Tag Archives: lake wisconsin

WTI Crude Over $60/Barrel

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Good afternoon,

WTI Crude price closed this week over $60/barrel for the first time since last fall.  The rise in pricing has been attributed to tightening sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, OPEC and Russia continuing to deliver on production cuts, and strong world demand.  In addition, the EIA’s inventory report showed a massive drop in crude, gasoline, and distillate inventories.  So the bulls have been running with this info.  However, there is caution in air.  This week the FED released their report that they will not increase rates this year.  The news at first caused crude prices to soar.  But then as the information was digested, the price backed off.  The FED also sees the economy slowing down by year end.  Therefore, the combo of healthy demand coupled with a weaker dollar is in jeopardy.  The US continues to produce oil at record numbers.  So the potential for a supply glut to reappear could occur at anytime, especially if the world economy slows.  The economic data from China has not been so hot either.  As I always say, the devil is in the details.  But for now, the bulls maybe have taken a breather, but I don’t think the rally is done just yet.  And just like last fall, this year is looking ripe for another bust on crude prices.  I firmly believe that “boom and bust” economics will be in play for crude prices for at least the next two to three years.

In local news, gasoline retail prices continue to rise as I have been saying.  Most stations are nearing or over the $2.50/gallon retail price on regular gasoline.  The big issue is that consumer behavior changes when gasoline prices go over $2.50.  So we are hoping that the “bust” in price happens before driving season.  Diesel prices have fallen below $3.00/gallon and will probably stay under $3.00/gallon now that winter blending for the year is completed.

Propane prices are ripe for a nice drop this summer.  Our national inventory is 30% higher than last year, and we experienced a colder winter!  Propane production continues to move at record levels.  In comparison to crude prices, propane prices are shaping up for a disconnect from crude and drop this summer.  More to come on this when winter ends.  But don’t relax too much, we still have about three weeks of heating season remaining. 🙂

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

Best regards,

Jon Crawford

The Bulls Lead the Way

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Good morning,

The net long positions in crude continue to build for both WTI and Brent.  Many traders are really holding on to OPEC’s compliance to cuts and the sanctions placed on Iran and Venezuela.  In addition, there continues to be reports of progress on the China/US trade deal.  Although the US rig count declined, production is staying strong.  Refinery utilization is down due to the start of refinery maintenance season.  Therefore we expect all four production quadrants East of the Rockies to experience supply/price issues over the coming months.  As of right now, Chicago appears to be short on gasoline going into spring, so Chicago pricing is starting to disconnect from our neighbors in the Group.  So for now, it’s still the bulls in charge.  I expect to see current retail prices to only increase over the coming month or so.

In local retail news, gasoline retail prices continue to lag in comparison to cost.  Some cities in the surround areas are advertising retail prices below cost of product.  Retail prices on gasoline are ripe for an increase.  Diesel retail prices will remain stable for some time as the #1 oil blending components start to fade out from winter treatment.

Propane prices are remaining stable as we finish up this winter.  Propane production continues to be at record levels and shows no signs of slowing down.  So far we are already seeing prices for next season to be very close to this season.  Stability in price forwards is always nice for consumers.  And there is also a good chance of lower prices for summer fills this summer.  As a reminder, for all will-call customers, please keep an eye on your tank.  This time of year, many people can forget about their tank as temperatures rise during the day but stay cool at night.  🙂

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

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

On the Up and Up

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Good morning,

WTI Crude prices continue to climb towards $60/barrel.  As I have been writing, hedge funds took long positions on crude so bullish sentiment seems to be running the market.  I believe that we will see prices peak somewhere in Q2 of this year.  I think there will be an opportunity for hedge funds to ring the register around that time.  Earlier in the week though, we experienced a one day collapse in the rally due to President Trump tweeting at OPEC that prices are too high.  The market experienced a knee-jerk reaction to the downside.  However, the following day, the EIA reported a massive drop in crude oil inventories giving further support to the strength of US crude oil exports to China.  In addition, OPEC came out with strong messages following Trump’s tweet saying they will not be bossed around and the plan to cut production is well supported and underway.  This week again gives support to my idea that the market is on the bull train and will be for quite sometime until the hedge funds can ring the register.  In Q2, we will start to see how the economy will look going into summer and high demand season.  In addition, the FED will have some more input, and we will see where OPEC ends up.  For now, get your wallet out and expect to keep paying these prices for a few more months.

In local retail news, gasoline retail prices continue to climb towards $2.49/gallon.  I expect that we will experience at least $2.49/gallon at gasoline retail in most of the state sometime in March.  If winter continues to hang around, diesel retail prices will easily continue to hover around $3.00/gallon.

Propane prices are steady and actually dropped a little last week.  Production continues to be very robust and is beating demand at this point, even though winter is colder than last year.  Inventory levels in the country are strong and will end the winter season at high levels.  So depending on the price of crude, we could experience some very low summer fill prices this year.  For now, please make sure that your icy driveways are taken care of and that there is a clear path to your propane tank to ensure a safe and efficient delivery.

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

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

Wait and See

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Good afternoon,

Crude prices continue climb causing gasoline and diesel prices to rise.  We are seeing WTI crude carve out a recent floor at around $55/barrel.  I’m not expecting that to change much until after the China/US summit in March.  For now, it’s a continuation of “wait and see” what the news throws out each day.  The FED is starting to look dovish again which is putting some downward pressure on crude price, coupled with continued increases in crude production in the US.  But Saudi Arabia cuts and sanctions against Venezuela and Iran are keeping the downward momentum in check.  At the moment, hedge funds have reentered the market with longer positions on crude adding to the temporary floor on WTI.  So far now, I expect WTI to continue its’ narrow trade range.

Local markets are continuing to see rising retail prices on gasoline and diesel, and I expect to see the trend continue.  Gasoline prices are well on their way to over $2.29/gallon and diesel prices at over $3.00/gallon are starting to pop up.  I don’t see these prices going away anytime soon.  For now, it’s wait and see until the end of March.

Propane prices are continuing to hold steady with increases in supplies.  Production is at record levels and currently we are 11M barrels ahead of inventory levels compared to last year.  I expect to see propane trade with crude for the next month or so, but we could start to see propane break away and fall once winter demand starts to diminish.  The only caveat is that is crude goes on a rocket higher, propane will follow.

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

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

Prices Continuing to Climb

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Good afternoon,

Prices of crude oil continued their path higher this week settling at the highest close in the last three months.  We expect to see crude prices continue to climb as Saudi Arabia is cutting more than expected in volume, supply disruptions continue around the world, and sanctions on oil exports from Venezuela and Iran are hitting the marketplace.  In addition, China and US are entering a trade negotiation deadline that is starting to look hopeful.  Demand around the world appears to be healthy and OPEC seems set on keeping prices higher.  The economy does not seem to be slowing as much as expected in the US and China and overall sentiment seems to be bullish on crude prices.  I am seeing healthy prices through Q2 2019, but am on the fence from there.  Supply is very delicate and could easily slip into surplus at any moment.  But for now, emotions and sentiment are going to push crude along on its current path.

Retail prices for gasoline and diesel continue to be all over the map.  Many areas in the state are selling retail gasoline below cost.  The next couple of weeks will be interesting to watch as the marketplace continues to digest higher gasoline costs and reluctance to increase retail prices on the street.  Diesel cost is continuing to rise as well and $3.00/gallon street price is not far away.

Propane prices are also starting to rise with crude.  Although propane inventories are healthy and production is at record levels, cost continues to follow the crude market.  I just don’t see propane breaking from crude at this point in the year with a couple of winter months remaining.

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

Best regards,

Jon Crawford

Crude Prices Stable – Pump Prices Climbing

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Good afternoon,

Finally nice to have more normal winter temperatures again!  I hope everyone is staying safe with the crazy snow and ice storms.

Crude prices continue to trade in a narrow range based on the day’s news.  One day the economy looks great, the next day it looks awful.  In other words, whatever, hits the headlines in the morning drives the price for the day.  Crude production is very stable worldwide.  Even though sanctions on Venezuela are looking to hit the market soon, many countries have already vowed to continue to buy from Iran, so the potential for a drop in world production is limited.  My main concern is diesel production and prices in the US.  With sanctions against Citgo, we are putting a lot of pressure on other countries for importing heavy crude that is best refined for diesel.  The US does not produce any heavy crude.  In addition, our diesel inventory levels are below the 5 year average.  So going into high demand seasons, if we continue to limit diesel production, we are going to see our cost of diesel rise quickly.

In local retail news, the retail price of gasoline has now moved above $2/gallon and climbing.  Diesel retail prices are starting to move closer to the $3/gallon mark.  I expect to see retail prices continue to rise over the coming weeks as costs have increased dramatically over the past three weeks.

Propane prices have remained stable.  Although demand has been very strong, production numbers are robust.  There is just not a lot of fear for inventory loss in propane for the remainder of the year.  Please remember to keep your driveway clean and have a clear path to your propane tank in order to receive your delivery safely and efficiently.

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

Best regards,

Jonathan Crawford – Pres.

Arctic Blast Is Over!!!

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Good morning,

I hope this message finds everyone safe and sound coming out of the coldest weather experienced in 30 years.  Our company worked overtime and extra hard to keep everyone safe.  If the temperature climbs to over 40 degrees this weekend, it will be an 80 degree swing in 48 hours!!!  Regardless, I appreciate everyone’s patience as we worked in extreme temps to care for our customers.  And a special hank you to the customers who worked with us to help with spreading out deliveries to make sure those in emergency situations were taken care of you.  Your honesty and willingness to help was very much appreciated!

In world news, crude oil prices climbed 18% in January to start the year as I expected.  Crude oil prices were very undervalued to start 2019.  Now we are carving out a range of $50-55/barrel WTI until a few things flush out.  OPEC+ and their crude cuts will be under scrutiny in the coming months.  Mostly we need to see Russia stepping up to their commitments.  China’s economy is continuing to contract so the news is very bearish for crude prices.  But the contraction could bring China to the negotiating table on a trade deal which would be very bullish for crude.  Here in the US we just don’t stop pumping crude.  And the FED is probably deciding to hold off on rate increases which would hope to spark more demand in crude in relation to the devaluing of crude prices.  So February is going to be an interesting month for watching data.  I think after this month we will have a better idea as to where crude prices might be heading.  More to come.

In local news, gasoline prices are starting to pop up above $2/gallon.  I expect to see the trend continue as gasoline cost basis in our area jumped higher this week.  Diesel prices continue to climb as well.  I expect to see diesel prices at the pump continue to rise as well.

Propane prices have remained stable with high production and high demand.  Propane is in a spot of homeostasis.  So if demand erodes or production quits, hold on.  Things could change quickly.  For now, please make sure your driveway is clean and clear to make sure we are able to safely and efficiency deliver propane to your house.

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

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

Public Service Announcement: EXTREME COLD

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Good morning,

I would like to discuss the EXTREME cold temperatures that are hitting our area for the next week.  The arctic blast from the Polar Vortex is going to hang around for some time.  In addition, we might see snow on Monday.  If you are a will-call heating oil or propane customer, please keep an eye on your tank.  Your consumption will greatly increase over the coming days.  These temperatures are very dangerous so please take caution when being outside.  Frostbite can happen in under 30 minutes with some of the temperatures predicted.  Our drivers are working extra hard to stay ahead of this cold snap.  Please make sure that your driveway is cleared and there is a safe path to your tank.  We want to complete safe and efficient deliveries over the coming week.

As far as prices are concerned, crude oil continues to be volatile.  The biggest news that we continue to monitor are the developments in Venezuela and the US government shutdown.  The potential for lost crude imports from Venezuela could impact the US.  We import about 300K barrels of heavy crude from Venezuela and the loss of that product could push up diesel prices.  The government shutdown continues to put pressure on the economy.  As long as the government opens soon and the Chinese/US trade teams continue to talk, we expect to see crude oil consumption stay healthy this year.

In local news, the crack spreads on diesel in the Chicago market dried up driving the cost of diesel in our market up by more than 20 cents/gallon.  Our cost is now on average with the rest of the East of Rockies markets.  I expect to see diesel prices at the pump rise.  Gasoline retail prices continue to resist breaking back over $2/gallon.  I would expect to see most markets back above $2/gallon in the near future.

Propane prices are starting to creep back up with winter weather causing healthy demand.  However, production is very strong and inventories are high.  So I don’t see any potential for major prices moves higher in propane this winter.

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

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

Crude Prices Holding Steady

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Good morning!

Crude oil prices continue to trade in a very narrow range based on the news of the day.  We seem to be bouncing along between $51-53/barrel on WTI.  I continue to believe we will stay in this range for a bit longer.  Refineries are making great money right now so supplies are ample.  But crude and refined exports to China are starting to show up again, so possible relief on trade tensions are being discussed as well.  Basically, as the US floods our local markets with additional refined products coupled with record crude harvesting, and as long as there are buyers, prices will stay steady.  If the US refineries hit a hiccup in production, crude oil inventories could build quite quickly in the US.  But OPEC, particularly Saudi Arabia, are drumming up continued support for their cuts and are offering side deals to anyone in the world that wants to work with them to help keep prices higher.  Canada is also joining in the party with cutting production.  Russia is slowly cutting back on production as long as prices don’t go up too fast.  The biggest area of concern for the year is the world economies.  If economies stay healthy in 2019, then I believe we have experienced the bottom in prices for the year.  But if we start to slow down demand for oil, I’m not so sure OPEC can cut fast enough to deal with the record production here in the US.  So as the last few weeks have been, it’s a “be patient” scenario.  I still believe that hedging diesel supply for the future months is a smart hedge.  Diesel inventory levels are lower than the five year average and if crack spreads decrease, we are going to run into some supply constraints later in the year.  In addition, the new IMO standard for marine fuel starts in 2020 and is going to push up prices due to production cost increases.

In local retail news, gasoline prices are trying to push back up above $2/gallon.  Cost has increased enough to justify pushing prices back up over $2/gallon, but retailers are hesitant to give in.  Diesel prices have increased a little, but hold on to your seats.  Diesel cost is 25 cents/gallon lower out of the Chicago Spot market due to insanely great crack spreads.  Once we have a production issue or a drop in supply, diesel prices in our local market are going to sky rocket.

Propane prices are holding steady with demand increases due to cold weather.  Our prediction services are calling for very cold temps the rest of January and possibly all of February.  So for now, we are preparing for increased demand in the coming weeks.  Please make sure an icy driveway is salted or sanded and that there is a clear pathway to your tank to make sure we can safely and efficiently deliver.

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

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.

WTI Crude Back Above $50/Barrel

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Good morning,

Well, that didn’t take long!  WTI Crude price climbed back above $50/barrel this week and looks to close above for the week.  Signs of progress on the China/US trade war seem to be coming to fruition.  In addition, economic data in the US seems to be better than expected with retail sales strong and jobs hiring on the rise since December.  Furthermore, Saudi Arabia cut more than expected in crude production for December and announced that they are willing to shed market share to increase prices.  Saudi Arabia also floated the possibility again of an IPO for Aramco in 2020.  The announcement is meant to give support to their position of wanting higher crude prices.  Back at home, the FED is starting to take a softer position on rate increases for 2019 which caused the stock market to climb along with energy prices.  So for now, the bottom on WTI seems to have been carved out at around $45/barrel.  There are still some bearish scenarios floating around the marketplace.  China’s economy is murky at best.  True data is hard to find so time will tell if the economic giant is truly in troubled waters.  The US production of crude has soared past 12M barrels/day.  With OPEC cuts and healthy demand, the production levels in the US are not a damper on prices.  But if China truly is slowing down or something changes in the US economy, crude prices could tumble back down quickly.  In other words, volatility is going to be the name of the game for crude in 2019.  Major banks are changing their forecasts on crude prices every other week by as much as $10/barrel swings.  In other words, nobody knows.  It’s a big guessing game this year.  My advice, buy some upside price protection if possible at these current values.

In local retail news, prices of gasoline are starting to climb.  We have seen cost increases come to both gasoline and diesel.  In fact, diesel is set to rise almost 20 cents/gallon at any moment!  Our Chicago market spot prices are well below the rest of the markets East of Rockies.  It’s not a matter of “if”, but “when”.  My advice for those larger diesel customers is to fill up your tanks now and keep them full.

Propane prices are also starting to climb again with the rise of crude prices, but not as fast.  We need to see some cold weather push demand to over 2M barrels/day consumption for propane prices to really rally.  For now, prices are good and supplies are ample.  As a reminder, please make sure your driveway is plowed and sanded/salted if needed.  And also to be sure there is a clear path to your propane tank to ensure a safe and efficient delivery.

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

Best regards,

Jon Crawford – Pres.