Middle East Crude

　In trade of Qatari grades, supply via Ship to Ship (STS) operations off the coast of Fujairah or Oman outside the Persian Gulf increased. Many refiners in Asia were concerned over the passage through the Strait of Hormuz and were cautious of taking FOB based cargoes from the Halul Island, the Mesaieed Port and Floating Production Offloading (FSO) facility of Al Shaheen. In response to the move, state-owned Qatar Energy (QE), which faced a fall in sales, has increased supply via STS.

African/European/Russian/American Crude

　In trade for Senegalese crude, the supply program for October-loading Sangomar was finalized, with three cargoes of 950,000 barrels each scheduled as usual. Australian Woodside would handle all three cargoes, with loading scheduled for October 5-6, 15-16 and 26-27. Woodside was expected to start offering the cargoes for spot sale from next week.

Asia Pacific Crude

　Malaysia's state-owned Petronas sold Bunga Kekwa through a tender that closed on August 24. Thailand's PTT won the tender for one 300,000-barrel cargo for October 4-10 loading. The award price was heard at a premium in the $10.00s to Dated Brent. Stronger evaluations for Bunga Kekwa, amid rising middle distillate crack margins globally, pushed the deal premium into double-digit territory.