US crude exports are the gift that keeps on giving: Fuel for Thought
Favorable price differentials are leading to growing US crude exports from the Gulf Coast, which in turn is helping to fuel an infrastructure buildout.
Retail price of regular gasoline forecast to average $2.38 per gallon this summer
(Mon, 17 Jul 2017) In the latest <em>Short-Term Energy Outlook</em> (STEO), EIA forecasts that the U.S. retail price for regular gasoline will average $2.38 per gallon (gal) this summer (April through September). If realized, it would be the second-lowest summer average gasoline price since 2005.
The western U.S. sub-hourly wholesale electricity market is expanding
(Fri, 14 Jul 2017) Seven electricity providers in the western portion of the United States and Canada have plans to join the California Independent System Operatorâs (CAISO) western energy imbalance market (EIM) over the next several years. The EIM allows for more frequent dispatch of electricity-generating resources in the region.
New York state paves the way for big infrastructure
Six months into Donald Trump’s presidency and not a single infrastructure project has been approved as a result of any efforts by him and his administration. It is all talk, so far, even though it was a cornerstone of Trump’s campaign and also that of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
Brent and WTI crude oil prices expected to average about $50 per barrel through 2018
(Thu, 13 Jul 2017) EIA now forecasts Brent crude oil spot prices to average $51 per barrel (b) in 2017 and $52/b in 2018. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices are expected to be $2/b lower than Brent prices in 2017 and 2018. Daily and monthly prices could vary significantly from this forecast because global economic developments and geopolitical events in the coming months have the potential to push oil prices higher or lower than the current forecast.
Political, economic woes loom large for Latin American polymer markets in H2
Lackluster demand in key markets has persisted, and renewed concerns in Brazil are leading to a pessimistic outlook for Latin American polymer markets.
U.S. petroleum refinery capacity continues to increase
(Wed, 12 Jul 2017) As of January 1, 2017, U.S. operable atmospheric crude distillation capacity reached 18.6 million barrels per calendar day (b/cd), 1.6% higher than at the beginning of 2016, according to EIA's annual Refinery Capacity Report. This increase in operable capacity was slightly lower than last yearâs increase of 2.0%
Are Commerce actions showing Trump’s hand on trade deals?
Recent trade case announcements by Commerce may offer clues as to how the Trump administration will handle the Section 232 steel investigation.
Gasoline and gold, ethanol and aluminum, post price gains in June: Of Presidents and Prices
The commodities price watch during Trump’s term recently wrapped up its first five months, and the price averages for oil, natural gas, and coal continue to struggle.
EIA adds small-scale solar photovoltaic forecasts to its monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook
(Tue, 11 Jul 2017) For the first time, EIA's Short-Term Energy Outlook, to be released later today, includes forecasts for small-scale solar photovoltaic capacity and electricity generation. EIA forecasts that total U.S. small-scale solar PV capacity will grow from 14.3 gigawatts (GW) at the end of April 2017 to 21.9 GW at the end of 2018.