SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to review Singapore gasoline specifications

Platts is reviewing the specifications of its assessments for FOB Singapore gasoline 92 RON unleaded, 95 RON unleaded and 97 RON unleaded, and invites submissions from interested parties to the review process.

Specifically, Platts is reviewing the suitability of continuing to assess these grades with maximum sulfur level of 350 ppm.

Platts is also reviewing the Reid Vapor Pressure, final boiling point, benzene and oxygen content levels reflected in these assessments, as well as the need to state specific maximum aromatic and olefins levels.

Two of the region's largest gasoline importers -- Malaysia and Indonesia -- are reviewing their domestic gasoline specification used in their respective countries over the next two years.

Malaysia has set a timeline of October 1, 2018 to implement its Euro 4M gasoline specifications for 95 RON gasoline.

Euro 4M specifications limit sulfur to 50 ppm, down from Malaysia's current standard of 500 ppm.

In addition, the maximum benzene level will be lowered to 3.5% from the current 5%, while the maximum limit for RVP will be reduced to between 9.5 PSI and 10.15 PSI.

The region's largest gasoline importer -- Indonesia -- is also expected to move to Euro IV gasoline specifications from the current Euro II standard by October 2018.

Gasoline compliant with Euro IV emission standards is understood to have a maximum sulfur content of 50 ppm with maximum benzene at 1%, MTBE at 1%, aromatic content of 35% and olefins content of 18%.

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 consultation ahead of any final decision.

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

Current specifications for FOB Singapore 92 RON, 95 RON and 97 RON gasoline:

Property Standard

Research Octane Number (RON) Min 92, Min 95, Min 97 Lead content, gpb/l Max 0.013 Density@15 deg C, g/ml Min 0.72 Reid Vapor Pressure (PSI) Max 9.5 Distillation, degree C Initial Boiling Point Report 10% evaporated Max 74 50% evaporated Max 127, Min 80 90% evaporated Max 190 Final Boiling Point Max 225 Residue, %vol Max 2.0 Loss, %vol 2 Odor Marketable Existent gum, mg/100ml Max 4 Benzene content, %vol Max 2.5 Sulfur, % wt Max 0.035 Doctor Test Negative or Mercaptan sulfur, ppm Max 15 Mercaptan sulfur, % wt Max 0.0015 Copper corrosion Max 1 (3 hours at 50 deg C) Induction period, minutes Min 240 Oxygenates content, % vol Max 14.0 (of which maximum Max MTBE content of 10.0) Aromatics, % vol, Report Color Undyed, Light Yellow Alcohol No addition of any alcohol Metallic Additives None added Acetone Max 100 ppm

Platts current specifications for the Singapore gasoline assessments can also be viewed at http://www.platts.com/MethodologyReferences/MethodologySpecs/asiaoilproductsp ecs.pdf

Any submissions for the review process should be sent to asia_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by September 29, 2017.

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 those not marked as confidential available upon request.