Emma Slawinski
Editor, Platts Insight 
|
June 14, 2019 12:52 UTC 
(0)
Global oil markets were jolted late in the week by reports of attacks on two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz on June 13. Brent crude futures climbed almost 4% immediately after the attacks. ICE Brent eventually settled $1.34 higher at $61.31/b, and was trading higher the morning of June 14. |
James Burgess
Editor |
May 23, 2019 12:38 UTC
(0)
The EU’s repeal of antidumping duties on imports of US ethanol in mid-May could pave the way for increased shipments to Europe of the biofuel. European ethanol producers have raised concerns over the environmental impact of increased imports, but deeper questions over the sustainability of biofuels remain unanswered. The European ethanol association, ePURE, voiced concerns over the harmful impact of the decision on European ethanol producers, especially as other destinations for US ethanol exports – including Brazil, China, Peru and Colombia – either have measures in place against US imports, or are considering them. |
Paul Bartholomew
Senior managing editor
|
June 8, 2018 04:01 UTC
(1)
China is at the forefront of global commodity demand and last year overtook even the US to become the world’s largest importer of crude oil. With its gargantuan appetite and enormous capacities, it is a country that no one in the energy and commodity space in the 21st century can ignore. Perhaps more so than ever before, the country’s vision for its economy, its environment and its role on the world stage has been clearly mapped out. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping – who is expected to remain in charge for many years to come – the country is entering a new growth phase, where quality rather than quantity is paramount. So what does a more environmentally-focused, streamlined and globally influential China look like? And what will be the resultant impact on the country’s energy and commodities supply-demand situation? |
Wes Swift
Associate editor for Americas agriculture 
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January 30, 2018 00:01 UTC
(0)
It was just like the old days. In 2015, I attended my first National Biodiesel Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. At the time, the industry — indeed, the entire US renewable fuels sector — faced key questions about its future. Chief among those concerns was when the US Environmental Protection Agency would release the long-delayed 2014, 2015 and 2016 blending mandates. Without the mandates, producers had to forge ahead into 2015 without knowing just how much biodiesel was needed for the year, an unenviable position. |
Janet McGurty
Senior oil writer
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November 3, 2017 17:26 UTC
(0)
A key aim of the Renewable Fuel Standard was to reduce US dependence on foreign oil while increasing the use of renewable fuels when it was passed in 2005. Yet today it could be poised to have the opposite effect on imports, as some US refiners say they are being crushed by the high cost of compliance which, in turn, could lead to closure of some refineries — and increased dependence on foreign oil. |
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Wes Swift
Associate editor for Americas agriculture
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October 2, 2017 17:34 UTC
(2)
The US biodiesel industry just can’t seem to catch a break. Already plagued by poor blending economics – despite recent improvements brought on by rising ULSD costs – that have stymied the market, the industry now faces a possible drop in demand thanks to the feds. |
Gustavo Bonato
Editor, grains pricing
|
September 21, 2017 05:01 UTC
(0)
As soon as rains appear in the sky, soybean planting season will kick off in Brazil. However, the start of the 2017-18 season in the world’s largest soybean exporter — and probably the entire season — is set to be bumpy and full of uncertainties. As of September 16, farmers were authorized to start sowing in Mato Grosso and Parana states, the two main producers in the country. Weather forecasters warn, though, that rains have not arrived yet and may not arrive anytime soon. Cooler-than-average waters in the Pacific Ocean — but not cool enough to characterize a La Niña phenomenon — will make rains irregular during the first fours weeks of the planting period, until mid October. Only on the second half of October the precipitation will normalize and planting will go on properly, according to specialists. |
Sophie Byron
Managing editor, Americas agriculture
|
August 17, 2017 05:01 UTC
(3)
The availability of cheap ethanol has become a contentious issue in the United States. While American drivers may see the benefits of supplies from the most efficient ethanol producer on earth, meaning that the fuel in their car may be cheaper, for producers and farmers, lower prices are not always better. |
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Wes Swift
Associate editor for Americas agriculture
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April 17, 2017 05:01 UTC
(1)
You’ll have to forgive Argentinian biodiesel producers if they’re feeling a bit down. After seeing a market resurgence in early 2016, one of the world’s top biodiesel-exporting countries seems to be getting nothing but bad news in the last few months. |
Tim Worledge
Editorial director
|
February 23, 2017 20:06 UTC
(0)
When Bob Dinneen stepped up to address the National Ethanol Conference this week, the house was packed. The CEO and president of the Renewable Fuels Association is an undoubted highlight of the event, bringing his passion and energy to the sometimes unequal struggle and the assembled crowd was effusive in its applause as he drew his remarks to a close. |
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