SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts extends feedback period FOB USGC ULSHO cargo assessment

Platts has extended the feedback period for comments to July 25 regarding the introduction of an FOB Ultra Low Sulfur Heating Oil assessment for cargoes loading at US Gulf Coast terminals located along the coast from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Pascagoula, Mississippi, effective September 1, 2014. Platts proposes to normalize this assessment to loading on a Houston basis.

Vast refining capacity and ramping production of middle distillates from refineries in the US Gulf Coast have made the USGC the main export location for refined products in the Americas.

Platts is proposing to launch a new assessment that reflects clip sizes of 150,000 barrels, undyed, with a sulfur content maximum of 11 ppm, typical cetane index of 46, aromatics volume maximum of 31.7%; API minimum of 30; flash point minimum of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Other trade sizes and quality specifications may be considered for the assessment, normalized for size and quality including, but not limited, to cetane content.

The assessment will reflect cargoes loading 7 to 21 days forward from the date of publication.

Additionally, this assessment will not include the value of Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), which reflect the cost of supplying RINS with fuel when mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). RVOs are the amount of renewable fuels to be blended into transportation fuels for US domestic consumption.

Platts invites comments on all aspects of this proposal, particularly regarding cetane index standards and location normalization. Please email comments and questions by July 25, 2014, to americas_products@platts.com with a cc to pricegroup@platts.com.

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.