Shenwan Hongyuan Securities·2025-05-18 10:42Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the petrochemical industry, suggesting investment opportunities in key companies [3][5]. Core Insights - The EIA has continuously revised down its oil price forecasts for 2025 and 2026, now predicting an average of $66 and $59 per barrel respectively. The forecast for US natural gas prices is $4.1 and $4.8 per million British thermal units for the same years [6][7]. - Global oil demand growth is expected to remain stable, with IEA projecting increases of 740,000 and 760,000 barrels per day for 2025 and 2026 respectively. OPEC forecasts a demand increase of 1.3 million and 1.28 million barrels per day for the same years [10][11]. - On the supply side, OPEC is expected to contribute additional production, with EIA forecasting a global oil production increase of 1.38 million and 1.3 million barrels per day for 2025 and 2026 respectively [15][18]. Summary by Sections Upstream Sector - Brent crude oil futures closed at $65.41 per barrel, a 2.35% increase week-on-week. WTI futures rose by 2.41% to $62.49 per barrel [25]. - The US oil rig count decreased to 576, down by 2 from the previous week and down 28 year-on-year [38][41]. Refining Sector - The Singapore refining margin increased to $12.72 per barrel, while the US gasoline crack spread rose to $27.41 per barrel [6][19]. - The report anticipates improved refining profitability as oil prices adjust, with a gradual recovery expected as economic conditions improve [6][19]. Polyester Sector - PTA prices have risen, while PTA profitability has declined. The report notes that the overall performance of the polyester industry is average, with a potential improvement expected as new capacities come online [6][19]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on high-quality refining companies such as Hengli Petrochemical, Rongsheng Petrochemical, and Dongfang Shenghong. It also suggests investing in companies with high dividend yields like China National Petroleum and CNOOC [21][22]. - For the downstream polyester sector, companies like Tongkun Co. and Wankai New Materials are highlighted as potential investment opportunities [21][22].