SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts proposes to discontinue Japan, Korea, MOPAG paper HSFO assessments

S&P Global Platts proposes to discontinue physical high sulfur fuel oil assessments in Japan and South Korea East, and certain HSFO derivative assessments in the Middle East from June 1, 2020.

Under the proposal, the following assessments would be discontinued: Assessment CODE Mavg FO 180 CST 3.5% S C+F Japan Cargo PUACJ00 PUACJ03 FO 180 CST 3.5% S FOB Korea Cargo PUBDP00 PUBDQ03 FO 180 CST 3.5% S FOB Korea Cargo vs FO 180 MOPS strip PUBDR00 PUBDS03 FO 380 CST 3.5% S FOB Korea Cargo PUBDY00 PUBDZ03 FO 380 CST 3.5% S FOB Korea Cargo vs FO 380 MOPS strip PUBEA00 PUBEB03 FO 180 CST FOB Arab Gulf Swaps BalMo AAYBM00 FO 180 CST FOB Arab Gulf Swaps M1 AAYBM01 FO 180 CST FOB Arab Gulf Swaps M2 AAYBM02

The proposal follows low trading activity for HSFO in these markets that is set to shrink further as sulfur specifications in marine fuel change from 2020 under the new International Maritime Organization regulations. Over 2019, Platts has launched a slew of physical cargo, derivative and bunker assessments for Marine Fuel 0.5% at multiple locations, including Japan, South Korea and the Middle East, reflecting the price of IMO 2020-compliant shipping fuels. Please send all feedback, questions or comments on the discontinuation proposal to asia_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by December 6, 2019. 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.