光大期货：1月8日能源化工日报

Oil Market - Oil prices continued to decline, with WTI February contract closing at $55.99 per barrel, down $1.14 (2.00%) and Brent March contract at $59.96 per barrel, down $0.74 (1.22%) [2][16] - The U.S. has reached an agreement to import up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan oil, which is expected to increase the supply for the world's largest oil consumer, contributing to the drop in international oil prices [2][16] - The agreement may require oil shipments originally destined for China to change routes, as millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil have been stranded due to previous export restrictions [2][16] - The market is facing a contradiction where the volume of Venezuelan oil is expected to increase, while trade flows are shifting from West to East, raising concerns about discounted oil alternatives and energy spillover effects [2][16] Fuel Oil - The main contract for fuel oil on the Shanghai Futures Exchange fell by 1.38% to 2437 yuan/ton, while low-sulfur fuel oil dropped by 2.29% to 2860 yuan/ton [3][17] - Singapore is expected to see stable arrivals of low-sulfur fuel oil in the coming weeks, which will continue to increase local inventories [3][17] - Demand for low-sulfur fuel oil remains weak due to holiday impacts, while high-sulfur fuel oil demand is supported by an increase in ships installing desulfurization towers [3][17] Asphalt - The main asphalt contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange decreased by 0.13% to 3151 yuan/ton, with total domestic asphalt inventory at 24.73%, down 0.33% from last week [5][18] - The supply of diluted asphalt remains stable, with expectations that raw material supply will not be directly affected by geopolitical events [5][18] - The market is expected to stabilize with a slight upward trend in prices due to support from raw materials and supply, despite some pressure from certain refineries [5][18] Rubber - The main rubber contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose by 130 yuan/ton to 16180 yuan/ton, with NR main contract up by 140 yuan/ton to 13150 yuan/ton [6][19] - The production area is experiencing alleviated rainfall, and the overseas peak production season is expected to last for over a month, providing support for raw material prices [6][19] - Downstream tire demand is weakening, and the macroeconomic environment is improving, leading to expectations of price fluctuations in the rubber market [6][19] PX, PTA, and MEG - TA605 closed at 5150 yuan/ton, unchanged, while EG2605 rose by 1.07% to 3879 yuan/ton [7][20] - PX futures closed at 7286 yuan/ton, down 0.68%, with the market facing weak demand and potential further declines in polyester operating rates [7][20] - Ethylene glycol supply is expected to improve with various facilities planning maintenance, while demand remains weak, leading to a forecast of price fluctuations [7][20] Methanol - Methanol prices in Taicang were at 2273 yuan/ton, with expectations of a slight increase in domestic production in January [8][21] - The decline in Iranian shipments is expected to reduce arrivals in January, providing price support, while MTO plant profits are under pressure [8][21] - Overall, methanol is expected to maintain a strong fluctuation trend due to these dynamics [8][21] Polyolefins - Polypropylene prices in East China ranged from 6200 to 6400 yuan/ton, with various production margins indicating negative profitability [9][22] - Supply is expected to decrease slightly due to temporary maintenance, while demand is anticipated to recover slightly in early January [9][22] - Overall, polyolefins are expected to experience bottom fluctuations as inventory pressures increase towards the end of January [9][22] PVC - PVC prices in East China increased, with various grades showing price adjustments between 4500 to 4750 yuan/ton [10][23] - Supply remains high while domestic demand is slowing, leading to a bearish outlook for the market [10][23] - The overall performance of PVC is characterized by weak reality and strong expectations, with limited upward space anticipated [10][23] Urea - Urea prices in major regions increased by 10 yuan/ton, with current prices at 1750 yuan/ton [11][24] - Daily production remains stable at 20.4 million tons, with supply levels expected to rise as more companies resume operations [11][24] - The market is expected to maintain a strong trend in the short term, with attention on the final results of bidding and related market dynamics [11][24] Soda Ash - Soda ash futures prices showed significant increases, with trade prices in Shihezi at 1231 yuan/ton, up 80 yuan/ton [12][25] - The industry is seeing improved demand sentiment, although the overall demand remains weak [12][25] - The market is expected to maintain a strong trend in the short term, with ongoing dynamics affecting price fluctuations [12][25] Glass - Glass prices increased significantly, with the average price at 1081 yuan/ton, up 5 yuan/ton [13][14] - The production rate is stable, and demand sentiment is improving, although there are pressures from seasonal demand [13][14] - The market is expected to continue a strong trend in the short term, influenced by external factors and internal pressures [13][14]