Daily Energy & Shipping Briefing — Aug 10, 2026
Energy markets saw mixed movements on Monday, with crude oil prices firming slightly on steady demand outlooks, while natural gas experienced minor declines. Shipping rates presented a varied picture, with VLCCs showing resilience but product tankers facing some headwinds.
Energy Prices
Crude
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brent ICE | $/bbl | 65.20 | +1.29 |
| WTI NYMEX | $/bbl | 61.80 | +1.15 |
Products
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBOB Gasoline NYMEX | c/gal | 213.67 | +2.83 |
| ULSD NYMEX | c/gal | 205.50 | +2.50 |
Natural Gas
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Henry Hub NYMEX | $/MMBtu | 3.66 | -0.14 |
| UK NBP ICE | p/therm | 95.20 | +1.50 |
Natural Gas Liquids
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mont Belvieu Propane NYMEX | $/mt | 378.14 | +1.25 |
| US Mont Belvieu Ethane NYMEX | c/gal | 25.10 | +0.35 |
Price Spreads
| Instrument | Unit | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBOB Gasoline/Brent Crack Spread | $/bbl | 23.19 | -0.15 |
| ULSD/Brent Crack Spread | $/bbl | 28.50 | +0.20 |
Shipping Rates & Bunkers
Dirty Tanker (Spot TCE, $/day)
| Vessel | Route | Spot TCE | Avg YTD |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLCC, 270 | AG-FE | 40,300 | 39,700 |
| Suezmax, 130 | WAF-UKC | 28,500 | 27,800 |
| Aframax, 80 | Carib-USGC | 22,100 | 21,600 |
Clean Tanker (Spot TCE, $/day)
| Vessel | Route | Spot TCE | Avg YTD |
|---|---|---|---|
| LR2, 75 | AG-FE | 20,500 | 26,400 |
| LR1, 55 | AG-FE | 18,200 | 22,100 |
| MR, 37 | TC2 (Cont-USAC) | 15,100 | 17,600 |
Time Charter & Asset Values
| Vessel | 1yr ($/day) | Newbuild ($M) | 5yr ($M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLCC, 200+ | 49,000 | 127.0 | 112.0 |
| Suezmax, 130 | 35,500 | 85.5 | 75.5 |
| MR, 50 | 22,500 | 45.5 | 38.5 |
LNG Vessels ($/day)
| Type | Spot | Sentiment | 52wk Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160M3 Tri-fuel diesel electric (East) | 13,000 | Flat | 30,231 |
| 174M3 MEGI (Atlantic) | 15,500 | Soft | 35,500 |
| 180M3 X-DF (Pacific) | 14,000 | Flat | 32,000 |
Bunkers ($/mt)
| Port | VLSFO | HSFO | MGO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 508.0 | 425.0 | 585.0 |
| Rotterdam | 515.0 | 430.0 | 590.0 |
| Fujairah | 505.0 | 420.0 | 580.0 |
LPG (Spot TCE, $/day)
| VLGC, 44 (AG-Japan) | 34,643 |
| VLGC, 44 (USGC-Japan) | 42,500 |
| Handysize, 22 (NWE-Med) | 18,000 |
Carbon Markets
| Instrument | Unit | Bid | Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union Allowances (Spot) | EUR/ton | 69.34 | 69.36 |
| UK ETS (Spot) | GBP/ton | 82.10 | 82.20 |
Equities & Currencies
| Index | Region | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | United States | 3,842.93 | -1.89 |
| FTSE 100 | United Kingdom | 7,250.10 | +15.20 |
| Nikkei 225 | Japan | 27,800.50 | +80.30 |
| Pair | Region | Last | Δ Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/$ | European Union | 1.11 | -0.01 |
| USD/JPY | Japan | 145.20 | +0.05 |
| GBP/$ | United Kingdom | 1.28 | 0.00 |
Developments
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OPEC+ Signals Steady Output Amid Global Demand Concerns
OPEC+ ministers concluded their monthly meeting, indicating no immediate changes to production quotas, citing a balanced market outlook despite lingering global economic uncertainties.
Reuters · Aug 9, 2026
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European Gas Storage Levels Remain Robust Ahead of Winter
European natural gas storage facilities are reportedly over 85% full, providing a buffer against potential supply disruptions as the continent prepares for the upcoming winter heating season.
S&P Global Platts · Aug 10, 2026
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Tanker Market Sees Mixed Fortunes: VLCCs Firm, Product Tankers Soften
VLCC rates showed resilience on strong demand from the Middle East, while product tanker earnings softened slightly due to ample vessel availability in key regions.
TradeWinds · Aug 10, 2026
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New LNG Export Terminal in US Gulf Coast Nears Completion
A major new LNG export facility in the US Gulf Coast is on track for commissioning in late 2026, poised to add significant liquefaction capacity to the global market.
LNG Prime · Aug 8, 2026
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Carbon Prices Edge Higher on Anticipated EU Policy Reforms
European carbon allowance prices saw a modest increase, driven by market speculation around stricter emissions reduction targets expected from upcoming EU legislative proposals.
Bloomberg · Aug 9, 2026
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Asian Refiners Boost Throughput as Regional Demand Recovers
Refineries across Asia are reportedly increasing crude processing rates to meet a gradual recovery in regional fuel demand, particularly for gasoline and jet fuel.
Argus Media · Aug 10, 2026
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Global Shipping Congestion Eases in Key Ports, But Labor Issues Persist
While overall port congestion has improved in several major global hubs, ongoing labor negotiations and strikes in some regions continue to pose challenges for container and bulk shipping.
Lloyd's List · Aug 9, 2026
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Propane Inventories Build Seasonally in North America
North American propane inventories continued their seasonal build, reaching comfortable levels ahead of anticipated agricultural and heating demand later in the year.
NGI · Aug 10, 2026
