EU’s Contribution: Price is Not Just About Volumes, But Quality As Well
Source: Bloomberg NWE Barge
SAs expected, European low sulfur diesel has been commanding a premium over heating oil.  That differential has averaged about 13 cents per gallon over the past year when Europe’s 50 ppm requirement took effect.

SIn the U.S., New York Harbor diesel spot values have averaged about 4 cents per gallon over heating oil.

SThe high European prices for ultra-low sulfur diesel likely helped to pull other distillate fuel prices up as well.

SThe question is whether the European differential is being driven more by transition issues than by longer term factors.  Will the U.S. see these kinds of price differences?  Or will the U.S. ability to supply ultra-low sulfur diesel help to ease the price difference and result in lower differentials between heating oil and diesel  fuel?