Low sulphur, high price
European refiners anticipate increased margins and improved utilisation due to the IMO 2020 cap
The International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) 0.5pc sulphur cap on bunker fuels, imposed from 2020 globally, will require a step change for European refineries. Utilisation and margins are expected to receive a boost from increased demand for marine gasoil and diesel, accelerating the trend away from conventional fuel oil. The cap "is going to represent a significant change for refiners in Europe, because the switch for fuel oil from 3.5pc to 0.5pc is not straightforward," says Damien Valdenaire, science executive, refining operations, Concawe, the environment research arm refining industry association FuelsEurope. "Refineries in Europe don't have the ability to remove the sulphur… we'll h

Also in this section
25 July 2025
KRG, Iraq’s central government and Turkey are all working to get exports flowing from the key port, but complications remain
25 July 2025
Mozambique’s insurgency continues, but the security situation near the LNG site has significantly improved, with TotalEnergies aiming to lift its force majeure within months
25 July 2025
There is a bifurcation in the global oil market as China’s stockpiling contrasts with reduced inventories elsewhere
24 July 2025
The reaction to proposed sanctions on Russian oil buyers has been muted, suggesting trader fatigue with Trump’s frequent bold and erratic threats