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- Fuel and Freight Daily Update - 1/16/26
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01/16/2026
Futures Market Settles (Front Month)
All prices reflect end-of-day settlements from January 15th, 2026
Instrument | Settlement | Change |
|---|---|---|
WTI Future (Feb) | $59.19 | ▼ 2.83 |
Brent Final Day (Mar) | $63.76 | ▼ 2.76 |
RBOB (Feb) | $1.7838 | ▼ 0.0466 |
ULSD (Feb) | $2.2083 | ▼ 0.0736 |
Ethanol CU (Jan) | $1.5350 | (FLAT) |
Spread | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
HO/Brent (Mar) | $28.46 | ▼ 0.35 |
RB/Brent (Mar) | $12.27 | ▲ 0.65 |
HO/WTI Crack (Feb) | $33.56 | ▼ 0.26 |
ULSD & Jet Physical Market Settles
Colonial Pipeline Differentials (USGC):
ULSD 62g (C06): -9.00
Jet Fuel 54g (C07): -16.00
Type | Price | Change |
|---|---|---|
D6 (Ethanol) | $1.2175 | ▲ 0.0747 |
D4 (Biodiesel) | $1.3050 | ▲ 0.0865 |
D5 (Advanced) | $1.2940 | ▲ 0.0865 |
D3 (Cellulosic) | $2.4215 | ▲ 0.0375 |
Freight Market Summary
Clean Tankers:
Clean-product tanker markets remain soft. Prompt tonnage availability in the U.S. Gulf and other key export regions continues to exceed cargo demand. While post-holiday inquiries are gradually returning, volumes remain insufficient to meaningfully tighten vessel lists. Owners are still competing aggressively on rates to secure stems, keeping sentiment cautious heading into the latter half of January.
Crude Tankers:
Crude freight remains steady with a supportive undertone. A sizable portion of VLCC and Suezmax tonnage remains tied up on long-haul or extended voyages, limiting effective supply. Although fixture activity is improving incrementally, these structural constraints continue to underpin rate floors across major long-haul routes.
LNG Shipping:
LNG freight remains firm. Winter demand continues to absorb vessel availability, particularly in the Atlantic Basin. Extended voyage durations and active forward chartering are keeping ships committed, allowing owners to maintain pricing leverage despite slightly improving liquidity.
Dry Bulk & General Freight:
Dry-bulk markets are mixed but generally stable in core commodity corridors. Container and general cargo segments remain under pressure from excess capacity and uneven global trade flows. Any seasonal lift remains limited and highly route-specific.
Overall Outlook:
Freight markets remain bifurcated. Crude and LNG shipping continue to benefit from structural tightness and seasonal demand, while clean-product tankers and container freight remain weighed down by oversupply and sluggish cargo flows. A clearer directional shift will likely depend on the pace at which post-holiday cargo programs continue to normalize through late January.
Disclaimer
This article and its contents are provided by Liquidity Energy, LLC ("The Firm") for informational purposes only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any commodity, futures contract, option contract, or other transaction. Although any statements of fact have been obtained from and are based on sources that the Firm believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee their accuracy, and any such information may be incomplete or condensed.
Commodity trading involves risks, and you should fully understand those risks prior to trading. Liquidity Energy LLC and its affiliates assume no liability for the use of any information contained herein. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed shall be construed as an offer to buy or sell any futures or options on futures contracts. Information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy. Any opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice, are that of the individual, and not necessarily the opinion of Liquidity Energy LLC
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