Platts published alignment methodology statement

On May 5, 2009, Platts announced its intention to complete the process of aligning all pricing elements -- fixed price, differentials and futures inputs -- in its Americas crude oil and products price assessments at exactly 3:15 pm Eastern Time, effective June 1, 2009.

In those markets where commodities trade at differentials to futures, the prevailing futures' value as assessed by Platts at 3:15 pm ET will be used in the assessment process.

The Platts methodology detailing the editorial process to assess the value of futures at 3:15 pm ET is now available at the following link: http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Methodology%20&%20Specifications/alignmen tmethodology2009.pdf?S=n.

Please note that Platts has been assessing futures at 3:15 pm ET on a provisional basis since March 9, 2009. The futures assessments are published in the US Marketscan. In addition, Platts has published a detailed summary of the assessments and an analysis.

This document is available at the following link: http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Market%20Issues/uspricedisp.pdf?S=n