Platts opens consultation on Gasoline 10ppmS CIF NWE Cargo specification

S&P Global Platts is opening a consultation regarding possible specification changes to its Gasoline 10ppmS CIF NWE Cargo assessment, following the United Kingdom government's recent announcement to switch to E10 gasoline at the pump.

Platts is seeking feedback on how to align its Gasoline 10ppmS CIF NWE Cargo assessment, which is basis Thames, to the upcoming specification changes in the UK as well as the timing of any such changes.

In particular, Platts is seeking feedback on the typical specification of gasoline that will be imported into the region as a result of the change, including whether this could be a non-oxygenated finished grade.

Platts also welcomes feedback on other aspects of the methodology, such as typical cargo sizes and trade flows, and on the prevalence of guarantees of preferential EU origin for the gasoline imported in the UK and its effect on tariff treatment in the UK.

On Feb. 25, 2021 the UK government announced that it will adopt E10 gasoline, which can contain up to 10% ethanol, as its standard blend from September 2021 as part of a move to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The UK currently consumes gasoline containing no more than 5% ethanol, known as E5 gasoline. E10 has already been introduced in Austria and Belgium, while Germany, Finland and France all have the option of both E10 and E5 at the pump.

The CIF NWE cargo assessment (Code: AAXFQ00) currently reflects EN228 specification material with a 95 RON/85 MON min octane rating and a reference density of 0.755 kg/l. The maximum sulfur content is 10ppm and the aromatics limit is a maximum of 35%. The assessment reflects material with a maximum oxygenate content of 0.9% by mass, and a maximum evaporation (E70) of 43% in winter specification material and 41% in summer specification material. The assessment reflects cargoes delivered CIF basis Thames with normal charterparty options within Northwest Europe. The assessment reflects cargoes of 10,000 mt, with a typical operational tolerance of 10% although larger sizes may be considered for normalization.

Please send any comments or queries to europe_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by June 18, 2021. 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.