SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts ends USGC CIF naphtha cargo assessments

Platts has discontinued assessments for US Gulf Coast naphtha CIF cargoes effective April 1, 2015. Platts opened this consultation on the future of the assessments on September 24, 2013.

This proposed discontinuation is due to substantial changes in market conditions. Significant growth in naphtha production, a result of liquids-rich gas drilling and light crude oil domestic production, has shifted the US from a net importer to a net exporter of light naphtha and natural gasoline, and these exports have increased substantially as rising US supplies will continue to overwhelm demand.

On January 2, 2014, Platts launched a new naphtha assessment for cargoes loading at US Gulf Coast terminals on an FOB basis.

The discontinued CIF import assessments were published on Platts Global Alert pages 26, 34 and 338; Platts BioFuels Alert page 760; in US Marketscan, North American Crude and Products Scan, and Platts Oilgram Price Report; and in the Platts assessment database under codes AAKWL00 for US Gulf Coast heavy naphtha cargo, and PAAAC00 for US Gulf Coast full range naphtha cargo.