Despite Electric Vehicle Focus, Global Oil Demand Still Growing
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Short-term oil demand is still growing strong and will continue to do so through the end of 2020, writes HIS Markit, which observes the trend is taking place despite the increasing focus on electric vehicles and a forecast future plateau in oil demand. IHS analysis shows refined product demand has averaged 1.2 MMbbld over the last five years. Current global total liquids oil demand growth is at similar levels to what was recorded during the 2003-2007 commodity super-cycle, referred to as the golden age of refining.
Trucking Association Thanks Congress for Affirming Federal Supremacy in Rulemaking
Friday, May 4, 2018
(May 4, 2018) — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is thanking members of the U.S. House of Representatives for passing, in a bipartisan vote, an amendment to a reauthorization bill preventing states from creating a patchwork of meal and rest rules for interstate truck drivers.ATA comments that the amendment would clarify Congress’ intention to have primary regulatory authority over interstate commerce and end the erosion of this authority by states that impose meal and rest break rules that run counter to national uniformity.
U.S. Production Growth to Be Led By Light, Sweet Crude Oil
Monday, April 30, 2018
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that recent growth in U.S. crude oil production has been primarily light, sweet crude, defined as having an API gravity of 35 or higher and sulfur content of 0.3% or less. These light, sweet crudes, which are produced from tight resource formations, accounted for nearly 90% of the 3.1- MMbbld growth in output from 2010 to 2017.
Mont Belvieu Propane Prices Could Face Pressure with Tariffs
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Recently released analysis of U.S.-China trade relations by IHS Markit, namely escalation of the ongoing trade dispute, finds that both countries have responded with tariffs that could derail a global economic boom that has benefited the world petrochemical industry, which has enjoyed significant profitability across many sectors.
Industrial Truck Association Supports NAFTA Successes
Sunday, April 15, 2018
The Industrial Truck Association (ITA) has pledged its support of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), adding that it is in favor of modernizing and improving it. The association commented that NAFTA has been successful in creating American jobs and contributing to the growth of the U.S. economy.
Neste Sells First Batch of 100% Renewable Propane in Europe
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Neste Corp. (Espoo, Finland) has commenced operations at the world’s first large-scale renewable propane production facility in Rotterdam. The first cargo has been delivered to SHV Energy (Hoofddorp, Netherlands), which will market and sell the product to its customers across Europe as BioLPG.
U.S. Net Energy Imports Hit Lowest Levels Since 1982
Thursday, April 12, 2018
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that total net energy imports to the U.S. fell to 7.3 quadrillion Btu (quads) in 2017, a 35% decrease from 2016 and the lowest level since 1982, when both gross imports and gross exports were much lower. Gross energy imports have been generally decreasing from a high of 34.7 quads in 2007.
RRC Commissioner Calls For Review of Jones Act
Monday, April 9, 2018
(April 9, 2018) — Railroad Commission of Texas commissioner Wayne Christian is urging Congress to review the Jones Act of 1920. In a letter sent to lawmakers, Christian said a provision of the Jones Act that restricts cargo from being transported between U.S. ports unless it is carried on American-flagged ships has created a situation where many parts of the northeast U.S. are forced to buy natural gas from Russia instead of purchasing from domestic suppliers like Texas.
Report Views Economic, Fiscal Improvement in U.S. Oil States
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
The economic downturn that befell U.S. oil producing states in mid-2014 began leveling off in 2017 and growth returned, writes S&P Global Platts in a report published in late February 2018. Titled “Strain Begins to Ease for U.S. Oil-Producing States,” the ratings consultancy says it expects the eight major oil states to continue to show fiscal and economic improvement this year.
IRS Issues Guidance To File Claims for Alternative Fuels Sold or Used In 2017
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
(April 2, 2018) — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued guidance on how to file claims for payment of credits and payments allowable for alternative fuels sold or used during 2017. To review the guidance documents, visit npga.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Notice-2018-21.pdf.
The Market Looks Toward Spring
Friday, March 23, 2018
(March 23, 2018) — OPEC and countries outside the oil cartel, including Russia, have agreed to keep production curbed as they seek to shrink global stockpiles further to prop up prices above $60 (U.S.) per barrel. After days of debate focusing on how long to prolong oil cuts, 24 countries that control 60% of global product have pledged to keep 1.8 MMbbld off the market next year.
LPG Cancelations Could Reach 10 Cargos in March
Thursday, March 22, 2018
About seven to 10 LPG cargos loading in March 2018 from the U.S. bound for Asia could be canceled as the arbitrage is crunched by persistent soft Asian prices, traders tell S&P Global Platts. This is more than the three to five cargos canceled in the February loading program. Some traders estimated March 2018 shipments to total about 1.4 to 1.5 million metric tons, while others said it could be even lower than 1.4 million metric tons. This is down from around 1.6 million metric tons estimated for February loading.
AOPL Cautions Administration On Steel-Related Trade Actions
Friday, March 9, 2018
(March 12, 2018) — The Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL) is urging caution by the Trump administration as it calls for steel-related trade action that could reduce or significantly delay new pipeline projects and limit U.S. job growth related to those projects. AOPL’s admonition came as the Department of Commerce (DOC) released a report on its investigation of steel imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
Propane Inventories Reach Critical Days of Disposition
Friday, March 9, 2018
(March 9, 2018) — The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports that due to cold weather in late December and early January, total U.S. propane inventories dropped to critical days of disposition levels in February. Propane days of disposition first reached critical levels of 19.8 days and eventually fell below 18 days of disposition in mid-February.
Summer Strength and Winter Weakness Flip LPG Market
Monday, February 26, 2018
(February 26, 2018) — S&P Global Platts writes that through the late summer and into the winter, global markets for LPG have repeatedly defied expectations about seasonal patterns for supply and demand, reversing the usual script by strengthening in summer and weakening in winter, just when prices are typically at their annual peak. Across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, those patterns have been fueled by low stocks and high prices in the U.S.
BLM Oil and Gas Lease Sales Increased 86% In 2017 To $360 Million
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
(February 13, 2018) — In advancing the Trump administration’s goals of promoting American energy dominance, the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) state offices in 2017 generated nearly $360 million from oil and gas lease sales, an 86% increase over the previous year’s results of $192.5 million. Among the sales, which together were the highest in nearly a decade, were rights to 949 parcels covering 792,823 acres.
Texas Allliance Advocates NAFTA An Energy Economic Success Story
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
As the process for reworking the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) continues, the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers’ board of directors has cemented the association’s position on NAFTA after President Donald Trump remarked at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland that he may terminate the agreement and begin negotiations anew.
MFA Oil Acquires Kansas, Missouri Propane Companies
Monday, February 12, 2018
MFA Oil Co. (Columbia, Mo.) announced in late January it had acquired the propane and refined fuel operations of independent retailer Cardie Oil Inc. of Tampa, Kan. and full ownership of Callaway Propane LLC of Fulton Mo. Cardie Oil, founded in 1939, will retain its tire business and a vehicle service garage in Marion, Kan. Callaway Propane was formed in 1998 as a partnership between MFA Oil and Callaway Electric Cooperative.
Large-Scale Shifts in Global Energy System Predicted
Friday, February 2, 2018
Testifying before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in January 2018, Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), outlined four large-scale shifts in the global energy system that will set the scene for the coming decades.
Positive Cash Flow Prioritized Over More Production Growth
Thursday, February 1, 2018
S&P Global Platts writes that while concerns remain with respect to the response of U.S. shale oil to higher prices, the shale hype seems to be over, with CEOs and management teams being held strongly accountable to deliver positive cash flow over production growth even with oil prices above $60/bbl.
Pinnacle Propane LLC Acquires Coyote Fuels of Corpus Christi
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
(January 30, 2018) — Pinnacle Propane LLC (Irving, Texas), a division of SHV Energy, has recently purchased assets of Coyote Fuels LLC (Corpus Christi, Texas). Coyote Fuels is a bulk propane retailer and distributor in Corpus Christi and in the south Eagle Ford basin.

“The transaction was smooth and beneficial for both parties,” said Kenneth M. Talley, president of Coyote Fuels. “Pinnacle did exactly as they indicated they would when the negotiations began and carried all of their promises through closing.”
Ohio EPA Offering Conversion Grants for Propane Trucks and Buses
Thursday, January 25, 2018
A new grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assists owners of diesel- or gasoline-powered Class 7 and 8 vehicles weighing at least 26,000 lb. to convert or replace engines to use propane autogas, CNG, or LNG. The agency notes these cleaner fuels and technologies help improve air quality by reducing diesel emissions such as nitrogen oxide and fine particulates.