Eswaran Ramasamy - S&P Global Platts
The International Maritime Organization’s move to lower sulfur limits to 0.5% from the current 3.5% for residual fuel oils beginning in 2020 is not as innocuous as it seems. IMO 2020 as it is called, has ramifications reaching far and beyond. These ramifications will not only impact the supply of low sulfur bunker fuel oil, but the whole supply complex for refined products and the refining industry, namely increased demand for coking units.
It will lead to a change in refiners’ crude slate – demand for heavier but sweeter crudes is expected to rise further.
Then there is compliance and how the rules governing the 2020 move is to be enforced. Finally, the impact it will have on the global economy.
My presentation will highlight and discuss these developments.
Esa Ramasamy leads Platts’ global business development/engagement efforts in crude oil and refined products markets, after previously being the lead editorial market engager for the Oil sector.
Esa’s current role involves advising national oil companies and governments on the appropriate use of Platts’ benchmarks for import parity pricing purposes and market directions.
Esa was one of the first speakers to talk about the impact US Shale Oil on global crude oil markets and also one of the first to discuss the possible lifting of the regulatory restrictions on US crude oil exports and its impact. In his more than 20 years with Platts, Esa has covered every product derived from a barrel of oil, and managed teams in publishing breaking news and key benchmark assessments in Asia and the Americas. Esa begin his Platts career in Singapore and is currently based in Houston, Texas.