Tampa: The sulfur market remained subdued following the recent price realignment for first-quarter sulfur contracts. And although the updated price of molten sulfur delivered to Tampa is still in its relative infancy, many were already looking ahead to the second quarter.
The first-quarter price of molten sulfur delivered to Tampa was $110/lt, up from the fourth-quarter price of $75/lt.
Operating rates at U.S. refineries rose slightly as frosty temperatures abated, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Outputs crept up to 88.2 percent for the week ending Jan. 24, a 1.7 percent increase from the previous week’s 86.5 percent, and also up from last year’s 85.0 percent and the five-year average of 83.6 percent.
U.S. Gulf: The price range for Gulf prill was $110-$120/mt FOB, unchanged from the previous week.
Vancouver: Upward pressure from international markets facing tight supply kept the Vancouver spot market in a range of $138-$142/mt FOB, unchanged from the previous period. Contract prices also remained static at $100-$120/mt FOB.
The price of sulfur shipped to the U.S. from Alberta was quoted in a range of (-)$30-(+)$37.
West Coast: The price of sulfur on the West Coast was unchanged at $140/mt FOB.
Benelux: The new first-quarter price range for Benelux was set at $130-$144/mt, a $22/mt rise from the fourth-quarter price of $108-$122/mt.
ADNOC: The January ADNOC price remained at $140/mt FOB, though an adjustment for February is due soon.