Sparta Market Outlook

February 21st: Julien Mathonnière, Energy Intelligence – The macro outlook for global oil demand in 2025 and beyond

In this special bonus episode of Sparta Market Outlook Podcast, host @Rachel welcomes guest @Julien Mathonnière, Oil Market Economist at @Energy Intelligence, along with Sparta’s @Neil and @Phil, to discuss key macroeconomic indicators, the energy transition, and long-term oil demand trends through 2025 and beyond. Topics include the peaking of diesel demand, China’s rapid transition (e.g., LNG trucks, EV adoption), and India’s growing demand amid policy and sanction risks.
(03:00) Fundamentals of Tracking Oil Demand(05:00) IEA vs. OPEC: Polarised Demand Forecasts(08:51) Discrepancies Between IEA and OPEC(11:50) Demand Forecasting(16:25) Short-Term vs. Long-Term Demand Forecasts(24:30) State of the Gasoil Market(27:55) Regional Focus: India, China & Unexpected Trends(31:30) China(35:00) The Role of Renewables & EVs(40:55) Wrap-Up & Key Takeaways

February 19th: Live from Singapore: East of Suez Special – Insights into crude and fuel oil markets

In this episode of the Sparta Market Outlook Podcast, recorded live in Singapore, our team of experts - Felipe, Hoa, June, and Neil - delve into the latest trends and developments in the oil market with an East of Suez focus. We discuss critical data releases such as JODI, the potential impact of KRG crude returning to international markets, and shifting geopolitical sands. The podcast also covers Chinese teapots, biofuels in Asia, and a likely bearish turn for the fuel oil market.
 
(08:55) East of Suez Crude Developments.
(12:05) Teapots.
(13:45) India, Korea Crude Buying.
(14:50) Chinese Petchem Demand.
(17:21) Low Sulphur Fuel Oil.
(21:10) Singapore LS Blending.
(22:46) High Sulphur Fuel Oil.
 

February 13th: The resid market tightens up - for how long?

In this episode of the Sparta Market Outlook Podcast, host Rachel Williams, joined by analysts Neil and Phil, analyse natural gas prices, cold weather and the potential impact of geopolitical events, such as Trump-Putin talks. We delve into strong refinery margins, healthy gasoil cracks, seemingly very tight residue markets, a glut in light crude in the Atlantic Basin. We set out our trades for the physical market going forward.

February 6th: Crude moves: How tariffs and trade wars are shaping the markets

The latest episode of the Sparta Market Outlook podcast the team looks at the impact of U.S. trade policies and geopolitical tensions. The team discuss the recent tariff developments involving China, Canada, and Mexico, emphasising their limited immediate effect on crude flows but highlighting potential long-term disruptions, particularly with the EU.
They also analyse the evolving crude market, noting shifts in price spreads and arbitrage opportunities, particularly between WTI, Brent, and Dubai. Discussions extend to refined products, where European gas oil is identified as potentially overvalued, and gasoline markets show volatility due to changing trade flows and high shipping costs. The episode concludes with insights into weather patterns affecting fuel demand and refining margins, reinforcing the theme of market uncertainty in an era of geopolitical shifts.
For more information about Sparta, visit our website at www.spartacommodities.com

Freight Special with Mads Frank Markussen, Head of Freight Research & FFA at CM Navigator

In this special bonus episode of Sparta Market Outlook Felipe, Neil and Michael welcome guest Mads Frank Markussen, Head of Freight Research & FFA at CM Navigator, to discuss all things freight.
 
Mads and the Sparta team explore the impact of Trump’s tariffs, sanctions, and market inefficiencies on oil and freight trading, how tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China could shift trade flows, potential US-Europe tariff conflicts, and the limited impact of Russian sanctions on dry bulk. The differences between tanker and dry bulk markets are discussed, as are the effects of emissions regulations on voyage costs across the industry.
 
To learn more about Sparta for Freight, visit https://www.spartacommodities.com/freight/

January 30th: Lunar New Year & global oil markets: Trump, geopolitics, the 'dark fleet,' and a possible Suez reopening

This episode of the Sparta Market Outlook Podcast features host Felipe Elink Schuurman and analysts Jorge, James, Michael, and Neil, exploring the effects of recent OFAC sanctions on Russian oil, geopolitical influences like potential Trump policies. They discuss crude oil spreads, the possible reopening of the Suez route, and regional product market trends, including the impact of the Dangote refinery on Nigerian imports. Stay tuned for insights on how these factors are shaping the oil market.

January 23rd: Sanctions excitement eases as product markets diverge East and West

In the latest Sparta Market Outlook Podcast episode, CEO Felipe Elink Schuurman and the team discuss the delayed tariffs on Canadian and Mexican oil, how shipping sanctions affect dirty freight and crude markets, and the diverging fortunes of refining in Asia vs Europe. They highlight trading opportunities in West African crude due to favourable pricing, note the pressure on European gas stocks from cold weather, and offer a bullish view on distillates. A surprising downturn in Singapore's gasoline market is analysed, alongside adjustments in crude pricing due to missing qualities in the market.

January 17th: Sanctions, supply shifts, and the changing oil landscape

In this episode of the Sparta Market Outlook Podcast, Rachel Williams is joined by analysts Phil and John, along with first-time guest Hoa, to discuss key developments in the oil market for early 2025. Hoa brings extensive experience, having led fuel oil analysis at Trafigura and worked across crude, diesel, and APAC power markets. With a background in global fixed income trading and equity research, Hoa now leads the development of Sparta’s forward-looking tools for fuel oil and feedstocks. The panel examines the impact of Russian sanctions, Middle Eastern supply dynamics, U.S. crude inventory pressures, and how Chinese tax changes are disrupting refining margins and global fuel oil pricing.

January 9th: 2025 kickoff: Natgas rallies, crude vs products diverge

In this episode of the Sparta Market Outlook Podcast, CEO Felipe Elink Schuurman and his team delve into the global oil market for the first time in 2025. They discuss the rally in natgas and its impact on oil, plus short-term outlooks for crude and products, with crude bullish and products mixed. 

December 18th: 2025 oil market: Bullish outlook amid sanctions and supply dynamics

In this special Christmas edition of the Sparta Market Outlook Podcast, Felipe Elink Schuurman and analysts Neil, June, and Jorge discuss the 2025 oil market. They analyse Brent flat price scenarios, highlighting potential U.S. sanctions, OPEC+ strategies, and differing supply forecasts.
 
The podcast explores East-West spreads for naphtha and gasoline, noting a bullish outlook for naphtha due to European weakness and Asian demand, but a bearish one for gasoline due to competitive European exports and new refining capacities. Macroeconomic factors like U.S. inflation and Chinese stimulus are considered, urging a balanced approach to trading amidst global uncertainties.