Tampa: Supply and demand for sulfur appeared to be in balance late last week, and there were no new factors that might affect the balance in the near future.
The U.S. Department of Energy said the refinery operating capacity rate increased 0.4 percent last week, from 92.2 percent to 92.6 percent. A year earlier, the rate was 90 percent. As reported last week, however, the basis for determining capacity has changed from the previous year. That, and the greater use of lower sulfur oil for refining, may account for the high capacity operating rate, but little has changed in the amount of sulfur produced.
U.S. Gulf: Prices were still in the $180-$185/mt range for prill exports.
Benelux: The current price range was $212-$220/mt FOB, although a new price should be posted soon.