Asia spot prices end mixed with fuel oil market weakening.

摘要

Spot product prices were split in the week to March 9, as lighter fuels mosdy rose and heavy fuels dropped. Gasoil consumption was seen climbing, boosting sentiment, while prices for low-sulfur diesel were underpinned by refinery maintenance in Australia and South Korea, as well as aggressive buying by BP and Shell. Traders speculated that the purchases could be part of a play to send product to Europe. Vietnam's diesel imports jumped at the end of period, coinciding with the government's scrapping of diesel import duties. An official reason was not given for the duty abolishment, but market players believed it was to help counter rising inflation amid the climbing cost of fuel. Jet-kerosene's front-month regrade—jet's premium over gasoil—fell into negative territory on Thursday for the first time this month as diesel demand firmed and jet fuel exports to Europe remained scarce. Limiting the downside, however, was ongoing, strong kerosene demand in Japan that continued to draw down inventories of the heating fuel.