SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts amends Singapore 92, 95, 97 RON gasoline specifications change

S&P Global Platts has amended the specifications for gasoline reflected in its FOB Singapore gasoline 92 RON unleaded, 95 RON unleaded and 97 RON unleaded assessments on July 1, 2019.

Platts opened a consultation on this proposed change on February 7, 2018. Since that time it has discussed the proposal in open forums and a variety of bilateral meetings involving a full range of stakeholders. Platts announced on April 4, 2018 that it would move ahead with the change. (https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/our-methodology/subscriber-notes/040318-p latts-amends-singapore-92-ron-95-ron-97-ron-gasoline-specifications)

The specifications for the FOB Singapore 92 RON gasoline grade, FOB Singapore 95 RON and FOB Singapore 97 RON now reflect a sulfur level of 50 ppm (0.005%), a maximum Reid Vapor Pressure specification of 9 and a final boiling point of a maximum 215 degree Celsius. At the same time, Platts included new limits on aromatics and olefins by percentage volume to the three FOB Singapore benchmark assessments. The maximum aromatics content is set at 40%, while maximum olefins content at 25%.

Previously, the FOB Singapore 92 RON gasoline grade, FOB Singapore 95 RON and FOB Singapore 97 RON reflected a sulfur level of 350 ppm (0.035%), a RVP of maximum 9.5 and a final boiling point of a maximum 225 degrees Celsius.

The specifications for the netback assessments of 92 RON and 95 RON gasoline on a FOB Arab Gulf basis will mirror the changes made to the FOB Singapore gasoline specifications.

However, the specifications reflected in the spot market premiums/discounts for 92 RON gasoline on a FOB Arab Gulf basis, and 95 RON gasoline on a FOB and CFR Arab Gulf basis remained unchanged.

A full description of the Middle Eastern gasoline specifications can be viewed online at https://www.platts.com/IM.Platts.Content/MethodologyReferences/MethodologySpe cs/Asia-refined-oil-products-methodology.pdf

The changes to the FOB Singapore gasoline specifications reflect evolving quality standards in Asia, where gasoline trading reflects supply and demand across the Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

Platts periodically reviews the specifications of all its assessments to ensure they are representative of the most tradeable grades.

Such reviews may lead to changes to the existing specifications of an assessment, though any changes would be subject to further industry consultations ahead of any final decision.

Platts last updated the specifications of these assessments on July 1, 2016.

The specifications for the Platts Singapore gasoline assessments can be viewed at https://www.platts.com/IM.Platts.Content/MethodologyReferences/MethodologySpe cs/Asia-refined-oil-products-methodology.pdf

Please send all feedback or questions to asia_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if they are not intended for public viewing.

Platts will consider all comments received and will make those not marked as confidential available upon request.