Amir Richani

The economies of both Colombia and Ecuador face significant headwinds as oil prices remain depressed and the coronavirus spreads through the region. Colombian crude oil exports have rebounded so far this year, after averaging 582,000 barrels per day in 2019. Meanwhile, imports of light sweet US crude – which are used for refining – have […]

Brazilian crude exports to Europe are ticking higher so far this year as appetite for heavy grades stands strong following the new regulation on marine fuels, known as IMO 2020. Brazilian loadings bound for Europe have been kicking higher so far this year. While flows to Northwest Europe have been considerably stronger since October, loadings […]

Guyana held disputed general elections on Monday March 2, though claims of fraud are ratcheting up tension between political parties and casting doubt over the outcome.  Guyana, the latest oil state, could slip into a deep political crisis – just as oil revenues begin to roll in. In January, Guyana became an oil exporter as […]

Mexican imports of petroleum products from China and South Korea doubled between 2018 and 2019, and though the United States remains by far its largest supplier, Asian refiners have gained market share in the Central American country. Last year, Mexico imported 20,000 barrels per day of gasoline from China, up over 50% versus the previous […]

Colombian crude oil exports last year were at the slowest pace on our records, although the export of new grades has helped temper a stronger decline. Last year, the South American country began exporting its heavy Acordionero and heavy sour Apiay Blend grades, which combined represented around 3% of the country’s total crude exports. The […]

The Coronavirus is causing all manner of concerns across the world, claiming over 1,000 lives amid fears of a global economic slowdown. Nonetheless, we are yet to see an impact on oil flows heading to East Asia. In January, Chinese waterborne imports held close to the record set late last year, and imports so far […]

Ecuador, who recently pulled out of OPEC, is playing a key role in the downstream sector on the U.S. west coast, as rising exports to the region make it one of the area’s main crude suppliers. Last year, Ecuador’s crude oil exports averaged around 425,000 barrels per day, the fastest annual pace on our records. […]

Brazil has emerged as a global powerhouse in the crude market after production reached a record high last year of over 3 million barrels per day. Exports rose in tandem with production, climbing to average over 1mn bpd. The South American nation is now also supplementing its crude efforts via higher levels of fuel oil […]