SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Comments sought on introduction of USGC FOB naphtha cargo assessments

Platts is seeking comments regarding the introduction of an FOB naphtha assessment for cargoes loading at US Gulf Coast terminals on an FOB basis effective November 1, 2013. The assessment would be published as an outright price in both US dollars per metric ton, and cents per gallon, to allow for efficient comparison between US pipeline and export markets. The assessment will reflect the value of a 250,000-barrel cargo, plus or minus 5%, loading 15 to 30 days forward from the date of publication. Other trade sizes may be considered for the assessment, normalized for size. The specifications would be as follows: N+A: min 38% vol; IBP: min 110F; 10% distillation: min 155F; FBP: max 395F; API: max 63; sulfur: max 350 ppm; color: min +20; RVP: max 6 psi; nitrogen: max 3 ppm; lead: max 50 ppb; oxy: max 50 ppm; chloride: 1 ppm max; olefin: max 1%; H2S: 1 ppm liquids. The conversion factor for this new assessment would be 364.040 gal/mt. The assessment would be based on market activity in the ports of Corpus Christi, Houston, Port Arthur/Beaumont, Lake Charles and New Orleans. The additional naphtha assessment is proposed in light of the structural change in the US Gulf Coast naphtha market, which has made the region an exporter of naphtha, as well as an importer. 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 comments not marked as confidential available upon request. Please email comments and questions by October 11, 2013 to Americas_products@platts.com with a cc to pricegroup@platts.com.