att bli ett litet skifte från vete till majs. Den globala efterfrågan på industriprodukter, såsom stärkelse, förväntas öka, medan efterfrågan från den amerikanska etanolsektorn kan komma att minska. Utgående lager i slutet på 2012/13 förväntas stiga något till 383 mt, en ökning för andra året i rad, och hos de största exportörerna förväntas den uppgå till 139 mt, främst pga högre amerikanska majslager.

Den globala handeln förväntas öka med 1% till 263 mt, till följd av ökad efterfrågan på kvarnvete och foder. Men en del av foderefterfrågan beräknas skifta tillbaka till majs, och handeln med den grödan förväntas stiga för fjärde året i rad – inklusive en ökad import till Kina – och en ökad konkurrens från majs förväntas begränsa den globala handeln med fodervete. Efter en stark ökning under 2011/12, förväntas inga större förändringar i handeln med korn.

Global prognos

Vi ser i ovanstående tabell, att IGC justerar upp utgående lager. Sammantaget är rapporten alltså ”bearish”.

CME förlänger öppettiderna för spannmåls- och oljeväxt-terminer och optioner. Nuvarande öppettider är från 18:00 – 07:15 och från 9:30 till 13:15 från söndag till måndag, Chicagotid. Från den 14 maj blir öppettiden på söndag till måndag från 17:00 till 16:00 och under måndag till fredag från 18:00 till 16:00. Det är alltså stängt bara två timmar varje dygn. Detta betyder också att det kommer att vara öppet för handel på CBOT när WASDE-rapporterna kommer. Tidigare var det bara Matif som var öppet.

Odlingsväder

UK Met Office förutspådde för drygt en månad sedan en onormalt torr aprilmånad, med allvarliga konsekvenser “…drought impacts in the coming months are virtually inevitable.” Sedan visade det sig att april blev den blötaste aprilmånaden på 100 år. Met Office har gjort sig känt för sina simuleringsmodeller körda genom en superdator som förbrukar lika mycket elektricitet som 1000 normala villor. Även solen har fläckar, som en del ”skeptiker” kanske skulle ha sagt. Så över till andra sidan jorden, till Australiens Met Office: ENSO-förhållandena är fortsatt normala. Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) har hållit sig mellan -7 och -8 den senaste veckan. SOI-värden mellan -8 och +8 indikerar neutrala ENSO-förhållanden.

Odlingsväder - SOI

ENSO går det faktiskt att göra tillförlitliga prognoser på, som sträcker sig upp till sex månader framåt i tiden. Dessa pekar, som vi tidigare sett, på neutrala förhållanden (bra) eller El Niño (bra). I Sydamerika förbereder man sig på att kunna inleda vårbruket om några månader under fuktiga och ideala förhållanden för att skapa en rekordskörd.

Vete

Matifvetet med novemberleverans har som stigit från 170 euro per ton i november till 201.75 euro nu, har tappat momentum i sprisuppgången. Stödet för uppåttrenden ligger nu strax under. Antingen bryts stödet eller så måste uppgången fortsätta. Med så mycket positiva nyheter om väder, stor areal för majs och crop conditions, vore det konstigt om priset fick för sig att stiga ytterligare.

Vore konstigt om vetepriset fick för sig att stiga ytterligare

Nedan ser vi Chicagovetet med leverans i december. Vi skrev för en vecka sedan att det tycks finnas ett tekniskt stöd på 650 cent. Att det nu hållit, kan möjligtvis tolkas som en något ”bullish” indikation.

Chicagovetet med leverans i december

Nedan ser vi hur terminspriserna på Matif och Chicago förändrats den senaste veckan. Det har varit obetydliga förändringar den senaste veckan. Contangot har ökat i Chicagovetet, men på Matif är det nästan ingen förändring alls.

På Matif är det nästan ingen förändring alls

Crop condition för höstvetet i USA, som rapporterades i måndags kväll klockan 22, ligger på 64% good / excellent. Ratings över 60% har (nästan) alltid lett fram till stora skördar.

Crop condition för höstvetet i USA

IGC:s prognos för den globala vete produktionen under 2012/13 justeras ned med 5 mt till 676 mt, ungefär 19 mt lägre än förra årets estimerade rekordproduktion. Prognosen för EU sänks kraftigt på grund av rapporter om värre skador än väntat på Europas grödor som en följd av det kalla vädret i februari och den senaste tidens torka, som samtidigt som den lindras på kontinentens västra delar ökar som ett växande hot för grödorna i öster. Lägre skördar innebär också att prognosen för globala lager i slutet på 2012/13 justeras ned med 2 mt till 206 mt från den historiskt höga nivån 210 mt som förväntas uppnås i slutet på denna säsong.

Tillväxten inom livsmedel, industriell användning och ökat antal vete-baserade etanol anläggningar förväntas uppvägas av en minskad foderanvändning, men den totala globala konsumtionen förväntas endast visa en begränsad nedgång. Efter att ha nått en ny topp om 140 mt under föregående år, kan en minskad import till foder användning komma att minska den globala handeln med vete med ca 5 mt, men mycket kommer att bero på prisnivån för fodervete i förhållande till majs.

Uppskattning för vete år 2012 / 2013

Den senaste prognos för 2012 års veteproduktion i OSS Europa från FAO ligger på 73.7 mt, en nedgång med ca 10 procent från förra årets rekordskörd och under genomsnittet för de senaste fem åren. Detta beror främst på dåliga utsikter för Ukraina, där en skarp nedgång i produktionen av vete väntas reflektera ogynnsamma förhållanden denna säsong: vissa större spannmålsproducerande delar av landet har drabbats hårt av torka sedan sådden förra hösten, samtidigt som utvintring har varit högre än normalt på grund av den stränga kylan i kombination med begränsat snötäcke. De värst drabbade områdena förväntas ersättas med andra grödor under våren. Med en kraftigt förväntad minskning av skördad areal och lägre avkastning förväntas produktionen av vete i Ukraina att uppgå till 14 mt, nästan 40 procent under förra årets rekordskörd och väl under genomsnittet de senaste fem åren.

I Ryssland däremot, pekar de senaste indikationerna på en marginell ökning av produktionen av vete under 2012 till följd av ökad sådd areal som ett svar på fortsatt höga priser. De flesta grödorna i Ryssland skyddades också av ett fullgott snötäcke under vintern. Den utvintring som drabbat vissa grödor förväntas vara genomsnittlig, trots perioder av sträng kyla. Utifrån ett antagande om normala förhållanden under resten av växtsäsongen förväntas produktionen uppgå till 56.8 mt, en ökning med ca 1 procent från förra årets skörd.

I Vitryssland är utsikterna också gynnsamma för årets veteproduktion, där vetet står för en fjärdedel av landets årliga spannmålsproduktion.

I Moldavien är utsikterna för höstvete och korn fortfarande osäkra på grund av torka i vissa delar av landet under hösten och sträng kyla under vintern. Sådden av majs förväntas öka under våren för att kompensera bortfallet av vete.

I Ryssland och Ukraina har exportpriserna på kvarnvete stigit med 13 procent under de senaste 4 månaderna, främst på grund av oro för det torra vädrets påverkan på 2012 års vete grödor i Ukraina. På dessa nuvarande nivåer är priserna fortfarande höga, trots ett fall under förra årets andra halva i samband med 2011 års skörd, och påverkar inhemska priser i importländer inom OSS regionen, i synnerhet Kaukasus-länderna som är starkt beroende av import av spannmål från Ryssland och Ukraina.

Exportpriser på vete - Milling wheat

I OSS Asien är vete den huvudsakliga grödan. Kazakstan är den största producenten och merparten av grödan sås i april och maj. Sådden pågår nu för fullt i de södra regionerna och i mitten av april var 29 procent avklarad. Sådd areal beräknas officiellt till 13 500 hektar, en liten minskning mot föregående års nivå. Den siffran kan dock komma att minska ytterligare på grund av dålig jordfuktighet efter det torra vädret under hösten och otillräcklig med snö under vintern, framförallt i landets viktiga spannmålsproducerande centrala delar och vissa delar i norr, särskilt oblasterna Akmola, Karaganda och Pavlodar. Det slutliga utfallet kommer dock att bero på regn under de kommande månaderna. Minskad sådd i kombination med en återgång till en mer genomsnittlig avkastning efter förra årets höga nivåer, kommer sannolikt att resultera i en betydligt lägre produktion den här säsongen.

Kazakhstan crop calendar

Kazakhstan cereal production

På andra håll i regionen visar tidiga prognoser att, trots en lång vinter, att spannmålsproduktionen kommer att öka från förra årets nivåer i nästan alla länder och särskilt i Armenien där spannmålsproduktionen beräknas bli 13 procent högre. Sammantaget så har spannmålsproduktionen under de senaste åren i Kaukasus länderna (Azerbajdzjan, Armenien och Georgien) fått politiskt stöd och gynnats av relativt goda väderförhållanden men trots detta är länderna starkt beroende av import av spannmål, främst vete.

CIS cereal production - Table

ADAS rapporterar att Storbritanniens vetegrödor överlag är i ”mycket bra skick”, tack vare regnet under april. Svalare temperaturer fick grödornas tillväxt att avta något under samma månad och utvecklingen är nu ”normal” för denna tid på året jämfört med slutet av mars när grödorna låg långt före.

Maltkorn

Novemberkontraktet på maltkorn har fortsatt att inte röra sig mycket. Priset håller sig över 220 euro, en nivå som köpare tidigare tyckt varit ”för billigt”.

Pris på maltkorn - Nov12 - Malting barley

Tillståndet för Storbritanniens höstkorn är mycket bra enligt ADAS och sådden av vårkorn är klart till 96% och ser lovande ut. Nedan ser vi utvecklingen / takten i sådden av vårkorn i Storbritannen. Grön stapel är 2012. Som vi ser såddes det mesta i mars. Det fick sedan en ordentlig rotblöta och lite kallare väder i april.

Utvecklingen / takten i sådden av vårkorn i Storbritannen

Potatis

Potatispriset för leverans nästa år, steg oväntat idag. Den senaste veckan har priset stigit från 14 euro per deciton till 14.70 euro.

Potatispriset för leverans nästa år, steg oväntat idag

Majs

Priset på decembermajs har inte haft någon vidare fart nedåt efter andra besöket uppe på 550 cent. Vi noterar också stigande bottnar, som bildar ett stöd. Igår (onsdag) föll priset stadigt ner mot det här stödet. Det drar ihop sig till ett test av det de närmaste dagarna.

Majspriset corn future december 2012

Den 27 april var sådden till 53% klar, vilket är en ökning från 28% för en vecka sedan.

Diagram över majs - USDA - SEB

Nedan ser vi hur långt sådden nått per i måndags i olika delstater i USA:

Hur långt majs-sådden nått per i måndags i olika delstater i USA

IGC skriver i sin nya rapport att en ökad sådd under 2012 förväntas bidra till att global majsproduktion ökar med 4% till 900 mt. Viktigaste faktorn bakom detta är större skördar i USA och Ukraina, den största producenten utanför USA.

Räknar man in de globala (små) majslagren som förväntas uppgå till 129 mt i slutet på innevarande säsong kan det globala utbudet komma att toppa 1 miljard ton för första gången någonsin, med tillhörande goda exportmöjligheter.

Även med en ökad foderanvändning kommer produktionen att vara tillräcklig för att utöka lagren till 3-års högsta på 135 mt, vilket inkluderar en återhämtning i USA. Ingen större förändring förväntas inom industriell användning på grund av minskad efterfrågan i den amerikanska etanolsektorn. Den globala handeln förväntas öka med 6%.

Estimat på majs (maize) - Produktion 2012 / 2013

Sojabönor

Marknaden testade mycket riktigt 1400 cent igen i veckan som gick. Men därefter föll priserna tillbaka under onsdagen (igår). Priset ligger nu precis på stödlinjen. Om den bryts på nedsidan signaleras att den stigande trenden från botten i december är över. Detta återstår att se bekräftas.

Prisutveckling på sojabönor fram till maj 2012

Sådden går fort framåt i USA. Den 20 april var 12% sått i USA. Förra veckan var det 6%. Vi ser noteringarna i diagrammet nedan som med blå kvadrater. Hittills ser det tidigt och bra ut.

Tabell över sådden av sojabönor i USA

Till följd av ytterligare nedjusteringar i Sydamerika, estimerar IGC den globala produktionen av sojabönor för 2011/12 till 238.4 mt, en minskning med 11% från föregående års rekord. Efter en dramatisk tillväxt under tidigare år, förväntas den globala handeln med sojabönor att minska för andra året i rad, om än marginellt, eftersom ökad export till Asien – framförallt Kina – uppvägs av minskad import från andra länder, inklusive EU. Den globala handeln med sojamjöl förväntas öka med ungefär 1% till en historisk högsta nivå om 57.6 mt. Buenos Aires Grain Exchange har återigen sett över sin prognos för Argentinas produktion av sojabönor. De justerar ned den till 43 mt från förra veckans 44 mt, då torkan tidigare under säsongen har skadat grödorna och därmed minskat avkastningen. Nedan ser vi en tabell med de olika prognosmakarnas prognoser för skördarna i Argentina. USDA ligger nu högt, som vi nämnde förra veckan, och väntas justera ner Sydamerikas skörd, i WASDE-rapporten nästa vecka.

Prognoser för skördarna i Argentina

Raps

Priset på novemberterminen har stabiliserat sig strax under 480 euro per ton. Flera försök har gjorts att pressa priset över 480 euro, men säljare har kommit in varje gång.

Raps - prisutveckling - Nov12

Rapsproduktionen i EU är på väg att falla till ett 6-års lägsta på 17.6 mt under 2012 efter att de svåra väderförhållandena under vintern har skadat grödorna, och på så sätt ökat farhågorna för ett begränsat utbud samt gett priserna på oljeväxten en rejäl skjuts uppåt, enligt StrategieGrains. Den stränga kylan har skadat grödorna i flera EU-länder. Torkan i år samt svängningar i temperaturen under april kan ge upphov till ytterligare problem.

Den genomsnittliga avkastningen för årets skörd beräknas uppgå till 2.95 ton per hektar (2.85 ton 2011), men arealen förväntas falla till ett 6-års lägsta på 6 miljoner hektar, en minskning från 6.8 miljoner hektar förra året. OilWorld justerar också ned sin prognos ytterligare för EU’s raps produktion under 2012 till 18.21 mt mot den tidigare uppskattningen på 18.48 mt och jämfört med 19.1 mt under 2011. Imorgon torsdag lanserar Matif ytterligare en kontraktsmånad, november 2014, på raps. Både futures och optioner noteras.

Gris

Majkontraktet fick inte någon rekyl uppåt, utan fallet utlöste rena panikförsäljningen. Priset har nu på bara två månader fallit från nära 100 cent till 81 cent.

Majkontraktet på gris fick inte någon rekyl uppåt

Nedan ser vi terminspriserna på Eurex i euro per kilo och på CME omräknat till euro per kilo. Vi ser att priserna ligger mycket lägre i USA. Det är framförallt de korta terminskontrakten i USA som fallit. En liten effekt av det amerikanska prisfallet har som vi ser flyttat över till Tyskland och påverkat majkontraktet på Eurex. Ytterligare prisfall i Europa ”borde” följa.

Terminspriserna på gris - Lean hogs

Mjölk

Mjölkpriset föll som för en vecka sedan hade fallit under 16 cent, fortsatte fallet i veckan och har nu temporärt i alla fall, stabiliserats på 15.50 ungefär. Senast betalt för decemberleverans är 15.68 cent per pund. Hittills i år har priset fallit från 17:20 cent till 15.68 cent.

Graf på mjölkpriset - Termin

För några dagar sedan var det en artikel i ATL om ”det höga mjölkpriset”. Det verkar som om dagspressen skriver om saker som hände i marknaden för flera månader sedan. Om några månader kanske vi får läsa en artikel om hur det låga mjölkpriset slagit. Vill man hänga med när det händer och innan andra fattar det, bör man kanske hellre läsa det här veckobrevet.

[box]SEB Veckobrev Veckans råvarukommentar är producerat av SEB Merchant Banking och publiceras i samarbete och med tillstånd på Råvarumarknaden.se[/box]

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Opinions contained in this report represent the bank’s present opinion only and are subject to change without notice. All information contained in this report has been compiled in good faith from sources believed to be reliable. However, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made with respect to the completeness or accuracy of its contents and the information is not to be relied upon as authoritative. Anyone considering taking actions based upon the content of this document is urged to base his or her investment decisions upon such investigations as he or she deems necessary. This document is being provided as information only, and no specific actions are being solicited as a result of it; to the extent permitted by law, no liability whatsoever is accepted for any direct or consequential loss arising from use of this document or its contents.

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Analys

US inventories will likely rise less than normal in mths ahead and that is bullish

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SEB - analysbrev på råvaror

US commercial crude and product stocks will now most likely start to rise on a weekly basis and not really start to decline again before in week 38. We do however expect US inventories to rise less than normal in reflection of a global oil market in a slight deficit. This will likely hand support to the Brent crude oil price going forward.

Bjarne Schieldrop, Chief analyst commodities at SEB
Bjarne Schieldrop, Chief analyst commodities, SEB

Shedding some value along with bearish metals and China/HK equity losses. Brent crude has trailed lower since it jumped to an intraday high of USD 87.7/b on 19. March spurred by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries. Ydy if fell back 0.6% and today it is pulling back another 1% to USD 85.4/b. But the decline today is accompanied by declines in industrial metals together with a 1.3% decline in Chinese and Hong Kong equities. Thus more broad based forces are helping to pull the oil price lower.

US API indicated a 5.4 m b rise in US oil stocks last week. But rising stocks are normal now onwards. The US API ydy indicated that US crude stocks rose 9.3 m b last week while gasoline stocks declined 4.4 m b while distillates rose 0.5 m b. I.e. a total rise in crude and products of 5.4 m b (actual EIA data today at 15:30 CET). That may have helped to push Brent crude lower this morning. It is however very important to be aware that US inventories seasonally tend to rise from week 12 to week 38. And from week 12 to 24 the average weekly rise is 4.1 m b per week. The increase indicated by the US API ydy is thus not at all way out of line with what is normally taking place in the months to come. What really matters is how US commercial inventories do versus what is normal at the time of year.

US commercial stocks have fallen 17 m b more than normal since end of 2023. So far this year we have seen a draw of  39 m b vs the last week of 2023. The normal draw over this period is only -22 m b. I.e. US commercial inventories have drawn down 17 m b more than normal over this period. This has been the gradual, bullish nudge on oil prices. US commercial stocks should normally rise 63.5 m b from week 12 to week 38. What matters to oil prices is thus whether US inventories rise more or less than that over this period.

Drone attacks on Russian refineries was a catalyst to release Brent to higher levels. Brent crude broke out to the upside on 13 March along with the Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries. Some 800 k b/d of refining capacity was hurt and probably went off line. But in the global scheme of things this is a mere 1% or so of total global refining capacity. And if we assume that it is off line for say 3 months, then it equates to maybe 0.25% impact on global refining activity in 2024 which is easy to adapt to. Refining margins have not moved  much at all. ARA spot diesel cracks are now USD 2.25/b lower than it was in 12 March 2024. Thus no crisis for refined products at all.

We’ll probably not return to pre-drone attack price level of USD 82/b any time soon. Though a dip to that price level is of course not at all out of the question. The oil market may send the oil price lower in the short term since very little material impact in the global scope of things seems to follow from the drone attacks on Russian refineries. Our view is however that the attacks were more like a catalyst to release the oil price to the upside following a steady and stronger than normal decline in US commercial inventories. I.e. the latest price gains in our view is not so much about an added risk premium in the oil price but more about oil price finally adjusting higher according to the fundamentals which have played out since the start of the year with stronger than normal declines in US commercial inventories. We thus see no immediate return to pre-drone-attack price level of USD 82/b. Rather we expect to see continued support to the upside through steady, gradual inventory erosion versus normal like we have seen so far this year.

Voluntary cuts by Russia in Q2-24 could be bullish if delivered as promised. Earlier in March we saw Russia’n willingness to cut back supply in Q2-24 in a mix of production restraints and export restraints. Saudi Arabia and Russia are equal partners in OPEC+ with equal magnitudes of production. In a reflection of this they set equal baselines in May 2020 of 11.0 m b/d. Saudi Arabia produced 9.0 m b/d in February while Russia produced 9.4 m b/d. This is probably why Russia in early March stated that they were willing to cut back in Q2-24. To align more with what Saudi Arabia is producing. It has been of huge importance that Saudi Arabia last year cut its production down to 9.0 m b/d and thus below Russian production. This reactivated Russia as a dynamic, proactive participant in OPEC+. The actual effect of proclaimed production/export cuts by Russia in Q2-24 remains to be seen, but calls for USD 100/b as a consequence of such cuts have surfaced.

So far we haven’t lost a single drop of oil due to Houthie attacks in the Red Sea. We have lost some up-time in Russia refining due to Ukrainian drone strikes lately. But nothing more than can be compensated elsewhere in the world. Temporarily reduced volumes of refined hydrocarbons from Russian will instead lead to higher exports of unrefined molecules (crude oil).

For now OPEC+ is comfortably controlling the oil market and the market will likely be running a slight deficit as a result with inventories getting a continued gradual widening, negative difference versus normal levels thus nudging the oil price yet higher. SEB’s forecast for Brent crude average 2024 is USD 85/b. This means that we’ll likely see both USD 90/b and maybe also USD 100/b some times during the year. But do make sure to evaluate changes in US oil inventories versus what is normal at the time of year. Rising inventories are bullish if they rise less than what is normal from now to week 38.

US commercial crude and product stocks will likely rise going forward. But since the global oil market is likely going to be in slight deficit we’ll likely see slower than normal rise in US inventories with an increasing negative difference to normal inventory levels.

US commercial crude and product stocks
Source: SEB calculations and graph, Blbrg data feed, EIA data

Total US crude and product stocks incl. SPR are now 4 m b below the low-point from December 2022

Total US crude and product stocks incl. SPR
Source: SEB graph and calculations, Blbrg data feed, EIA data
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Analys

From surge to slump for natural gas: Navigating the new normal in Europe

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Over the past 4-5 months, EU natural gas prices, indicated by the TTF benchmark, have plummeted by 50% from an October high of EUR 56/MWh to the current EUR 28/MWh for the front-month contract, defying expectations of seasonal price increases. This downturn can be attributed to robust EU inventories at 59% capacity and persistently subdued natural gas demand, down by 11% compared to historical norms. Mild weather in Northwest Europe and a prolonged industrial recession have suppressed consumption, resulting in a significant gas surplus despite nearing the end of the winter heating season (90% complete). These factors collectively exert downward pressure on prices.

Ole R. Hvalbye, Analyst Commodities, SEB
Ole R. Hvalbye, Analyst Commodities, SEB

The correlation between Brent and TTF prices remains from times partly “fluid”. In our December 2023 natural gas price update, we predicted a constrained global natural gas market, anticipating a swift resurgence in demand following a decline in gas prices. Our projections were underpinned by a robust Brent Crude price outlook, set at USD 85/bl, USD 87.5/bl, and USD 90/bl for 2024, 2025, and 2026 respectively, with a Crude-to-gas rate of 80%. However, this scenario has yet to materialize as the anticipated demand recovery has been notably delayed, requiring even lower prices than initially predicted for its realization—a phenomenon unique in recent memory.

Achieving a global natural gas price convergence towards levels more aligned with Brent Crude appears plausible, signaling a return to a measure of normalcy. The absence of a winter premium during the 2023/24 winter season suggests a healthier outlook for Q2-24, mitigating the risk of substantial short-term price spikes in European gas markets. The sporadic spikes witnessed in 2022 and partially in 2023 are now a thing of the past, indicating a change from the volatility experienced in recent years.

Short-term EU gas prices hinge heavily on immediate weather patterns and industrial gas demand, both exerting considerable influence on inventory levels, which serve as a critical gauge of supply and demand dynamics. Looking further ahead, the trajectory of prices is linked with the global LNG balance, particularly contingent upon factors such as projected US natural gas production and the capacity of US LNG exports to the global market.

Moreover, the declining influence of Russia on the European gas market is notable, with sporadic gas export halts from the former energy powerhouse carrying reduced impact. Global market recalibrations indicate a sustained elevation in price levels, with EUR 30/MWh emerging as a feasible benchmark for the foreseeable future. We also call “the end of the energy crisis”, as the worst is history. Reflecting on the current year, EU TTF prices hit the lowest point in late February, with expectations of a potential slide/climb from current prices at EUR 28/MWh.

In essence, our current natural gas price forecast hinges on a delicate equilibrium among three pivotal factors. Firstly, the TTF price must strike a balance, remaining sufficiently low to stimulate a resurgence in demand. For context, the historical average real price hovers around EUR 27/MWh, with EUR 30/MWh anticipated to gradually encourage demand recovery, thereby mitigating the effects of demand destruction. Secondly, the TTF price should maintain a relatively ”normal” relationship with Crude prices, as historical trends indicate a natural correlation between the two. A notably low rate would invariably attract heightened interest from Asian markets, as LNG emerges as a cost-effective alternative to oil in terms of energy content. Lastly, the TTF price must also exhibit a level of elevation to cover the expenses associated with producing and transporting US natural gas to the European market. This entails factoring in costs related to Henry Hub, tolling fees, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification, among other associated expenses. Achieving a delicate equilibrium among these factors is vital for ensuring the stability and sustainability of natural gas pricing dynamics in the European market.

Consequently, our current stance reflects a delicate balancing act among these three critical factors. Settling on EUR 30/MWh, we predict that prices lower than this threshold would catalyze a swifter demand resurgence, while simultaneously enhancing the appeal of natural gas against oil as the spread widens. Moreover, importation from the USA would encounter mounting challenges as prices decline, particularly approaching the EUR 25/MWh mark when landed in ARA.

The TTF market has been complexly interlinked with the global LNG market at the margins since 2015, many years before the energy crisis. While the proportion of LNG consumed in Europe has surged significantly, the concept of LNG prices influencing TTF prices at the margin is not new. However, in terms of volume, the current situation declares us notably more vulnerable than in previous years.

In our updated projections, we have revised our price forecasts downward, particularly notable at the front end, encompassing Q2-24, Q3-24, and the Full-year (FY) 2024. Other adjustments, though marginally smaller, remain for FY 2025, 2026, and 2027. Despite these reductions, we anticipate a trajectory of increasing European natural gas prices from their current levels. Notably, Q1-24 is now expected to average EUR 27/MWh, followed by predictions of EUR 25/MWh, EUR 28/MWh, and EUR 32/MWh for Q2-24, Q3-24, and Q4-24 respectively. Consequently, the average for FY 2024 is forecasted at EUR 28/MWh, marking a notable decline from the previous estimate of EUR 40/MWh.

In our outlook for longer-term pricing, we anticipate an average of EUR 30/MWh for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027—a reduction of EUR 10/MWh compared to our previous update in December 2023, which projected EUR 40/MWh. This long-term forecast only sits marginally higher, by EUR 3-4/MWh, than the historical average real price of approximately EUR 27/MWh. Such pricing aligns intending to stimulate further demand recovery and maintain consumer affordability within the European economy. Reflecting on historical trends, previous price levels in the European market might be seen as reliant on potentially risky agreements with Russia. Consequently, the era of exceptionally low-cost energy is drawing to a close, indicating a new paradigm where European gas and power are priced slightly higher, establishing a ”new normal” for the foreseeable future.

TTF spot prices

PRICE ACTION

The absence of a winter premium for global natural gas is notable. Our longer-term natural gas price projection, set at EUR 30/MWh, demonstrates resilience compared to historical market norms. Last quarter (Q4-23) closed at EUR 43/MWh for the front-month contract, a figure approximately EUR 10/MWh lower than our recent expectations. Noteworthy market adjustments have transpired not only within the European gas market but also on a global scale. This ongoing adaptation is expected to continue influencing the gas market into 2024, resulting in fewer severe price spikes and a return to more normal price differentials.

Global natural gas prices, EUR/MWh

Maintaining our gas price forecast at EUR 30/MWh for 2025 suggests an expectation for European natural gas prices to stabilize at current market rates. This projection extends to 2026 and 2027, which stand roughly 30% higher than historical norms – a contrast to the previous era of favorable deals with Russia flooding European consumers with low-cost piped natural gas.

Considerable attention is drawn to the relationship between gas and oil prices. With our oil market outlook projecting USD 85/bl, USD 87.5/bl, and USD 90/bl for 2024, 2025, and 2026 respectively, the convergence of gas prices to more normal circumstances implies a corresponding alignment with oil prices. Historically, EU natural gas prices have traded at 0.55-0.6 times Brent crude prices, a figure that is expected to converge closer to historical norms. However, our forecasts for 2024, 2025, and 2026 slightly exceed historical norms, at 0.62 x Brent, 0.65 x Brent, and 0.62 x Brent respectively, reflecting a tighter natural gas balance in the coming years.

The transformation of global LNG trade, from roughly 5% spot and short-term LNG trade in 2000 to roughly 30% in 2023, underscores a higher degree of flexibility in negotiating spot and short-term LNG contracts. This evolution suggests a shift towards contracts potentially decoupled from Brent indexations, challenging the conventional reliance on oil prices as a benchmarking tool for global natural gas prices.


US LNG

A significant surge in global liquefaction (export) capacity is anticipated from the US and Qatar starting in 2026 and beyond. These large-scale liquefaction projects typically entail long-term contracts with predefined off-takers or demand centers, primarily serving power plants or industrial applications. The transportation of substantial LNG volumes from the US to Europe underscores strategic economic and energy considerations. The US, propelled by abundant shale gas resources and extensive LNG liquefaction infrastructure, has emerged as a major LNG exporter. Europe, seeking to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on Russia, offers an attractive market for American LNG. Additionally, LNG’s flexibility as a cleaner-burning fuel aligns with Europe’s environmental sustainability objectives and transition away from coal.

The transatlantic LNG trade between the US and Europe capitalizes on arbitrage opportunities driven by regional gas price variations and demand-supply imbalances. This flow not only enhances energy security for European nations but also aids NE Asia in meeting environmental obligations.

The US-Europe netback for LNG cargo depends on various economic factors, including global natural gas prices, US regional supply and demand dynamics, and fluctuations in shipping costs.

The competitiveness of US LNG in the European market is influenced by several factors, including the US benchmark price for domestic natural gas (Henry Hub), source gas costs, voyage costs, shipping costs, and regasification costs at the destination.

In more detail the competitiveness of US LNG in the European market is influenced by factors such as the US benchmark price for domestic natural gas (Henry Hub); Source gas cost (Henry Hub + Tolling fee and liquefaction fee); voyage cost (Insurance, port, canal, boil-off, and fuel cost); shipping cost at day rate; and regasification cost in the other end.

A simplified calculation demonstrates the US-EU arbitrage opportunity. At current market figures, the total cost of delivering LNG from the US to Europe is roughly USD 7.05/MMBtu or approximately EUR 22/MWh. Comparatively, the EU TTF front-month contract trades at EUR 28/MWh, indicating an average EUR 6/MWh arbitrage opportunity and an equal profit margin for traders. However, with state-of-the-art LNG vessels, the total cost could decrease significantly, resulting in a substantial profit margin for traders.

The calculation (with current market figures all in USD per MMBtu as a standard unit):
Front-month Henry Hub (1.65) + 15% tolling fee (0.25) and liquefaction fee for conventional LNG ships (2.5) + Insurance, port, and canal (on average 0.33) + boil-off and fuel cost (on average 1.2) + regasification (0.5) + shipping cost at current day rate (0.62).

i.e., for total cost from the US to Europe we get 1.65 + 0.25 + 2.5 + 0.33 + 1.2 + 0.5 + 0.62 = USD 7.05/MMBtu – or roughly EUR 22/MWh. At the time of writing, the EU TTF front-month contract is trading at EUR 28/MWh. Hence, in the current spot market, the US-EU arbitrage is at roughly on average EUR 6/MWh and equally EUR 6/MWh profit to trader. However, this is a conservative estimate. In a situation with a state-of-the-art MEGI / X-DF LNG vessel, we would have a lower liquefaction fee and per unit insurance, boil-off, and fuel cost, which would imply a total cost of USD 6.0/MMBtu (EUR 18.5/MWh) – consequently, a massive EUR 9.5/MWh profit to the trader. Understating the massive economic argument in shipping LNG from the US to the EU (at current market rates).

But even though a substantial arrival of LNG export capacity in the US is approaching, it is not like the US has unlimited natural gas production, or unlimited LNG capacity to feed the global thirst for LNG. Hence, it is not like the EU TTF will plunge to levels comparable to the US Henry Hub + all associated costs for delivering to the EU.

A substantial surge in LNG export capacity is imminent, fueled by significant investments totaling USD 235 billion directed towards upcoming super-chilled fuel projects since 2019. The majority of these projects are slated to come online from the second half of 2025 onward, with an additional USD 55 billion investment expected by 2025, driving a remarkable 45% surge in LNG liquefaction capacity by the end of the decade.

Currently, the global LNG export market boasts a total capacity of approximately 420 million tonnes, projected to expand significantly to 610 million tonnes by 2030. The bulk of this expansion will stem from Qatar, Russia, and the US, with capacities increasing by roughly 23, 26, and 117 million tonnes respectively from 2024 to 2030.

However, it’s worth noting that on January 26, 2024, the Biden Administration paused LNG exports to non-FTA countries, awaiting updated analyses by the DOE. This affects 4 major projects and risks WTO challenges. The DOE cites outdated assessments, signaling a policy shift and raising market uncertainties.

This pause could have significant geopolitical and trade implications, as it also becomes an election issue. Stakeholders, including exporters and developers, now face uncertainties and must review agreements. Overall, the pause prompts a broader review of LNG export policies, impacting domestic and international markets. However, it’s too early to fully assess its impact, so the aforementioned capacity forecast remains firm for now.

The industry’s confidence is underpinned by the anticipation of rising LNG demand, driven by Europe’s efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas and Asia’s shift away from coal, particularly in China. Yet, this expansion is not merely speculative; it represents a long-term commitment between suppliers and off-takers. These projects typically entail long-term contracts of 20+ years, often supplying power plants or industrial applications. Consequently, the new LNG export capacity is expected to match a similar scale of demand.

The significant export ventures from the United States to Qatar will further cement LNG’s role in the global energy landscape, with contracts extending well into the 2050s, even surpassing some carbon-neutral targets.

Moreover, there remains ample room for natural gas in the long run. The COP28 acknowledged that transitional fuels like LNG can facilitate the energy transition, signaling implicit support for LNG over dirtier fossil fuels.

Critics argue that natural gas isn’t the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel due to potential methane leakage along the supply chain. However, such concerns arise belatedly as the wave of new facilities is already underway. With oil demand reaching its peak and coal declining gradually, gas is expected to maintain its prominence in the energy mix.


SUPPLY & DEMAND

In the short term, the winter wildcard/premium is gone, pointing to a healthier Q2 2024. We have, a while back, pinpointed that the European natural gas market is in a limbo state between supply uncertainties and demand uncertainties. With a consequence of a winter wildcard largely being balanced by the short/medium-term weather and withdrawal rate of European natural gas inventories.

Recent weather forecasts predict slightly colder temperatures in early April across Northwest Europe, but the preceding winter months saw normal to milder conditions, resulting in lower-than-expected inventory drawdowns and weak price trends.

Looking ahead, forecasts for April to June 2024 suggest above-normal temperatures in Northwest Europe, reducing heating and power demand and maintaining subdued gas consumption. Prices in Q2-24 are forecasted to average around EUR 25/MWh.

Daily LNG imports - Europe

Furthermore, it is easy to think of the faded energy crisis as a European crisis. But the adaptation for global gas markets has been equally/more important. Very high global gas prices have resulted in adaption in all corners of the globe, consequently, easing the global natural gas balance and freeing more gas volumes to the highest bidder at more “reasonable” prices. During the peak of the crisis, the highest bidder was naturally Europe which was sucking up all excess global LNG volumes. However, at the current price levels, the “three importing giants”, namely China, South Korea, and Japan have finally woken up, and are no longer “re-routing” their LNG cargos, while also actively participating in the short-term/spot market.

Russia’s grip over the EU is expected to weaken in the spring/summer of 2024. Since February/March 2022, President Putin sought to balance revenue generation and geopolitical pressure by controlling the energy supply to the EU. This strategy faced challenges: reducing exports to zero would jeopardize revenue, while high exports would alleviate the EU’s energy crisis, as seen in winter 2022/23. Despite efforts, Putin’s goal of using natural gas as a strategic tool faltered in winter 2023/24.

Russia - Europe pipeline flow of natural gas

Market adaptation ensued. Since December 2022, Russian piped gas supply to Europe has fluctuated between 10-25% of historical averages, currently nearing 20%. To intensify geopolitical pressure, Russia may need to further reduce flows, possibly to around 10% in winter 2024/25. Despite the distant outlook, the market has already factored in potential price increases for next winter.

Two main pipelines deliver Russian gas to Europe: ”Turkstream,” to Turkey, and the ”Brotherhood,” through Ukraine to Slovakia. These pipelines each contribute roughly 50% of the 0.75 TWh per day flow. The pipeline via Ukraine faces physical risks, and a supply halt is likely next winter as the transit agreement between Gazprom and Naftogaz expires in December 2024, with little chance of renewal.


EU INVENTORIES

The trajectory of EU natural gas inventories for the upcoming summer is primarily influenced by both the global LNG market and European natural gas demand. In Q2-23 (one year ago), inventories commenced the injection season at an all-time high, leading to the current record-high inventory status. These comfortable inventories suggest the EU has the situation under control as it emerges from the winter season. Currently, inventories stand at 59%, a substantial 25% above the 2015-2022 average.

European natural gas inventories

Despite missing out on over 1,000 TWh of natural gas imports from Russia compared to historical levels, the mild winter of 2022/23, reduced demand due to high prices, and increased LNG imports compensated with an additional 1,400 TWh. This over-compensation of 400 TWh in Q1-23 facilitated an unprecedented injection rate into European inventories during Q1 and Q2 2023. As a result, European inventories shifted from a deficit of 180 TWh in January 2022 to a surplus of 259 TWh in April 2023, leading to the current record-high levels.

However, if NE Asia, predominantly led by China, continues to outbid the EU for LNG cargo and industrial gas demand increases due to favorable long-term hedging levels, current comfortable inventory levels will gradually return to normal. This suggests EU TTF prices will slowly climb towards over EUR 30/MWh by the next heating season, a trend partly factored into current pricing.

While the crisis urgency has faded, market adjustments now activate at lower price thresholds. Nonetheless, we anticipate slightly higher long-term price levels (EUR 30/MWh) due to increasing LNG bids from China (+NE Asia), a rebound in EU demand, and reduced LNG imports influenced by lower prices. This will result in a slower inventory build during Q2-24 and Q3-24 compared to last year. Despite diminishing supply from Russia, the EU remains focused on maintaining preparedness for future winters, leading to a new normal in natural gas inventory levels throughout the year.

The European energy crisis has significantly eased during 2023 and Q1-24. Softened front-end prices influence longer-dated prices, with the winter premium/seasonality fully washed out during the ongoing heating season. Healthy EU natural gas inventories, currently at 59% capacity (675 TWh) and surpassing the European Commission’s target of reaching 90% storage fullness by 1 November, contribute to this subsiding crisis. Continued subdued European consumption (11% below historical averages) and robust LNG imports set a ceiling on short-term prices, although increased EU demand could quickly alter this scenario, as EU demand has proven stickier than anticipated.

DEMAND RECOVERY

Reduced uncertainty and lower prices are expected to lead to more long-term hedging. Since the start of Q1 2024 (year-to-date), the TTF spot has averaged EUR 27/MWh, approximately USD 50/boe, only marginally below the ’historical norm’ when adjusted for inflation. Despite these price levels, a resurgence in European industrial gas consumption during the winter is not straightforward.

EU natura gas demand recuction vs normal

Industrial gas demand remains subdued, sitting 11% below historical averages. While this marks an improvement from the 25-30% drop experienced in mid-summer 2022 – a period characterized as the ”peak of the crisis” – when spot prices consistently traded at EUR 150/MWh (USD 255/boe).

The slower-than-expected recovery is largely attributed to industries hesitating to commit to longer-term prices. For example, during Q4 2023, despite tumbling spot prices, futures prices remained strong. In mid-October, gas for delivery in January 2024 was priced at EUR 55/MWh (USD 103/boe). Thus, during Q4 2023, peak-winter prices maintained a considerable premium over spot prices to a large extent.

However, the current landscape has changed. The winter premium has diminished as we exit the heating season, and weak spot prices predominantly drive forward. This reflects a market that is more certain and willing to forecast futures during a less turbulent phase. The convergence and narrowing gap between spot and long-term prices signify that ”peak natural gas has passed.” Major consumers in Europe are expected to adopt more long-term hedging for longer-term prices, ideally hedging these futures close to current spot prices. This suggests that current market prices will likely trigger increased consumption compared to Q3 and Q4 2023, although a full-scale comeback will take time.

As previously noted, substantial demand destruction occurred not only in Europe but also globally, particularly in Asia. Over the last couple of years, demand destruction amounted to approximately 800 TWh per year, while the normal growth rate in the global LNG market is 200 TWh per annum. This indicates that most of the demand will eventually return, although the timing remains uncertain. 


NE ASIAN LNG

EUR 25/MWh presents a favorable ”buy opportunity,” and prices are expected to either slide or climb from this point. The decline in prices can be attributed to sustained low demand and high inventories. We anticipate prices to either slide or increase from here, with minimal downside, as prices are likely to find support around EUR 25/MWh.

Forward prices for both JKM and TTF indicate that the NE Asian LNG market will remain a preferred destination for marginal LNG cargo in the near term. While the EU previously heavily relied on NE Asia, the European market can no longer solely depend on the economic vulnerabilities of NE Asia or China.

LNG arbitrage

A long-awaited pent-up demand for energy in China would lead to increased demand for goods and services, consequently boosting energy consumption, particularly natural gas, primarily in the form of LNG. In such a scenario, the JKM may command a larger premium over the TTF than the existing EUR 2.5/MWh (3-month rolling contract). This would divert LNG spot cargoes away from Europe, further reducing the EU’s natural gas surplus. Thus, the ongoing recovery in China’s economy is likely to stimulate Asia’s demand for natural gas, potentially resulting in EU LNG purchasers paying a premium to secure essential LNG imports in the future.

Daily LNG imports NE Asia

With current prices, we anticipate an increase in EU demand coupled with a decrease in EU LNG imports. This trend may persist until we observe a slight shortfall in compensation relative to the natural gas deficit from Russia, which could drive prices upward during the summer.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

The ongoing transition from coal to natural gas signifies a significant shift in the global energy landscape. Natural gas emerges as a crucial bridging technology, offering a cleaner alternative to coal and facilitating the transition toward widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. This transition underscores the environmental benefits of natural gas, positioning it as a pivotal component in mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite challenges such as the reduction in Russian gas supply, the natural gas market is adapting rapidly. Europe, in particular, faces competition for global LNG volumes, primarily sourced from the US and Qatar. The market’s ability to swiftly adjust reflects its adaptability and resilience on a global scale, highlighting the importance of diversifying energy sources and supply routes.

Our current natural gas price forecast relies on achieving a delicate equilibrium among key factors. This includes stimulating demand, maintaining a correlation with crude prices, and ensuring cost coverage for US natural gas transportation. Striking this balance is essential for maintaining stability and sustainability in European gas pricing dynamics, ensuring energy security.

In response to changing market conditions, we have revised our price outlook downward for the short term, notably for Q2-24, Q3-24, and FY 2024. Specifically, Q1-24 is forecasted to average EUR 27/MWh, followed by predictions of EUR 25/MWh for Q2-24, EUR 28/MWh for Q3-24, and EUR 32/MWh for Q4-24. However, prices are expected to gradually increase over the longer term, with an average forecast of EUR 30/MWh for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, slightly higher than historical averages.

This revised outlook reflects the evolving nature of the natural gas market and the need for flexibility in response to changing geopolitical landscapes and supply dynamics. Looking ahead, natural gas remains a crucial bridge over coal, facilitating the transition towards cleaner energy sources.

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Analys

Fed cuts ahead bolstering oil prices

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Initially, Brent Crude experienced a decline yesterday following the release of US crude inventories data. However, nationwide US crude inventories, excluding those held in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), saw a decline for the second consecutive week, remaining below the five-year seasonal average. Additionally, there was a larger-than-expected decline in gasoline holdings. While the overall draw presents a bullish narrative, it required some support from yesterday’s Federal Reserve announcement to trend in a positive direction.

Ole R. Hvalbye, Analyst Commodities, SEB
Ole R. Hvalbye, Analyst Commodities, SEB

The Brent Crude front-month contract strengthened before yesterday’s close and has continued this positive momentum into today, currently trading at USD 86.5 per barrel. This reflects an increase of roughly USD 1 per barrel (1%) compared to yesterday evening’s low point.

The Federal Reserve signaled its intention to adhere to its outlook for three rate cuts this year, boosting both risk appetite and weakening the US dollar, which has benefited global crude prices.

In our analysis, global crude prices are currently supported by strong fundamentals. Demand growth remains robust, complemented by significant production cuts by OPEC+ and subdued output from US shale oil producers. Consequently, the global oil market is operating at a slight deficit, resulting in a gradual depletion of oil inventories, as evidenced by the recent declines in US crude and product inventories (further details below). This trend is expected to provide support for oil prices and potentially drive them sideways to upwards, with limited downside risks.

However, it’s important to note that while fundamentals appear promising and the oil market has found some reassurance in yesterday’s Federal Reserve announcement, expectations for enduring inflation may act as a headwind for oil prices over the longer term, potentially capping a significant oil price rally.

As a reminder, our assumptions for Brent oil prices have remained firm since September 2023. We anticipate Brent Crude to average USD 85/bl and USD 87.5/bl for 2024 and 2025, respectively, with projections of USD 90/bl for 2026 and 2027.


Yet another week of drawdown in US inventories. Commercial crude oil inventories in the U.S., excluding those held in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, decreased by 2.0 million barrels from the previous week, reaching a total of 445.0 million barrels. This figure is approximately 3% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Total motor gasoline inventories saw a significant decline of 3.3 million barrels from the previous week, now standing approximately 2% below the five-year average. However, distillate fuel inventories experienced a marginal increase of 0.6 million barrels, remaining roughly 5% below the five-year average. Meanwhile, propane/propylene inventories rose by 0.4 million barrels, reaching a notable 9% above the five-year average.

Overall commercial petroleum inventories witnessed a decrease of 6.1 million barrels last week. Total products supplied over the last four-week period averaged 20.1 million barrels per day, indicating a 2.2% increase from the same period last year.

Motor gasoline product supplied averaged 8.8 million barrels per day over the past four weeks, showing a marginal increase of 0.3% from the same period last year. Conversely, distillate fuel product supplied averaged 3.7 million barrels per day, down by 1.9% from the same period last year. Jet fuel product supplied experienced a slight decrease of 0.2% compared to the same four-week period last year.

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