Tag Archives: fuel oil

Crude Trying To Find A Floor

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Good afternoon,

Crude oil prices dropped dramatically this week as Chinese/US talks looked to stall.  In addition, the impeachment proceedings and the looming talks around a recession continued to put downward pressure on crude prices.  However, by the end of the week there was a missile attack on an Iranian crude ship, OPEC announced that they will probably cut more crude in 2020, and Trump said that China trade talks are moving along just fine.  Crude prices found some great support to end the week and ended up about where we started the week.  WTI crude continues to stay under $55/barrel which is very low.  The EIA revised their forecast for WTI prices next year to remain around the same price as today for another year.  If so, cheap energy can continue to try and keep the economy afloat.

In local retail news, gasoline prices continue to remain under $2.49/gallon and diesel prices are capped under $2.90/gallon.  Harvest is slowly starting and talks of tight diesel supply are starting to bubble up.  If so, I could see a price spike in diesel depending on the demand during harvest. As of now, with how wet everything is, we expect harvest to be long and slow.

Propane prices found support as an early cold and wet October is showing greater heating demand as well as high demand for crop drying.  Board prices have increased and I expect to see maybe another increase next week.  It is still not too late to lock in your heating price for this season!

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to give us a call.

Best regards,

Jon Crawford

Crude In Bear Territory

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Good morning,

Crude oil prices continue to inch back into bear market territory.  At the current rate, WTI crude is poised to fall through $50/barrel.  This is only three weeks after an attack on the world’s largest oil refinery!  Saudi Arabia claims to be back in full production and the rest of OPEC and Russia are concerned about the possibility of surplus crude entering the market in 2020.  In addition, the issues with the US/China trade war are feeding into concerns on world oil demand.  The rest of the world is taking pause and watching.  Overall, crude demand in the US is very strong, so it’s a bit of a market play than fact.  But time will tell.  If a trade deal is completed, hold on to your seats because crude prices will bounce higher!  For now, crude prices are in check as many money managers have exited long positions on crude going into Q4.

In local retail news, gasoline retail prices continue to remain under $2.49/gallon and diesel prices remain under $2.89/gallon.  I believe gasoline prices will continue to hold, but diesel supply in Central Wisconsin is very tight and I expect to see diesel prices go higher in October.  Once harvest kicks in, we could see a spike on diesel prices at the pump.

Propane prices are holding pattern with crude.  Until propane experiences a demand event, there is just not a lot of movement.  I know some people are concerned that their contract price is higher than the board price today.  Remember that a contract provides you with upside price protection.  We are very early in the season and have a long way to go before a heating cost average will carve out.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to give us a call.

Best regards,

Jon Crawford

Crude Gains Erased

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Good morning!

WTI crude prices are now lower than were before the attacks in Saudi Arabia.  Saudi Arabia is claiming to be back to 75% production and will be at full capacity within a month.  Saudi Arabia struck deals with other countries to cover all their customer contracts during this time.  In addition, with impeachment proceedings looming for Trump, the demands side of crude economics was pulled back to front and center.  Coupled with political news, Chinese trade talks stalled and the market rally took pause along with an easing in crude prices.  This week, the US petroleum inventory report showed a surprise build in inventories with low production runs.  Basically, an attack on the world’s largest oil refinery is still not enough of an event to shake the supply/demand dynamic in the crude market.  Demand is very unstable and production is at record highs.

In local retail news, gasoline prices have calmed down from the jump two weeks prior, but diesel prices will continue to remain high moving forward.  There was a discount on diesel coming out of the Chicago spot market for the past month, placing our cost in Wisconsin about 20-30 cents cheaper than our neighbors to the east.  The glut of diesel has dried up, and prices skyrocketed.  I expect to see diesel retail prices hold where they are at for some time, especially with high harvest demand on the horizon.

Propane prices are slowly inching up.  Although retail spot prices are cheaper than contract, winter fundamentals and potential massive corn drying demand will hit the markets next month.  I am predicting propane prices will jump in October.  How much higher, will depend on crude prices.  For now, you can still contract propane for the heating season.  Feel free to discuss your options with us!

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to give us a call.

Best regards,

Jon Crawford

Roller Coaster Repeat

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Good morning!

Crude prices pressed “repeat” again this week with supply and economic news driving the volatility.  We started the week off with Brexit drama, Iraq announcing that they pumped more oil than they should have, and Iran saying they will breach all parts of the nuclear deal.  Prices dropped hard.  Then OPEC comes out after a new Saudi Oil Minister was named saying that they will do whatever is necessary to keep prices high leading into the Aramco IPO.  Iraq followed saying they will behave and do better on cuts moving forward.  Even Russia said they would work with the US on crude prices which is unheard of!  The news cause prices to spike higher.  Then on Wednesday, inventory numbers on crude levels displayed large draws coupled with strong economic data in the US causing prices to spike even higher.  But then in the afternoon, Trump fired John Bolton, the biggest Hawk on Iran, and said he would consider waivers on Iranian crude exports to get them to the table for negotiation.  Crude prices turned and fell off a cliff.  Then on Thursday the IEA announced that world supply would probably go into major surplus in 2020, causing prices to continue the fall.  And finally, today economic data on the US was strong and US/China trade relations showed movement to the positive with each country giving in a bit.  The US will not enforce new trade tariffs, and China will lift the agricultural purchasing tariffs and buy soybeans.  The news gave support to crude prices and stopped the fall.  So WTI crude price ended where it started at about $55/barrel.  What a ride the past weeks have been for crude prices and I don’t see it stopping anytime soon.

Retail prices on gasoline continue to stay very low.  Prices on regular gasoline are ranging between $2.34-2.44/gallon based on major price differentials currently between suppliers.  Diesel prices are also remaining very stable going into harvest season.

Propane prices are slowly starting to creep up, but nothing too scary.  Propane is trading based on crude movement.  We are still at historically low prices of propane with historically high volumes of inventory.  We do not expect to see prices rising until October 1st when winter tariffs kick in and harvest demand starts to take shape.  If you have not contracted your volume for the heating season, you can still do so.  Please call our office to have your tank filled and we can prepare a contract for you.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to give us a call.

Best regards,

Jon Crawford

Roller Coaster Ride

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Good afternoon!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend.  Crude oil prices went on a roller coaster following the long weekend.  The week started out with tumble as China announced retaliation tariffs along with economic pressures starting to creep into the US markets and Chinese data.  But then a day later, China and the US announced a meeting and everything turned around!  In addition, the Hurricane Dorian managed to miss the Gulf so no oil production will be impacted here in the US.  But then, the big rally was dampened by the release of info that OPEC, particularly Russia, is not holding to compliance cuts.  As prices started to relax, Yemen announced that they killed 30 Saudi’s in retaliation strikes today which caused crude to soar higher, coupled with large announced draws in US inventory.  In addition, the US payroll data was fantastic and China revised their production data showing no contraction.  But by the end of the day, crude oil prices finished flat with world economics and potential over supply still in play.  What a roller coaster and a head scratcher!  Crude has been trading with high volatility in a narrow $5/barrel range.  This tells me that crude is ripe for a break out in one direction.  Which direction is TBD!  And by TBD, that means what news stores are discussed for the day! 🙂

In local retail news, gasoline prices have fallen below $2.49/gallon and were are five year lows for Labor Day.  The lower prices were a nice relief on everyone who was traveling.  Diesel prices continue to fall as Chicago economics continue to favor our market over the neighboring Group.  However, I don’t expect to see diesel prices go any lower as refinery maintenance finishes and harvest season approaches.

Propane prices continue to remain low, low, low.  The national inventory showed another large build and we are well on our way to breaking an inventory supply record this year.  If there is no major corn drying demand event, early cold, or nasty winter, I expect propane prices to remain low all winter.  Now next year will be a different story as additional exporting hubs and pipelines will be in full operation.  So for now, enjoy the lower prices of this season!  If you have not filled your tank to start the season, please do so!

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to give us a call.

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

Happy Labor Day!

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Greetings!

Instead of a weekly update, I would instead like to just wish everyone safe travels and an enjoyable Labor Day weekend!  The prices at the pump are at three year lows so I’m sure many will be on the road.  I hope everyone had a great summer and is ready for the school season to start!  I will be back with an update next week.

Thank you again for your business and have an awesome long weekend!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, always feel free to give us a call!

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

Trade War and Recession Fears Grow

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Good afternoon,

WTI Crude prices continue to trade in their narrow range of about $53-57/barrel.  On the supply side, with the current OPEC cuts in place, the Venezuela shut down, and the US slowly shutting down rigs, the market is actually tighter than the price is displaying.  Right now, all eyes and ears are on recession fears due to the trade war with China.  If the world economy slows down, then I don’t expect crude prices to tank much more than below $50/barrel.  So much of the recession fear is baked into the current price.  However, if the trade war starts to wind down and the world economy continues as is, then we could easily experience a $7-10 spike in crude prices.  The FED said that they are willing to act appropriately but not committed to rate cuts and the trade with China does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.  For now, WTI crude will continue to bounce in mid $50’s.

Retail prices on gasoline and diesel have continued to ease.  Gas prices have fallen below $2.49/gallon in some markets, and diesel has dropped below $2.69.  I expect to see these lower prices at the pump through Labor Day.

Propane prices are at historical lows and inventories remain at historical highs.  We expect propane inventories to hit the largest volume ever recorded.  We encourage everyone to enjoy these low prices with a summer fill and contract for the next heating season.  Please call our office or go online to place an order!

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to give us a call.

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

Recession Fears Drag Down Crude Prices

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Greetings!

Another wild ride for crude prices this week.  The week started off with crude prices skyrocketing higher on the announcement that Trump would delay additional Chinese tariffs.  The news coincided with Saudi Arabia announcing another run at taking Aramco public and saying they will do whatever it takes to keep prices from going lower.  But oh, what a difference a day makes.  China responded by continuing to devalue their currency and markets got a little shaky.  Then, the US reported large builds in crude and refined product inventories.  As crude prices started to fall, the bond market displayed indications of a looming recession and the stock market along with crude prices cratered.  We are now back to almost the low price of the year again in three days!  I would expect Saudi Arabia to start hitting the airwaves again soon if this continues.  I just don’t see them allowing WTI to fall below $50/barrel.

In local retail news, prices for gasoline and diesel are all over the map due to high fluctuations in cost and price spreads between terminals marketing either Chicago Spot or Group 3 Spot.  I expect wild discrepancies on street prices of gasoline and diesel over the next month or two.

Propane prices continue to stay very low based on high volume of national inventory.  Please take advantage of summer fill prices.  With the potential for high corn drying demand and an additional export terminal coming on board in Q4, propane prices could start to swing up quickly by the end of the year.  Please call our office or go online to place an order.  If you have not contracted propane for the next heating season, I also suggest talking with our staff about options that might work for you.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to give us a call!

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

Customer Appreciation Day!

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Happy Friday!!!

Thank you to all our customers who made it out to the Fort Bp in Portage to celebrate Crawford Oil and Propane Customer Appreciation Day!  We had a beautiful day and served over 400 people!  A great time was had by all.  Prizes were awarded, kids jumped in a bouncy house, and everyone had time to sit down and relax.  Money was raised for River Haven Homeless Shelter in Portage.  We appreciate all of our customers and just love throwing a celebration every year!

In crude oil news, crude oil prices closed at their lowest point of the year this week before rebounding.  We are currently back to the low prices of a few months prior.  WTI is just unable to hold above $55/barrel right now with the China trade war in bloom.  China is devaluing their currency and threatening to use crude oil as a bargaining chip.  If they unload the Iranian crude sitting in port, the market will absolutely collapse and bring some pain to the US oil industry.  Also, the world is worried about economic slowdown coupled with the ability for the US to increase export capacity.  Basically, the US will be putting more oil into the market over the coming six months with potentially less customer demand.  And the US inventories rose over the past week during peak demand!  There are a lot of bears out there right now!  The only bullish news that kept WTI from breaking through the psychological price of $50/barrel was an emergency announcement from Saudi Arabia that they will do anything to keep prices from going lower.  The announcement bumped crude back up over $4/barrel to finish the week just under $55/barrel.  Next week will be very interesting.

In local news, prices of gasoline and diesel will continue to drop a bit at the pump.  I believe prices will firm up again next week, but for now, you should see a little more relief on prices at the pump!

Propane prices continue to stay low, low, low.  Propane inventories remain historically high and until a demand event kicks in, propane prices will follow crude.  If you have have not ordered a summer fill, please do so!  These prices are just too good to pass up.  We also recommend contracting for the coming season.  Our prices are lower than last year which is always a plus!  Feel free to call the office or go online to place an order.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to give us a call.

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

The Wild Crude Yo-Yo

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Good morning,

I hope everyone has been enjoying the most beautiful week of summer so far.  The weather has been fantastic!  Crude oil prices took a nose dive this week after Trump announced that he would break the truce with China on the trade war.  Trump says that he wants to put another $300 billion tariffs on Chinese goods starting September 1st.  The news was an absolute shock to the financial sector and WTI price broke through the technical floor of $55/barrel.  Once the price broke the floor, the bottom fell out and WTI closed at the lowest price of the year.  WTI dropped over $4/barrel which is the largest single day drop in over four years!  The week started with a rally in crude prices as the markets expected the FED to move towards a dovish pattern.  In addition, the US inventories of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel all experienced major draw downs.  So crude prices were primed for upward movement this week.  But the FED gave the tone that they remain hawkish in their views and the announced rate drop is only an adjustment.  And then Trump announced the September Chinese tariffs.  And the cherry on top was the report that China has purchased almost 12 million barrels of Iranian crude legally and has the crude in bonded storage at port in China which does not violate US sanctions.  This means that Iran has been able to offload crude to China at discounted rates for the work that China does in Iran without violating US sanctions.  Therefore, Iran has found a way around the sanctions.  If China decides to violate and start using the bonded crude oil, some traders believe another $5-7/barrel could come off of crude prices.  In other words, there is a glut of crude oil sitting out there just waiting to be used.  More will develop on this I’m sure.

In local retail news, retail prices have stabilized on gasoline and diesel.  Although there was a slight uptick in prices this week, I don’t expect to see any major changes on retail prices in the coming week.

Propane prices continue to move with crude.  As I have been writing, propane inventories remain very high, but the petrochemical companies started buying propane a couple weeks back.  The petrochems can blow through inventory pretty quickly, so we remained patient to see if a trend was forming.  Then this week, there was a fire at the largest Exxon/Mobil petrochemical factory in Houston.  This caused price spreads between the two storage hubs to collapse.  With the loss of more demand, propane just can’t seem to find any legs for upward momentum.  If you have not filled your tank this summer, please do so.  In addition, we have contracts for next heating season available.  Please call the office or go online to place an order!

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to give us a call.

Best regards,

Jon Crawford