Dated Brent—all change but business as usual
The sheer scale of financial infrastructure around the crude market’s most important global benchmark means the wider trading market will largely shrug off any physical implications from a Fob-to-Cif switch
The storied Dated Brent contract could see another major plot twist in July next year, with price reporting agency (PRA) S&P Global Platts proposing to change the assessment from a Fob to Cif Rotterdam basis. It also intends to include the US WTI Midland grade in the basket alongside existing North Sea crudes. There has been a Cif element in Brent since October 2019, when Platts began including Cif Rotterdam trades of the constituent Brent, Forties and Norwegian Oseberg, Ekofisk and Troll grades, adjusted back to Fob using a freight calculator. And the PRA opened a consultation in December on including the US WTI Midland grade in Brent from March of next year. Sverdrup option So, the swi
Also in this section
29 April 2026
The UAE’s exit from the alliance marks a decisive step towards a world in which oil markets are shaped less by collective management and more by national strategy
29 April 2026
Trafigura’s $1b prepayment agreement confirms African resource holders’ renewed interest in oil-backed financing deals as they look to capitalise on high oil prices
29 April 2026
The UAE’s departure from the oil producers’ group was a surprise to many, but the move can be traced back to a single point five years ago
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
