SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to amend Asia 95 RON, 97 RON gasoline sulfur

S&P Global Platts proposes to amend the specifications for gasoline reflected in its FOB Singapore 95 RON unleaded and 97 RON unleaded assessments, as of September 3, 2018.

There will be no change to the current FOB Singapore 92 RON gasoline assessments.

The changes follow a consultation on gasoline specifications launched by Platts on July 31, and reflects the feedback received.

Under these changes, Platts proposes to lower the Reid Vapor Pressure specification to a maximum of 9 PSI, from 9.5 PSI currently. Platts will also reduce the final boiling point from a maximum of 225 degrees Celsius to 215 degrees Celsius.

Platts will also move down the sulfur level from a maximum of 350 ppm (0.035%) currently, to 50 ppm (0.005%). The lowering of the sulfur in gasoline to 50 ppm will see additional limits on aromatics by percent volume and olefin by percent volume. The maximum aromatics content will be set at 40%, while maximum olefin content will be set at 25%.

The amended specifications, which will take effect from September 2018, will have cargoes traded during the Platts Market on Close assessment process from that point should meet these revised specification standards.

These changes reflect evolving quality standards in Asia, where gasoline trading reflects supply and demand across the Asia Pacific and Middle East.

Vietnam has already began adopting 50 ppm sulfur gasoline for its domestic 95 RON gasoline specification since January 2017.

Platts periodically reviews the specifications of all its assessments to ensure they are representative of the most tradable 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.

Platts current specifications for the Singapore gasoline assessments can also be viewed at https://www.platts.com/IM.Platts.Content/MethodologyReferences/MethodologySpe cs/Asia-refined-oil-products-methodology.pdf

Any submissions for the review process should be sent to asia_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by December 1, 2017.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication.