SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to amend Singapore 92 RON, 95 RON, 97 RON gasoline specifications

S&P Global Platts proposes to amend the specifications for gasoline reflected in its FOB Singapore 92 RON unleaded, 95 RON unleaded and 97 RON unleaded assessments from July 1, 2019, after market consultation on a proposal note on October 31, 2017.

The earlier proposal can be viewed at http://www.Platts.com/subscriber-notes-details/27883410.

Since then, Platts has discussed the proposal in a variety of bilateral meetings involving a full range of stakeholders.

In that announcement, Platts stated it would not change the specifications for the FOB Singapore 92 RON gasoline grade and that only the FOB Singapore 95 RON and 97 RON specifications would be amended.

Under the new proposal, all three gasoline grades assessed by Platts -- 92 RON, 95 RON and 97 RON -- will reflect similar specification standards.

This is due to strong market support for reflecting similar specifications for all three grades because of blending economics, as well as an ongoing fundamental shift in supply flows in the region.

Due to the proposed change to all three grades, Platts is also seeking feedback on the date of implementation.

Previously, Platts had proposed amending the specifications of 95 RON and 97 RON on September 3, 2018.

Platts is now proposing to amend all three grades from July 1, 2019.

Under the new proposal, all three gasoline grades will see the sulfur level lowered from a maximum of 350 ppm (0.035%) to 50 ppm (0.005%).

The reduction of the sulfur content to a maximum of 50 ppm will have additional limits on aromatics by percentage volume and olefins by percentage volume.

The maximum aromatics content will be set at 40%, while maximum olefins content will be set at 25%.

Platts also proposes to lower the Reid Vapor Pressure specification to a maximum of 9 PSI from 9.5 PSI currently.

Platts will also reduce the final boiling point from a maximum of 225 degrees Celsius to 215 degrees Celsius.

The current specification standards for gasoline on an FOB AG basis remain unchanged.

These changes reflect evolving quality standards in Asia, where gasoline trading reflects supply and demand across the Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

Vietnam has already began adopting 50 ppm sulfur for its domestic 95 RON gasoline specifications since January 2017.

Platts periodically reviews the specifications of all its assessments to ensure they are representative of the most tradeable grades.

Such reviews may lead to changes to the existing specifications of an assessment, though any changes would be subject to further industry consultations ahead of any final decision.

Platts last updated the specifications of these assessments on July 1, 2016.

The current specifications for the Platts Singapore gasoline assessments can also be viewed at https://www.platts.com/IM.Platts.Content/MethodologyReferences/MethodologySpe cs/Asia-refined-oil-products-methodology.pdf

Any submissions for the review process should be sent to asia_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by March 30, 2018.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if they are not intended for public viewing.

Platts will consider all comments received and will make those not marked as confidential available upon request.