Platts to implement US ethanol changes September 1

Following a period of industry consultation, Platts has decided to implement the following changes in specifications for its Chicago and US Atlantic Coast ethanol assessments effective September 1, 2009.

For the Chicago assessment, Platts will increase the minimum volume to 5,000 barrels and will change its assessment timeframe to 5-15 days forward from date of publication. Currently, Platts Chicago ethanol assessments reflect a minimum volume of 3,000 barrels and timing of 5-15 days forward from date of publication.

For the USAC assessment, Platts will increase the minimum volume for its US Atlantic Coast ethanol assessment to 25,000 barrels; currently, Platts USAC ethanol assessments reflect a minimum volume of 10,000 barrels.

In addition, Platts is seeking comments in regards to the basis and location of its Chicago ethanol assessment, currently FOB Chicago area terminals, given the recent increase in basis ITT Kinder Morgan Argo Terminal transactions in the spot market.

Please send comments to Robert Sharp, robert_sharp@platts.com; or to Esa Ramasamy, esa_ramasamy@platts.com, and cc pricegroup@platts.com.