Fuel and Freight Daily Update - 7/16/25

08/01/2025

All pricing reflects end‑of‑day settlements from July 15th, 2025

• WTI (Aug): $66.52 ▼ 0.46

• Brent (Sept): $68.71 ▼ 0.50

• RBOB (Aug): $2.1696 ▲ 0.0042

• ULSD (HO Aug): $2.4052 ▲ 0.0154

• HO/Brent (Sept): $31.19 ▲ 0.97

• RB/Brent (Sept): $20.47 ▲ 0.42

• HO/WTI Crack (Aug): $34.50 ▲ 1.11

Colonial Pipeline Differentials:

• ULSD 62g (C42): -7.75

• Jet Fuel 54g (C43): -22.00

LT (ULSD) CME Blocks:

BALMO: -8.13
Q4 ’25 Avg: -10.25
Q1 ’26 Avg: -8.54
Q2 ’26 Avg: -6.22
Q3 ’26 Avg: -5.84

ME (Jet) CME Blocks:

BALMO: -24.13
Q4 ’25 Avg: -22.21
Q1 ’26 Avg: -20.75
Q2 ’26 Avg: -18.08
Q3 ’26 Avg: -17.92

RIN Futures (Dec ’25)

• D6 (Ethanol): $1.1575 ▲ 0.0175

• D4 (Biodiesel): $1.2250 ▲ 0.0190

• D5 (Advanced): $1.2100 ▲ 0.0200

• D3 (Cellulosic): $2.1700 (FLAT)

Clean Tankers:
The Gulf Coast continues to see elevated availability of clean product tankers. However, steady flows to Latin America and the U.S. East Coast remain supportive of freight levels. While oversupply persists, owners are routinely factoring in delays and risk-adjusted planning, which has helped prevent a significant drop in rates. The market remains stable, but any disruption to export flows could tip the balance.

Crude Tankers:
Large crude carriers are still opting for the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting the Red Sea or Strait of Hormuz. These extended routes continue to soak up global tonnage, reducing available supply and keeping rates firm, particularly for long-haul trades between the Middle East and Asia. With geopolitical tensions unchanged, this rerouting trend shows no signs of letting up.

LNG Shipping:
Spot LNG rates remain elevated, driven by cautious navigation strategies and limited vessel availability. Atlantic demand continues to be a key driver of market tightness. Shipowners are maintaining longer lead times and risk buffers, which is keeping spot tonnage tight and prices supported across key basins.

Routing & Geopolitical Conditions:
No major shifts in shipping patterns. The Cape route remains the default for many long-haul trades, bypassing the Suez Canal and Red Sea. The ongoing preference for longer, safer routes is contributing to tighter vessel availability and keeping insurance and operating costs elevated across tanker classes.

Enjoyed this article?