Platts
PRAs push back against potential EU rules on benchmarks
Price reporting agencies among the most vehement critics of potential EU rules on benchmark indexes
LNG derivatives suffer from lack of liquidity
The growth of LNG fuelled high hopes for the LNG derivatives market, causing exchanges to launch a variety of contracts during 2012. But firms say there’s a long way to go before a liquid market emerges. Jay Maroo investigates
Oil price reporting agencies' principles won't deter manipulation, say critics
International Organization of Securities Commissions principles for oil price reporting agencies fail to silence critics
US energy speculation investigation begins anew
The latest effort by the US government to investigate the impact of speculation on oil prices has been met with cynicism by market participants. Pauline McCallion reports
China’s drop in oil demand is "warning sign’"
Alarm bells hit the market after China’s oil demand slump signals a possible unexpected slowdown in energy demand growth
Platts’ new coal price assessment reflects Indian potential
Launch of Platts thermal coal price assessment for India highlights the country's growing importance as a leading coal producer and importer
Global crude benchmark WTI is flawed, according to expert
The global oil industry is increasingly turning away from WTI as a physical price benchmark, says industry consultant
China seen overtaking US as biggest oil importer in 2-3 years
“In two to three years, China will be the largest global importer of crude oil,” Jorge Montepeque, global director of market reports for Platts, said at today’s Global Outlook for Oil event during IP Week.
Iraq adopts new pricing for US crude
Somo, the Iraqi state-owned oil marketing firm, has followed in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait by adopting the Argus Sour Crude Index (ASCI) to benchmark price sales of US-bound crude from April onwards.
UPDATED: Nymex follows Saudi sour crude endorsement with new contracts
Nymex is to launch two sour crude oil contracts after Saudi Aramco’s announcement this week that it will use the Argus Sour Crude Index (ASCI) as a benchmark for US sales from January 2010.