SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts proposes new Linden distillate assessments

Platts proposes to launch new middle distillate assessments in the US Atlantic Coast, reflecting the value of jet fuel, ultra low sulfur diesel and ultra low sulfur heating oil delivered at the final destination on the Colonial Pipeline into Linden, New Jersey. At the same time, Platts requests feedback on a proposal to discontinue several jet fuel and ULSD assessments, detailed below. These proposed changes in coverage are in response to evolving market conditions. Upgrades to refinery production and evolving fuel standards in the US mean that supply and trade of these fuels into Linden is increasingly common in the northeastern US, while other traditional markets are naturally declining in trade. Platts proposes to launch assessments for delivery into Linden reflecting minimum volumes of 25,000 barrels, for deliveries into the first, prompt full pipeline cycle available for trade in the market. Proposed new assessments would reflect sulfur max 15 ppm, cetane min 40 and undyed for ULS specs for diesel and heating oil, and sulfur max 3,000 ppm for jet fuel, and other specifications equivalent to Colonial Pipeline's 54 grade for jet fuel, 62 grade for ULSD and 67 grade for ULSHO. Colonial Pipeline shipments are scheduled according to cycles. There are typically six cycles per month, for a total of 72 cycles per year. Platts proposes to assess the first full shipping cycle, which would be the next cycle after each prompt cycle delivering into Linden. For example, C1 54 grade jet fuel would commonly be delivered in C1 (the first Colonial shipping cycle of the year) on January 23, while the same grade for delivery in C2 would arrive January 28, and C3 on February 2. Using such dates as an example, Platts would assess C2 until January 23 and then roll to C3 on January 24. If the Colonial Pipeline schedule via transport schedule were to change, Platts would adjust the cycle roll date in line with the schedule. Platts is also seeking feedback on proposals to discontinue the following assessments in the Atlantic Coast: Boston cargo jet fuel (PJABL00) and ultra low sulfur kerosene (AAVTJ00); New York harbor jet fuel cargo (PJAAX00), jet kerosene low sulfur cargo (PJABK00) and ultra low sulfur kerosene cargo (AAVTH00); Buckeye Pipeline jet fuel (AAJNL00) and jet kerosene low sulfur (AAJNN00); New York Harbor ULSD cargo (AATGW00), Boston ULSD cargo (AATHD00) and Buckeye Pipeline ULSD (AATHF00). These assessments can be found on Platts Global Alert pages 480, 481, 410 as well as US Marketscan and Platts Oilgram Price Report. Please send comments and feedback by April 11 to americas_products@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com. For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.