SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts extends feedback for USGC ULSHO cargo assessments

Platts has extended the feedback period to September 15, 2014, for comments regarding the proposed introduction of an FOB Ultra Low Sulfur Heating Oil assessment for cargoes loading at US Gulf Coast terminals.

Platts now proposes to launch this assessment with effect from November 3, 2014. Platts invites comments on all aspects of this proposal, and particularly invites comments around proposed specifications, if European seasonality is reflected in US export quality standards, as well as typical nomination and loading conventions.

Platts first proposed the new assessment in a subscriber note June 18, 2014, and subsequently extended the feedback period July 11, 2014.

Under its current proposal, the assessment would reflect EN590 quality, with volumes normalized to a typical standard of 300,000 barrels. Platts proposes to reflect a typical operational tolerance of plus/minus 10%. The assessment would reflect cargoes loading seven to 21 days forward from the date of publication, subject to industry standard terminal and vessel nomination procedures.

Loading locations along the coast from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Pascagoula, Mississippi, normalized to a Houston basis, would be reflected in the assessment.

This assessment would 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.

Please email comments and questions by September 15, 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.