Oil & refined products
Turning points: DME’s Christopher Fix
Christopher Fix, the new chief executive of the Dubai Mercantile Exchange, talks to Gillian Carr about his ambition to increase participation in the firm’s flagship Oman crude contract
Special report: Oil
Energy Risk focuses on the world's most actively traded commodity
The uncertain impact of an SPR release
During September, speculation about a possible withdrawal from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve hit boiling point. Although such a release now appears to be unlikely, Jay Maroo investigates the impact any future withdrawal might have on oil traders and…
The unreliability of oil price forecasting
Oil price forecasts are notoriously unreliable, making life difficult for energy market participants attempting to manage their risks. Alexander Osipovich explores the reasons why analysts struggle to predict future prices
QE3: The next big driver for oil prices?
Quantitative easing has been touted as the next big driver of oil prices. However, analysing and predicting the market behaviour it actually generates is difficult. Jay Maroo talks to experts about what they expect from QE and how this might impact risk…
Profile: Gunvor’s David Fyfe
Gunvor’s David Fyfe speaks to Gillian Carr about his fascination with all facets of the oil sector and the importance of remaining flexible and open to all possibilities when analysing markets
Energy Risk Europe 2012: Oil price “much lower” in 10 years – Credit Suisse
A slowdown in Chinese oil demand growth coupled with increasing supply will mean oil prices will be much lower in 10 years, forecasts Ric Deverell, head of commodities research at Credit Suisse
Energy Risk Europe 2012: Speculation tending to push oil prices lower
In recent years, speculation in oil markets has been associated with price falls more than price rises, but speculative activity is transforming the oil market into an asset play subject to new macroeconomic influences, says Leo Drollas, chief economist…
IEA analyst moves to Gunvor
Gunvor has hired former International Energy Agency analyst David Fyfe as head of market research and analysis
US ban on crude exports receives fresh scrutiny
The shale revolution has led to talk of easing the decades-old restrictions on the export of US crude oil – but how likely is that to happen? Alexander Osipovich reports
Energy Risk Canada: Low crude prices won’t stop oil sands development, experts say
The prospects for long-term development of the Canadian oil sands remain good, presenters at Energy Risk Canada say, dismissing concern about the recent plunge in crude oil prices
Brent crude seen at $50/bbl by Q3 in worst-case scenario: Credit Suisse
Credit Suisse has released a research note today that highlights the potential for oil prices to fall to levels last seen during the 2008 crisis
Deal of the Year – Highly Commended: Macquarie Energy
Macquarie Energy’s physical oil team have received highly commended status in Energy Risk’s 2012 Deal of the Year award for winning a substantial contract to work with Canada’s Harvest Operations selling crude to, and purchasing product from, its…
Oil & Products House of the Year: BNP Paribas
Building on its extensive experience in commodities finance, BNP Paribas has made significant progress over the past five years in developing its derivatives business
Seaway pipeline reversal: beginning of the end for negative WTI-Brent spread?
Analyst forecasts of how the reversal of the Seaway pipeline will affect the West Texas Intermediate-Brent spread vary widely. Jay Maroo reports
White House seeks tools to fight ‘excessive’ oil speculation
On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama launched a new initiative aimed at curbing speculation in energy markets, arguing that it would help ease the pain of high gasoline prices. He urged Congress to give the US Commodities Futures Trading Commission …
Exclusive: Interview with Aramco Trading’s Said Al-Hadrami
The world’s biggest producer of crude oil, Saudi Aramco, has moved far beyond its roots and now boasts a team devoted to the worldwide trade of refined products. In an exclusive interview, Aramco Trading’s chief executive Said Al-Hadrami tells Alexander…
Possible Delta Air Lines refinery acquisition raises eyebrows
Analysts have been stunned by reports that Delta Air Lines is considering the purchase of an idled ConocoPhillips refinery on the US east coast. The unprecedented deal would provide Delta with an in-house source of jet fuel, but the problems inherent in…
Asian challenge to crude benchmarks
As Asian demand for crude continues to increase, calls are growing for an Asian crude oil benchmark to sit alongside the global benchmarks of WTI and Brent. Jay Maroo investigates the possible alternatives
Middle distillates to strengthen on supply constraints?
Diesel and heating oil prices have risen on the back of crude oil gains this year, but they also have some unique supply and demand issues to consider, finds Jay Maroo
Oil analysts' 2012 price forecasts up slightly on 2011 average
Geopolitical tension is propping up the oil market, even as a shaky global economy threatens to sap demand. Analysts offer Alexander Osipovich their views on oil prices in 2012