Middle distillates take centre stage
Oil-product demand, especially for middle distillates, is rising more quickly that processing capacity. It's good news for refiners
Most oil refiners should be able to look forward to a period of comfortable margins and high capacity use, as consumption rises more quickly than new nameplate capacity and the demand barrel shifts to favour middle distillates, industry officials and analysts say. But they caution that the market won't let the good times roll for everyone. "Margins should generally, globally be pretty good, but it'll depend on where you are," says Alan Gelder, head of consultancy Wood Mackenzie's refining, chemicals and oil markets division. He and others point out that while the industry can be expected to get a boost from growing petrochemicals demand and an expected shift to middle distillates from fuel o
Also in this section
1 April 2025
There is method to the US president’s apparent madness, and those seeking to understand need look no further than their local bookshop
1 April 2025
Strong economic growth targets are encouraging for the country’s energy demand growth, even if meeting those goals might be a tall order
28 March 2025
The Central Asian country is positioning itself as a low-carbon leader, but antiquated infrastructure and a dependence on Russia are holding it back
28 March 2025
MCEDD 2025 took place in Madrid this week with record attendance and a wide-ranging programme, reflecting the deepwater sector’s renewed momentum, strategic focus and accelerating technological innovation.
