Platts to update thermal conversion factors in LNG coverage

Platts proposes to update the conversion factors that it applies to its Dated Brent, Asian Dated Brent, Minas crude oil, low sulfur waxy residue (LSWR) and naphtha assessments to convert from dollars per barrel and dollars per metric tonne to dollars per MMBtu. The change is proposed to best reflect industry standard conversions.

Platts proposes to update the conversion factor applied to its Dated Brent and Asian Dated Brent assessments from 5.26 to 5.8 MMBtu/barrel.

The factor applied to its Minas crude oil assessment to convert from dollars per barrel to dollars per MMBtu is proposed to be updated from 5.36 to 5.9.

The factor applied to its LSWR Mixed/Cracked FOB Indonesia assessment to convert from dollars per barrel to dollars per MMBtu is proposed to be updated from 5.8 to 5.5.

The factor applied to its fuel oil 2% sulfur 180 CST FOB Singapore assessment to convert from dollars per metric tonne to dollars per MMBtu will remain unchanged at 39.7.

The factor applied to its naphtha CFR Japan assessment to convert from dollars per metric tonne to dollars per MMBtu is proposed to be updated from 41.7 to 46.8.

These assessments and associated information are published on Platts Natural Gas Alert pages 1021, 1024 and 1028 and in the Platts LNG Daily publication.

The change would take effect from October 1, 2012.

Please send comments by August 24 to lng@platts.com, and cc to pricegroup@platts.com.