DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

Chartbook: Oil inventories and pricesCushing accounted for 55% of the nationwide depletion even though it held less than 10% of all crude inventories at the end of June. There were only small depletions in the rest of the Midwest (5 million barrels) and along the Gulf of Mexico (8 million barrels) and insignificant changes elsewhere. Since then, prices and spreads have collapsed, even though U.S. crude inventories at Cushing and elsewhere have barely changed so far. U.S. commercial crude inventories are about 9 million barrels (-2% or -0.22 standard deviations) below the prior ten-year seasonal average. Related columns:- U.S. oil futures surge as Cushing stocks evaporate(September 28, 2023)- Oil prices surge as stocks drain away from Cushing(September 15, 2023)- Depleting U.S. crude inventories lift oil prices(August 31.

Persons: Todd Korol, Brent, Brent's, CUSHING, NYMEX WTI, bullish, WTI, Cushing, John Kemp, David Evans Organizations: Gas, REUTERS, OPEC, Treasury, Manufacturers, Fund, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Granum , Alberta, Canada, Saudi Arabia, U.S, United States, Europe, China, Cushing, Oklahoma, of Mexico, NYMEX, OPEC

☆ China's LONGi jumps on probe into Hillhouse unit's stake transfer
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Shares of the solar energy firm rose nearly 5% in morning trade after it said HHLR Management Pte. Ltd was being investigated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) for violating share transfer rules. Singapore-based HHLR Management is part of Chinese investment giant Hillhouse's public investment arm HHLR. HHLR Management was notified by the CSRC of the investigation on suspected rule violations on Wednesday, LONGi said, without giving details. HHLR Management held a 4.98% stake in LONGi at the end of September, compared with 5.85% at the end of 2022, according to filings.

Persons: Hillhouse, LONGi, Zhang Lei, didn't, Samuel Shen, Varun Organizations: Green Energy Technology, Management, China Securities Regulatory Commission, HHLR Management, Reuters, Pionner Driving, Thomson Locations: SHANGHAI, HONG KONG, Singapore, Nanjing, LONGi, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Summer, Hong Kong

REUTERS/Kacper Pempel/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Europe's record gas inventories continue to climb even higher as a warm start to autumn delays the onset of heating demand while high prices discourage industrial use and encourage continued imports. But prices for gas delivered at the height of winter in January 2024 have started to slide as the record levels of inventory weigh on the market. Chartbook: Europe gas inventories and pricesInventories across the European Union and United Kingdom hit a record 1,146 terawatt-hours (TWh) on Nov. 5, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe. At the same time, futures prices and calendar spreads have remained strong, despite record stocks, discouraging resumption of industrial use and encouraging continued imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Related columns:- Europe’s gas stocks at record high going into winter 2023/24 (October 6, 2023)- Europe’s gas storage must peak early this autumn (September 8, 2023)John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst.

Persons: Kacper, Stocks, John Kemp, David Evans Organizations: REUTERS, European Union, United, Gas Infrastructure, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Strachocina, Poland, Chartbook, Europe, United Kingdom, Gas Infrastructure Europe, Frankfurt, Germany, Ukraine

The wave of sales has reversed much of the 398 million barrels purchased between the end of June and the middle of September. WTI SQUEEZE ENDSIn the seven days ending on October 31, selling was led by crude (-78 million barrels), especially NYMEX and ICE WTI (-62 million barrels), with a smaller contribution from Brent (-16 million). The remaining position (153 million barrels) was the lowest for 16 weeks since July 11 (128 million barrels). Crude inventories around the NYMEX delivery point at Cushing in Oklahoma depleted to just 22 million barrels at the end of September from 43 million barrels at the end of June. But most of the sales have come in European gas oil (-49 million barrels) rather than U.S. diesel (-6 million) reflecting the poor outlook for the European economy.

Persons: Angus Mordant, Cushing, John Kemp Organizations: REUTERS, U.S, ICE, diesel, Funds, U.S . Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Loving County , Texas, U.S, North America, Europe, China, Iran, Israel, Cushing, Oklahoma, WTI, NYMEX

Strikes at car and truck plants are likely to have a widespread impact on manufacturing activity given their large supply chains. Energy consumption by industrial users steadied over the third quarter, which was consistent with the worst of the manufacturing downturn being over. The stabilisation of both diesel and industrial electricity sales in the summer was consistent with manufacturing activity steadying ahead of a renewed expansion. Because the industrial downturn has been long but shallow, distillate inventories remain well below the long-term seasonal average. Return to expansion would likely cause diesel stocks to deplete rapidly and put upward pressure on industrial prices quickly.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, John Kemp, Louise Heavens Organizations: REUTERS, Institute, Supply, Federal Reserve, Global, U.S, Thomson, Reuters Locations: IceStone, New York City , New York, U.S, Chartbook

☆ Insight: US solar panel manufacturing boom threatened by cheap imports
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Nichola Groom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

[1/5] Solar panels from SunPower are installed on residential buildings at a model home display in the Eureka Grove neighborhood of Granite Bay, California, U.S., October 5, 2021. But global solar panel prices have collapsed due to a wave of new Asian production capacity in recent months, leading many in the U.S. solar industry to worry many of these proposed factories may be uneconomical. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that over-reliance on Chinese clean energy technology could pose a security risk similar to Europe's historical dependence on Russian natural gas. A White House spokesperson did not respond to questions about recent market challenges facing domestic solar manufacturers, but said Biden's policies had generated a huge wave of investment and were revitalizing American manufacturing. Mike Carr, executive director of the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America trade group, said factories could be delayed, extending U.S. dependence on China.

Persons: Nathan Frandino, Joe Biden’s, ”, Edurne Zoco, Wood Mackenzie, Mike Carr, ” Carr, Brian Lynch, Jekyll, Hyde, Lynch, Danny O'Brien, Meyer Burger, Hari Achuthan, Richard Valdmanis, David Gregorio Our Organizations: REUTERS, P, U.S . International Trade Commission, Companies, Reuters, Energy, Solar Energy Manufacturers, America, Insights, U.S . Commerce Department, Solar Energy Industries Association, Convalt Energy, Treasury Department, Commerce Department, Thomson Locations: Eureka Grove, Granite Bay , California, U.S, Europe, China, United States, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Hanwha, Colorado, Asia, New York, Maine

A drilling rig operates in the Permian Basin oil and natural gas production area in Lea County, New Mexico, U.S., February 10, 2019. In response, drilling rates have fallen with an average of just 501 rigs drilling for oil in October 2023 down from 623 in December 2022. U.S. GAS PRODUCTIONLike oil production, U.S. gas output has also continued to increase, a lagged response to high prices in 2022, but the subsequent slump in prices has been more severe and is causing a more pronounced slowdown in output growth. The combination of fewer drilling rigs, slower production growth, faster exports, and ultra-low prices stimulating consumption by power generators has largely eliminated surplus inventories carried over from 2022. Related columns:- U.S. oil producers reprieved by Saudi output cut (October 3, 2023)- U.S. oil and gas output still rising in response to high prices last year (June 1, 2023)John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst.

Persons: Nick Oxford, John Kemp, Emelia Sithole Organizations: REUTERS, U.S . Energy Information Administration, “ Petroleum, Twitter, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Lea County , New Mexico, U.S, Gulf, Mexico, Chartbook, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Russia, OPEC, Saudi

☆ Siemens Energy shares recover further as guarantee talks continue
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The logo of energy technology company Siemens Energy is displayed during the LNG 2023 energy trade show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Chris Helgren/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsFRANKFURT/BERLIN, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Shares in Siemens Energy continued their recovery on Monday, topping Germany's blue-chip index as concerns over the group's ability to post guarantees for big industrial projects eased. Siemens (SIEGn.DE), which owns a 25.1% stake in Siemens Energy, was up 1.6%. News of the talks pushed Siemens Energy's shares to a record low last week on concerns the issue around guarantees could have an impact on the group's balance sheet. Around half of that, or about 15 billion euros, needs to be covered by the government, banks and Siemens, the sources said.

Persons: Chris Helgren, Joe Kaeser, Kaeser, Christoph Steitz, Markus Wacket, Rachel More, Mark Potter Organizations: Siemens Energy, REUTERS, Siemens, German Economy Ministry, Reuters, Welt, Thomson Locations: Vancouver , British Columbia, Canada, FRANKFURT, BERLIN, downpayments

The most recent week saw sales of Brent (11 million barrels), NYMEX and ICE WTI (4 million) and U.S. diesel (4 million) only partially offset by purchases of U.S. gasoline (3 million) and European gas oil (1 million). Short positions in NYMEX WTI climbed to 41 million barrels on Oct. 24 up from a 16-month low of 19 million barrels on Oct. 3. U.S. NATURAL GASFund managers were still struggling to become outright bullish about the outlook for U.S. gas despite futures prices being very low in real terms. Hedge funds and other money managers sold the equivalent of 125 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas futures and options over the seven days ending Oct. 24. From a statistical perspective, the very low inflation-adjusted base means there must be more potential for prices to rise rather than fall.

Persons: Brent, WTI, Cushing, NYMEX WTI, John Kemp, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: ICE Futures, U.S . Commodity Futures Trading Commission, ICE, U.S ., OPEC, Fund, Thomson, Reuters Locations: NYMEX, Brent

☆ Explainer: Why is Siemens Energy seeking $16 billion state guarantees?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The logo of energy technology company Siemens Energy is displayed during the LNG 2023 energy trade show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 12, 2023. To make sure it can get the guarantees to fulfil its order backlog, Siemens Energy has turned to the government. Siemens owns a 25.1% stake in Siemens Energy and has not ruled out helping. Siemens still provides around 7 billion euros of performance guarantees to projects Siemens Energy is working on, significantly down from the 40 billion euros at the time of the spin-off around three years ago. Apart from seeking guarantees from the government, banks and Siemens, Siemens Energy said it is "evaluating various measures to strengthen the balance sheet", without elaborating further.

Persons: Chris Helgren, Banks, Roland Busch, hade, Andreas Rinke, Christoph Steitz, Victoria Farr, Andres Gonzalez, Pablo Mayo, Alexander Huebner, Tom Kaeckenhoff, Josephine Mason, Susan Fenton Organizations: Siemens Energy, REUTERS, Siemens, International Chamber of Commerce, German Economy Ministry, SIEMENS, Triton, Pablo Mayo Cerqueiro, Thomson Locations: Vancouver , British Columbia, Canada, downpayments, Berlin, Frankfurt, London, Munich

The second largest contributor to real gross domestic product growth in the third quarter came from business inventories (1.3 percentage points). South Korea's KOSPI-100 equity index, which is usually a good proxy for global trade given its heavy weighting towards export-oriented firms, rebounded strongly through the end of July. But the index has since weakened, consistent with the renewed downturn in volumes shown in the global trade index. UNCERTAINTYUncertainty about the economic outlook and ambiguous data are usually greatest around turning points in the business cycle. Related columns:- Persistent U.S. services inflation dampens oil outlook (October 13, 2023)- U.S. manufacturing rebound will stretch diesel supplies (October 5, 2023)- Global container freight stuck in doldrums (June 23, 2023)- Global freight shows signs of bottoming out (April 27, 2023)John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst.

Persons: Stringer, Korea's, John Kemp, David Evans Organizations: REUTERS, Global, Economic, Service, Real, Ministry of Transport, Treasury, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Qingdao, Shandong province, China, United States, Netherlands, CHINA, ASIA, Singapore, Asia, Europe, Japan, Narita, EUROPE Europe, Ukraine, Germany, doldrums

☆ Siemens Energy shares slide 39% after company seeks guarantees from German govt
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The logo of energy technology company Siemens Energy is displayed during the LNG 2023 energy trade show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 12, 2023. The weekly said Siemens Energy is seeking up to 15 billion euros in guarantees. Siemens remains an anchor investor in Siemens Energy, retaining a 25.1% stake. The government was ready to help Siemens Energy while stakeholders also will have to play their role, they said. J.P. Morgan said in a note that the energy transition will require substantially higher rates of investments, which will bring commercial opportunities for Siemens Energy and sector peers.

Persons: Chris Helgren, Siemens Gamesa, WirtschaftsWoche, Morgan, Matthias Inverardi, Christian Kraemer, Alexander Huebner, Vera Eckert, Friederike Heine, Miranda Murray, Sabine Wollrab, Rachel More, Jan Harvey, Susan Fenton Organizations: Siemens Energy, REUTERS, Companies Company, Siemens, Siemens AG, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Spiegel, European Commission, Siemens Gamesa, Thomson Locations: Vancouver , British Columbia, Canada, BERLIN, Berlin

☆ From Bill Gates to the pope, talk of carbon capture and its efficacy is dividing society
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Anmar Frangoul | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

In this article BP.-GBMSFTBKR Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTThis image from 2016 shows a carbon capture project in Texas. Other processes in the sector include direct air capture, with firms like Climeworks operating in the space. Climeworks, which specializes in direct air capture and storage, has offices in Switzerland and Germany. Its clients include businesses such as Stripe and Microsoft , and the Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund has invested in the company. While carbon capture has its advocates, the technology is divisive and has been questioned by a range of organizations.

Persons: Baker Hughes, Lorenzo Simonelli, Simonelli, Bill Gates, Gates, Bob Dudley, there'll, We've, Dudley, — that's Organizations: Houston Chronicle, hearst Newspapers, Getty, Hearst Newspapers, CNBC, ADIPEC, U.S . Department of Energy, Microsoft, Innovation Fund, BBC, Breakthrough Energy, International Energy Agency, Greenpeace Locations: Texas, Abu Dhabi, United States, Europe, Switzerland, Germany, Kenya, Paris

Total generation increased by almost 63 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) (9%) compared with the same month a year earlier, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Most of the increase was supplied by hydro-electric generation (+40 billion kWh) as the massive new Baihetan Dam on the Jinsha River compensated for poor rainfall. The rest came from thermal generators (+13 billion kWh), solar (+4 billion kWh), wind (+2 billion kWh) and nuclear generators (+2 billion kWh). Prolonged drought across southern China since mid-2022 has depressed hydro generation, requiring more thermal output to fill the gap, almost all from coal. RENEWABLE ROLLOUTChina is investing heavily in renewable generation to curb greenhouse gas emissions as well as reduce dependence on imported oil and gas.

Persons: Jason Lee, Gorges, John Kemp, Rod Nickel Organizations: Grid Corporation of, REUTERS, National Bureau of Statistics, National Energy Administration, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Grid Corporation of China, Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, China, Chartbook, India

☆ Baker Hughes beats profit estimates on robust international demand
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A model of an equipment is displayed by energy services firm Baker Hughes during the LNG 2023 energy trade show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Chris Helgren/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 25 (Reuters) - U.S. oilfield technology firm Baker Hughes (BKR.O) joined rivals SLB (SLB.N) and Halliburton (HAL.N) in posting upbeat quarterly profit on Wednesday, driven by strong demand for its services and equipment in international markets. The move has benefited companies such as Baker Hughes, which provides services including drilling, well construction and completion. U.S. oil and natural gas prices have scaled back from the year-ago quarter's peak and dented some demand in North America. Baker Hughes also received contracts from several liquefied natural gas projects, as energy firms rush to build new LNG-producing facilities.

Persons: Baker Hughes, Chris Helgren, Lorenzo Simonelli, Sourasis Bose, Shailesh Kuber Organizations: REUTERS, SLB, Halliburton, Energy, Revenue, & Energy Technology, Thomson Locations: Vancouver , British Columbia, Canada, North America, U.S, Bengaluru

☆ China’s graphite curbs send green warning shot
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Lisa Jucca | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Global demand for graphite, seen at 770,000 tonnes this year, is expected to treble by 2033, according to estimates by Fastmarkets graphite analyst Georgi Georgiev. China currently accounts for 64% of the global production of natural graphite and more than half of the artificial equivalent. More importantly, the People’s Republic refines more than 90% of the graphite into high-purity material used in EV batteries. This echoes the approach China used earlier this year to restrict exports of gallium and germanium, two metals used in chips and fibre optic cables, triggering a fall in international shipments. Mining graphite in Europe, which wants to lead in EV adoption, is simply more expensive, says Aiden Lavelle, CEO of miner European Green Metals.

Persons: Georgi Georgiev, Aiden Lavelle, Carmakers, Una Galani, Streisand Neto Organizations: Reuters, People’s, EV, Shanghai Putailai, Energy Technology, Metals, Volkswagen, Thomson Locations: HONG KONG, China, Republic, Shanghai, Finland, Sweden, Beijing, Western, Europe, U.S

Renewables (and gas) have been substitutes for fossil fuels such as coal and oil enabling a significant reduction in greenhouse emissions. Renewables (and gas) have served as complements to other fossil fuels – ensuring energy remains affordable and reliable even as consumption increases significantly. EMISSIONS PEAK BUT NOT SOONEventually, China and India’s energy consumption will start to grow more slowly, at which point renewables will substitute for fossil fuels rather than just complement them. Even so, in 2022, fossil fuels accounted for 82% of primary energy consumption in China and 88% in India, including 70% of total electricity generation in China and 77% in India. Policymakers from OECD countries use the U.N. conference process and other diplomatic forums to press China and India to speed up their transition from fossil fuels to zero-emission alternatives.

Persons: Tingshu Wang, Barack Obama, John Kemp, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Huawei, REUTERS, Organisation for Economic Cooperation, Development, OECD, Renewables, United Nations Population Division, ³, World Energy, Energy Institute, BP, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Shenmu, Yulin city, Shaanxi, China, India, North America, Europe, Chartbook, United States, Western Europe, U.S, Portugal, Switzerland

Inventories reached 102 million barrels on Oct. 6, up from 85 million barrels a year earlier, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (“Weekly petroleum status report”, EIA, Oct. 12). Stocks were 13 million barrels (+15% or +1.18 standard deviations) above the prior seasonal average for 2015-2022 and just 1 million barrels below the all-time high of 103 million set in November 2015. Inventories ended winter 2022/23 around 10 million barrels (+22% or +0.98 standard deviations) above the seasonal average and the surplus has continued to swell despite strong exports. U.S. petroleum refineries also produced 59 million barrels of propane between January and July 2023, unchanged from the same period in 2013. Shipments to the Netherlands (25 million barrels), Singapore (18 million), Indonesia (17 million), Brazil (14 million), Belgium (14 million), Spain (14 million) and Chile (13 million) took the share to more than 80%.

Persons: Terry Wade, Stocks, John Kemp, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Apache Corp, REUTERS, U.S . Energy Information Administration, Thomson, Reuters Locations: West Texas, Mont Belvieu, Texas, U.S, Chartbook, East Asia, Latin America, Europe, Japan, Mexico, China, South Korea, Netherlands, Singapore, Indonesia, Brazil, Belgium, Spain, Chile, Asia, Saudi

Pump jacks operate in front of a drilling rig in an oil field in Midland, Texas U.S. August 22, 2018. As a result, the combined position was reduced to 483 million barrels (30th percentile for all weeks since 2013) down from 680 million barrels (64th percentile) on Sept. 19. Chartbook: Oil and gas positionsThe most recent week saw massive sales across the board, including Brent (-65 million barrels) and NYMEX and ICE WTI (-40 million), U.S. gasoline (-15 million), European gas oil (-13 million) and U.S. diesel (-7 million). Most of the adjustment came from liquidation of former bullish long positions (-122 million barrels) rather than initiation of new bearish short ones (+18 million). Net positions in Brent (20th percentile), U.S. gasoline (25th percentile) and European gas oil (28th percentile) were all well below their long-term averages.

Persons: Nick Oxford, Brent, Cushing, John Kemp Organizations: Midland , Texas U.S, REUTERS, OPEC, Investors, ICE Futures, U.S . Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Funds, ICE, U.S . diesel, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Midland , Texas, U.S, NYMEX, Brent , U.S, Brent

In turn, higher rates will dampen interest-sensitive expenditure and likely lead to slower growth in oil consumption in 2024. Services are less energy-intensive but more labour-intensive than manufacturing, so the sector’s inflation rate tends to be more persistent and a better indicator of the overall amount of inflationary pressure within the economy. Most rate traders anticipate the central bank will be forced to keep overnight rates higher for longer to squeeze persistent inflation out of the economy. In the short term, the renewed expansion of the U.S. manufacturing and service sectors is supporting oil consumption and prices. In the medium term, however, the higher-for-longer rates needed to bring inflation back to target will likely depress business activity and slow oil consumption growth in 2024.

Persons: Eduardo Munoz, John Kemp, Rod Nickel Organizations: Exxon, REUTERS, Institute, Supply, Federal Reserve, Treasury, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Newport , New Jersey, U.S, United States, Europe, Ukraine

European distillate inventories were 25 million barrels (-6% or -0.84 standard deviations) below the seasonal average at the end of September. Singapore distillate stocks averaged 3 million barrels (-23% or 1.30 standard deviations) below the seasonal average in September. Chartbook: Global distillate inventories and pricesPortfolio investors have been reducing their exposure to middle distillates since late August, which has likely anticipated, accelerated and amplified the retreat in prices and margins. But inventories are already tight; any expansion will cause them to deplete further, rapidly putting renewed upward pressure on prices. Related columns:- U.S. manufacturing rebound will stretch diesel supplies (October 5, 2023)- Funds grow bullish on crude, cautious on distillates (September 18, 2023)- Global diesel shortage boosts prices (September 13, 2023)- U.S. diesel prices surge anticipating a soft landing (August 11, 2023)John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst.

Persons: Eric Gaillard, John Kemp, Jane Merriman Organizations: REUTERS, ICE Futures, U.S . Commodity Futures Trading Commission, U.S . Energy Information Administration, Global, U.S, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Nice, France, Singapore, New York, United States, U.S, Europe, China

☆ Saudi oil giant Aramco announces pilot project to suck CO2 out of the air, but some scientists are skeptical
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Saudi oil giant Aramco on Monday announced a partnership with Siemens Energy AG to develop a small-scale direct air-capture "test unit" in an attempt to manage emissions. The test unit will be built in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and finished in 2024, according to a statement from Aramco on Monday. The DAC collaboration between Aramco and Siemens Energy is still in early phases. Given DAC's adolescence, both oil companies are invested in other clean energy technology projects. The spokesperson for Siemens Energy said that the company has invested in hydrogen, wind, nuclear fusion and others.

Persons: Jonathan Foley, Foley, Cara Horowitz Organizations: Saudi Aramco, Monday, Siemens Energy AG, Aramco, International Energy Agency, Amazon, Frontier, UCLA's, DAC, Siemens Energy, CNBC Locations: Saudi, Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Fund managers sold a total of 57 million barrels over latest two weeks after having purchased 398 million barrels over the previous 12 weeks since the end of June. Hedge funds and other money managers sold the equivalent of 3 million barrels over the week ended Oct. 3. Fund managers have sold gasoline in each of the latest three weeks by a total of 22 million barrels since Sept. 12. As a result, the net position has been cut to 48 million barrels (42nd percentile) from 71 million (77th percentile). Funds held a net long position of just 9 billion cubic feet (32nd percentile since 2010) down from a recent high of 743 billion cubic feet (48th percentile) on July 11.

Persons: Cushing, Brent, John Kemp, Bernadette Baum Organizations: REUTERS, ICE, U.S, Henry Hub, U.S . Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Funds, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Cushing , Oklahoma, U.S, Israel, Chartbook, Brent, NYMEX, Louisiana, Pacific, United States

Pressure gauges, pipes and valves are pictured at an "Dashava" underground gas storage facility near Striy, Ukraine May 28, 2015. Gas prices remain elevated compared with the years before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Warmer-than-normal temperatures combined with sharp reductions in industrial consumption and high prices to curb gas use by power generators and others left the region with extraordinarily high inventories. Having taken a lot of pain upfront in the form of eye-wateringly high prices during winter of 2022/23, Europe’s gas storage is much better positioned for the winter of 2023/24. Related columns:- Europe’s gas storage must peak early this autumn (September 8, 2023)- Europe's record gas inventories cap prices (August 8, 2023)- Europe’s gas prices stabilise as storage additions slow (June 8, 2023)- Europe only has space for a small gas refill in 2023 (April 14, 2023)John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst.

Persons: Gleb Garanich, Stocks, John Kemp Organizations: REUTERS, European Union, Gas Infrastructure, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Striy, Ukraine, Europe, United Kingdom, Asia

Renewed manufacturing growth will boost industrial energy consumption, especially for diesel, but with inventories still low, prices are set to escalate rapidly, rekindling concerns about inflation. SOFT LANDING? The mid-cycle slowdown or “soft landing” of 1989/90 and the cycle-ending “hard landing” of 1990/91 are usually considered as one episode. Blinder has argued the Federal Reserve would have achieved a soft landing if oil prices had not spiked for unrelated reasons. Related columns:- Global diesel shortage boosts prices (September 13, 2023)- Prolonged U.S. manufacturing slowdown barely dents energy use (September 5, 2023)- U.S. diesel prices surge anticipating a soft landing (August 11, 2023)- U.S. manufacturing slowdown fails to rebuild diesel stocks (August 2, 2023)John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst.

Persons: Bing Guan, Alan Blinder, Blinder, Saddam Hussein’s, ”, Saddam Hussein, Alan Greenspan, John Kemp, Alexander Smith Organizations: Angeles Refinery, California Air Resources Board, Institute, Supply, Federal Reserve, Reserve, Global, U.S, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Angeles, California, Carson , California, U.S, Kuwait, Blinder, United States, Europe, China

Search resuls for: "Energy Technology"

25 mentions found