Tampa: Little movement was reported in the domestic molten market. The first-quarter contract was valued at $75/lt DEL, up from $69.55/lt in Q4.
Refinery utilization fell for the week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Refiners operated at 87.7 percent capacity for the week ending Feb. 3, a 0.5 percent decline from the prior week’s 88.2 percent. The rate nevertheless kept ahead of both the year-ago 86.1 percent and five-year average of 87.1 percent.
The EIA noted reduced daily crude inputs as well. Refiners processed an average 15.893 million barrels/d, a decline of 54,000 barrels/d from the 15.947 million barrels/d reported one week earlier.
U.S. Gulf: Sources noted recent data points in the low-$80s/mt FOB, an increase from $75-$77/mt FOB at last report. Rumors described a formed sulfur cargo loading at NOLA and priced at $100/mt CFR Brazil. The vessel, believed to be destined for Vale SA, was left without buyer confirmation on Feb. 9. If confirmed, the $100/mt CFR pricing would translate to approximately $80/mt FOB NOLA, sources estimated.
Local media reported a fire at the 135,000 barrel/d Valero Energy Corp. refinery at Meraux, La., on Feb. 8. The blaze was confined to a compressor located in an area rarely frequented by workers.
U.S. Imports: Imports were up 11 percent in December, to 153,078 st from the year-ago 137,607 st. They were off three percent for July-December, however, to 809,077 st from 833,761 st.
Vancouver: Observers continued to describe both the Vancouver export and Chinese import markets as “slow” due to the Lunar New Year celebration at China, calling both markets flat at $87-$92/mt FOB and $101-$107/mt CFR, respectively.
Alberta netbacks ran (-)$55-$20/mt FOB for the week, unchanged from the previous report.