Subscriber note: Platts invites feedback on proposed USGC ULSD assessment

Platts requests feedback regarding the possible introduction of a US Gulf Coast ultra low sulfur diesel assessment. The proposed new assessment would reflect ULSD that may contain renewable diesel, up to a maximum of 5%, at the Colonial Pipeline's injection point at Pasadena, Texas.

This assessment would reflect the prompt pipeline cycle and its specifications will be equivalent to Colonial Pipeline's 61-grade.

This proposal follows feedback to Platts' confirmation on January 15 that its existing US Gulf Coast, US Atlantic Coast and US Midwest assessments for the value of 2,000 ppm sulfur diesel (also known as No. 2 oil) and ultra low sulfur diesel reflect fuel containing pure hydrocarbons only.

With the exception of the US West Coast, Platts' existing US diesel assessments therefore do not reflect diesel with blends of renewable diesel (hydrotreated diesel), biodiesel or other non-hydrocarbon fuels. Platts issued a similar guidance in May 2012 for US Gulf Coast ULSD.

Please send comments by April 2, 2013, to americas_products@platts.com and to pricegroup@platts.com