Tampa: Sulfur remained very quiet last week, with nothing new to upset the supply/demand cart. World prices remained depressed, and that trend could continue when negotiations for fourth-quarter Tampa molten sulfur prices get underway next month.
Refinery operating capacity rates last week increased by 0.8 percent from the previous week, to 92.5 percent from 91.2 percent. That was significantly more than last year’s 84.7 percent for the same period, and also well above the four-year average of 88.1 percent.
The molten sulfur price delivered to Tampa for the third quarter was set at $95/lt, effective July 1.
U.S. Gulf: The price range for Gulf prill was $70-$80/mt FOB. Less was going to prillers, which was boosting supplies of molten sulfur to Tampa.
Vancouver: With sulfur prices at China returning to the $90/mt level, prices at Vancouver remained low in the $60-$75/mt FOB range last week. That situation will not improve until the China price moves up.
West Coast: There was still no change in prices on the West Coast, which remained in the $63-$78/mt FOB range.
Benelux: The Benelux price range for the third quarter was $140-$155/mt.
ADNOC: The ADNOC price was $90/mt FOB.