Russian crude prices recover on strong India, China demand
The Hindu
India overtook China to become the biggest buyer of Russian oil in July based on seaborne volumes
Spot prices for Russia's key export crude grade ESPO Blend to Asia have rebounded from all-time lows amid strong demand from top buyers India and China and easing concerns about possible sanctions, several traders said.
The crude exported from the Pacific port of Kozmino saw its spot differentials dive from premiums to a record discount of more than $20 a barrel in March as western sanctions were slapped on Russian financial and energy companies following the country's invasion to Ukraine.
Data | India’s imports from Russia soar amid sanctions
However, the European Union tweaked sanctions on Russia that came into force last month, easing payment restrictions for oil shipments from state-owned firms Rosneft and Gazpromneft — major suppliers of ESPO crude.
Prices have rebounded with at least two cargoes loading between end-September and early October sold at parity against Middle East benchmark Dubai, the sources said. Indian and Chinese independent refiners find the cargoes far more cheaply priced than Middle East oil of similar quality, they said.
In contrast, Abu Dhabi's Murban crude for September loading sold at premiums of $12-$13 a barrel.
"Russian oil is very popular among Asian refiners and at these prices it's a great value," one of the sources told Reuters. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to sensitivity to the matter.