Murban crude prices drop as OPEC+ raises output, prompting surge in volumes to Asia
“Heavier grades are typically cheaper than light ones as they produce more residue. The switch in pricing is partly driven by record fuel oil margins.” said June Goh, a Senior Oil analyst at Sparta.
Reuters, May 23, 2025 – Murban crude prices have dropped to a six-month low due to increased UAE output following OPEC+’s decision to accelerate production hikes, leading to a surge in exports to Asia. Asian buyers are snapping up the cheaper Murban, squeezing out U.S. WTI, with a record 20 cargoes delivered in the Platts MoC process this month. June Goh from Sparta Commodities noted that the unusual pricing shift, where light Murban is cheaper than heavier grades like Qatar’s al-Shaheen and Oman, is driven by record fuel oil margins, making Murban more attractive to Asian refiners despite the oversupply of light grades. explain OPEC+ decision impact on global oil prices more concise
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