Subscriber note: Platts to make no changes to existing US ULSD specifications

Following discussion with a wide variety of market participants and other interested parties, Platts clarifies that no changes are planned for the specifications defined for its US Gulf Coast ultra low sulfur diesel assessments. Platts USGC ULSD assessments currently reflect hydrocarbon-only ULSD with minimum cetane 40, a maximum sulfur content of 10 ppm, a minimum gravity of 30 API and a minimum flash point of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The US' Colonial Pipeline has notified shippers that Pipeline Grade 61 ULSD may contain up to 5% renewable diesel, with effect from June 1, 2012. It has additionally notified shippers that Pipeline Grade 63 ULSD will be changed so that it reflects ULSD with no allowance for added renewable diesel. Platts intends for its existing USGC ULSD to reflect trading in Colonial Pipeline Grade 63 from that date onwards. Platts intends to separately announce plans for a new assessment, to be called "US Gulf Coast ULSD (with renewable diesel)". The new assessment will reflect trading in Colonial Pipeline Grade 61 from June 1 onwards. Please send and comments or questions by May 22 to americas_products@platts.com and cc to pricegroup@platts.com.