Diesel Futures Are Trying To Lead The Energy Complex Higher To Start The Week

Diesel futures are trying to lead the energy complex higher to start the week, while gasoline prices are dragging modestly lower after touching new lows for the year overnight. 

After 6 straight weeks of selling that have knocked more than $1.90/gallon out of prompt futures prices, ULSD contracts are finding a bid this morning as a major winter storm sweeps the country, and offers another reminder that the world is still short on heating supplies. This storm could prove to be an ultimately bearish factor for many parts of the country however as fewer and fewer people still heat their homes with distillates, and many vehicles may be forced to stay off the roads this week. This week’s action could prove pivotal technically for ULSD, as a layer of chart support around $2.76 that formed last week could be the springboard for the next big rally, or could lead to a slide towards $2.20 in the next 2-3 months if it breaks.  

The big drop in refined product prices over the past 6 weeks has pushed crack spreads to their lowest levels since January, and may encourage some refiners to cut back on the unusually strong run rates we’ve seen over the past few weeks. 

RBOB gasoline futures touched a new low for the year overnight at $2.02, marking a $1/gallon drop from their October highs. Unlike heating oil, gasoline contracts don’t have the benefit of any seasonal factors with less than 2 weeks left before Christmas, and the big plunge in demand that follows.

Crude oil prices continue to shrug off the Keystone pipeline spill news, as that appears to have been contained, and other delivery options appear to be able to spread the load short term. 

Money managers saw a big decline in their net length held in refined product contracts last week with ULSD, Gasoil and RBOB contracts all seeing notable liquidations of long positions and distillates also seeing new shorts being added. Crude oil contracts were mixed on the week, with WTI seeing a modest increase in speculative length, while Brent saw a small decline. The sigh of relief over European energy supplies can be seen in the Brent and Gasoil figures which are both seeing 2/3 less bets on higher prices now than they were this time last year, while the general lack of speculative enthusiasm for energy contracts despite historically low supplies is seen as another sign of the looming economic recession. 

Open interest in Brent and ULSD contracts fell to a fresh 6+ year low last week as the combination of volatility and increased margin requirements, which are exacerbated by higher interest rates, continues to keep some traders on the sidelines. 

Baker Hughes reported a decline of 2 oil rigs, and 2 natural gas rigs drilling in the US last week as the industry continues to show restraint in its attempts to raise output. The relative lack of drilling investment was called “Un-American” by a White House appointee over the weekend, in the  same interview the advisor highlighted the goal of shrinking energy demand.

The IEA released a report last week highlighting how energy security concerns have accelerated investment in renewable energy options, with the next 5 years expected to witness as much new renewable electricity brought online as we’ve seen over the past 20 years. Meanwhile, a major breakthrough in fusion energy technology will be announced this week as a big step towards clean energy alternatives, even though the technology is likely many years away from widespread commercial use.

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