Galp adds to European refining optimism
Portuguese refiner reports stronger Q4 economics
Portugal’s Galp saw its Q4 2021 refining margin improve to $5.60/bl in the fourth quarter of 2021, up by 37pc quarter-on-quarter and by 250pc compared with just $1.60/bl in the final quarter of 2020. And its improved downstream performance appears to be part of a trend, with other European refiners to have posted Q4 numbers thus far also reporting higher margins (see Fig.1). Spain’s Repsol reported its marker having risen to $4.40/bl over the last quarter, similar to the $4.50/bl achieved by Poland’s PKN Orlen. Shell’s Q4 numbers show a similar trend, but at higher levels, with its most recent refining margin at $6.55/bl. Given the major’s more global focus, that could point to European refi
Also in this section
28 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations
28 April 2026
Restoring supply from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq involves complexities far beyond simply adjusting operational controls
28 April 2026
Datacentres will guzzle power at a ferocious rate, but the impact on wider energy markets will be far more complex than previously thought
28 April 2026
The key energy player faces balancing regional routes, political complexities, and creating a clear strategic vision for energy security






