Group 1: Oil Price Trends - International oil prices continued to decline, with Brent crude futures down 0.56% to $66.22 per barrel and WTI crude futures down 0.85% to $63.34 per barrel as of the report date [1] - The significant drop in oil prices was attributed to a bleak economic outlook caused by higher tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports from several countries, with Brent crude futures falling 4.4% and WTI crude futures dropping 5.1% in the week ending August 8 [1] Group 2: US-Russia Talks - A meeting between US President Trump and Russian President Putin is scheduled for August 15 to discuss the resolution of the Ukraine conflict, with expectations rising that sanctions on Russian oil may soon be lifted [2] - The market's anticipation of a potential agreement was fueled by Trump's statement that the US and Russia are "very close" to reaching a deal regarding Ukraine [2] - The outcome of the upcoming meeting, along with other key events such as Federal Reserve officials' speeches and the release of the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, will significantly influence short-term oil price movements [2] Group 3: Russian Economic Situation - Russia's Ministry of Finance reported a preliminary budget deficit of 4.9 trillion rubles (approximately 441.1 billion yuan) for the first seven months of the year, accounting for 2.2% of GDP, which is 29% higher than the 1.7% target for 2025 [3] - The increase in the deficit is attributed to falling oil prices and the trade war initiated by Trump, with government spending rising by 20.8% to 25.19 trillion rubles (approximately 2.27 trillion yuan) while revenue only grew by 2.8% to 20.32 trillion rubles (approximately 1.83 trillion yuan) [3] - The EU's 18th round of sanctions, which includes a price cap on Russian oil, is set to take effect on September 3, reducing the price cap from $60 to $47.6 per barrel, with evaluations every six months to ensure it remains 15% below market average [3][4]

Report Overview - Report Title: Crude Oil and Refined Oil Morning Report - Research Team: Energy and Chemicals Team of the Research Center - Date: August 11, 2025 [2] 1. Report Industry Investment Rating - No information provided 2. Core View of the Report - This week, the absolute price of crude oil dropped to $65 per barrel for Brent. The monthly spreads of crude oil in the three major markets declined slightly. Geopolitical uncertainties resurfaced over the weekend due to potential misunderstandings about the Russia - Ukraine cease - fire and Iran's plan to block the "US corridor" in the Caucasus. Fundamentally, global oil inventories increased this week, with a slight decline in US commercial crude oil inventories, and changes in gasoline and diesel inventories in different regions. After the decline in crude oil prices, global refinery profits rebounded. The near - term crude oil fundamentals are volatile. Supply faces a risk of decline due to sanctions on Iran and Russia, OPEC+ crude oil exports are expected to accelerate, and refinery operations in the third quarter are expected to be stronger than anticipated, which supports the monthly spread. However, the peak of the global supply - demand fundamentals has passed. It is expected that the absolute price of crude oil will maintain a volatile pattern, and it is predicted to fall to $55 - $60 per barrel in the fourth quarter. Attention should be paid to the impact of US tariff policies on the global economy and the non - OPEC production schedule [6]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Price Data - From August 4 - 8, 2025, WTI prices decreased from $66.29 to $63.88, Brent from $68.76 to $66.59, and Dubai from $70.64 to $69.22. SC decreased from 514.30 to 489.80. Other related products also showed various price changes [3]. 3.2 Daily News - Ukraine's armed forces attacked Russia's Saratov refinery. Iran vowed to block the "US corridor" in the Caucasus. There might be a misunderstanding about Russia's cease - fire requirements by Trump's envoy. Canada plans to lower the price cap on Russian seaborne crude oil. OPEC's oil production in July increased by 270,000 barrels per day compared to June. Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs on China for buying Russian oil, and China responded that its energy cooperation with Russia is legitimate. India continues to import Russian oil but the quantity may decline. Russian crude export price discounts have widened [3][4][5]. 3.3 Regional Fundamentals - According to the EIA report for the week of August 1, US crude exports increased by 620,000 barrels per day to 3.318 million barrels per day, domestic production decreased by 30,000 barrels to 13.284 million barrels per day, commercial crude inventories (excluding strategic reserves) decreased by 3.029 million barrels to 424 million barrels (a 0.71% decline), the four - week average supply of US crude products increased by 1.61% year - on - year, strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) inventories increased by 235,000 barrels to 403 million barrels (a 0.06% increase), and commercial crude imports (excluding strategic reserves) decreased by 174,000 barrels per day to 5.962 million barrels per day. From July 25 - 31, the operating rate of major refineries in China increased slightly, while that of Shandong local refineries remained basically unchanged. Chinese refinery output showed a decline in gasoline and an increase in diesel, with corresponding changes in inventories. The comprehensive profit of major refineries rebounded, while that of local refineries declined [6]. 3.4 Weekly View - The absolute price of crude oil dropped this week, and geopolitical uncertainties resurfaced. Global oil inventories increased, and refinery profits rebounded after the price decline. Near - term fundamentals are volatile. Supply may decline due to sanctions, OPEC+ exports are expected to accelerate, and third - quarter refinery operations are expected to be stronger. The peak of supply - demand fundamentals has passed, and the price is expected to be volatile and fall to $55 - $60 per barrel in the fourth quarter. Attention should be paid to US tariff policies and non - OPEC production schedules [6].

Group 1 - The European Union has implemented the 18th round of sanctions against Russia, lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $47.6 per barrel, with the UK following suit [2] - This reduction in the oil price cap will lead to a significant decrease in Russia's energy export revenues, estimated to drop by over 20% [4] - Western countries control over 90% of the maritime insurance market and most shipping fleets, making it essential for Russia to sell oil below the new cap to access legitimate global shipping systems [5] Group 2 - Third-party buyers, such as India, will face logistical challenges if they purchase Russian oil above the $47.6 cap, as they will be unable to use Western shipping or insurance services [5] - The ongoing sanctions and potential for further measures from the EU indicate that Russia's energy market will continue to face significant challenges [7] - The next price cap for Russian oil remains uncertain, with speculation on future sanctions from the G7 and the EU [7]

Group 1 - The European Union has reached an agreement on a new round of sanctions against Russia, which includes limiting financing channels for Russian banks and banning the use of the "Nord Stream" gas pipeline connecting Russia and Germany [1] - This is described as one of the strongest measures against Russia to date, aimed at further reducing the Kremlin's budget and targeting an additional 105 shadow fleet vessels and their supporters [1] - The G7's price cap on Russian oil exports will be lowered from $60 per barrel to $47.6 per barrel, which is 15% lower than the average market price of Russian crude oil [1] Group 2 - A key element of the EU's 18th round of sanctions is a new dynamic oil price cap mechanism, which will be reviewed every six months to ensure that the price for Russian oil exports to third countries is 15% lower than the average market price [2] - The full impact of this price cap may be limited unless supported by all G7 partners, particularly the United States, as negotiations continue [2] - The latest sanctions took weeks to finalize due to opposition from Slovakia, which sought more time to phase out Russian gas contracts, but agreed to sign the proposal after receiving sufficient guarantees from the European Commission [2] - The EU Council voted to extend the current requirements for member states to maintain sufficient gas reserves before winter for an additional two years, aiming to mitigate risks from gas price volatility due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict [2]

Group 1 - European natural gas benchmark futures prices are expected to decline by over 3% by the end of this week [1] - The decline follows the European Union's approval of a new package of sanctions against Russia [1] - The sanctions include a revision of the oil price cap [1]

Group 1 - The European Union has collectively approved a new round of sanctions against Russia due to its war in Ukraine, following Slovakia's withdrawal of its veto vote [1][4] - This marks the 18th set of sanctions agreed upon by EU member states since the onset of the ground war initiated by Moscow [1] - Key measures include the exclusion of approximately 20 major Russian commercial banks from the international payment system SWIFT, along with a comprehensive financial transaction ban [1] Group 2 - The sanctions further target the "Nord Stream" gas pipeline project to ensure it will not be reactivated in the future [2] - A dynamic price cap mechanism for Russian oil has been introduced, adjusting the current cap from $60 per barrel to a level that is always $15 below the market benchmark price, with an initial range expected to be between $45 and $50 per barrel [3] - The new dynamic mechanism aims to enhance flexibility, maintain discounts, and reduce circumvention opportunities, ultimately aiming to compress Russian government energy revenues [3] Group 3 - Additional sanctions include measures against dozens of super-large oil tankers in Russia's "shadow fleet," bringing the total number of restricted vessels to over 400 [5] - More goods have been added to the EU's export control list to limit materials used for Russia's war efforts [5] - The EU is actively pursuing entities that assist Russia in evading trade and energy restrictions, including businesses located in China, India, and other regions [5]

Core Viewpoint - The Kremlin asserts its extensive experience in mitigating the impacts of actions such as the European Union's proposed floating price cap on Russian oil [1] Group 1 - The Kremlin emphasizes its capability to reduce the effects of the EU's proposed price cap on Russian oil [1]

Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating - No information provided Group 2: Core Viewpoints - This week, oil prices fluctuated within a narrow range, and the monthly spread also oscillated. WTI spot remained tight. The "Big and Beautiful Act" by Trump on July 4th ended support for solar and wind energy, creating a favorable environment for traditional energy. Over the weekend, OPEC+ agreed to increase daily production by 548,000 barrels in August to expand market share, with eight member countries having already increased production by 1.37 million barrels per day from April to July. Trump stated that a Gaza region agreement might be reached next week and plans for nuclear negotiations with Iran. The US Treasury imposed sanctions on relevant Iraqi enterprises for involvement in Iranian oil smuggling. Fundamentally, global oil product inventories remained flat this week, US commercial crude oil inventories started to accumulate, Cushing's inventories decreased, gasoline inventories increased, and diesel inventories decreased. The number of US oil drilling rigs as of July 4th declined rapidly, and the US fundamentals remained tight. This week, global refinery profits rebounded, and it is the peak season for refinery operations. The crude oil monthly spread is expected to remain in high - level oscillations. The WTI and Brent markets are stronger than the Dubai market, showing a market divergence. Absolute prices face downward pressure due to OPEC's unexpected production increase and Trump's policies [6] Group 3: Summary by Related Catalogs 1. Oil Price and Spread Data - From July 4th to July 10th, the price of BRENT fluctuated, starting at $68.30 on July 4th and reaching around $70. The DUBAI price decreased by $0.89. The BRENT 1 - 2 month spread increased from $1.08 on July 4th to $1.22 on July 9th. The WTI - BRENT spread became more negative, reaching - $1.82 on July 8th. Other related spreads and prices also showed corresponding changes [3] - From July 4th to July 10th, SC increased by 2.80, OMAN decreased by 1.70. Domestic gasoline prices remained at 7980, and other related Asian oil - related product prices and spreads also changed [3] - From July 4th to July 10th, Japanese naphtha - BRT increased by 4.15, Singapore fuel oil 380CST贴水 decreased by 0.1, and other related Asian oil - related product prices and spreads also had corresponding changes [3] 2. Daily News - The EU is planning to propose a floating price cap on Russian oil as part of a new sanctions package. In June, the EU proposed to lower the G7's price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel. The new mechanism is aimed at adjusting the price cap according to global oil price fluctuations [3] - OPEC+ is discussing pausing further production increases after the next monthly increase. They have initially planned to complete the final stage of restoring 2.2 million barrels of supply in September, with a monthly increase of 550,000 barrels. They may wait before considering restoring another 1.66 million barrels per day of production [3] - According to US Bank strategist Francisco Blanch, despite global economic and geopolitical uncertainties this year, Brent crude oil prices have shown strong resilience, with an average price of $70.75 per barrel since January. China's absorption of oil surpluses in Q2 and strong consumption demand have supported oil prices [3] - The UAE's energy minister said that the UAE can increase oil production capacity in the years after 2027 [4] 3. Regional Fundamentals - In the week ending July 4th in the US, crude oil exports increased by 452,000 barrels per day to 2.757 million barrels per day, domestic production decreased by 48,000 barrels to 13.385 million barrels per day. Commercial crude inventories (excluding strategic reserves) increased by 7.07 million barrels to 426 million barrels, a 1.69% increase. The four - week average supply of US crude oil products was 20.564 million barrels per day, a 1.61% decrease from the same period last year. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) inventories increased by 238,000 barrels to 403 million barrels, a 0.06% increase. Commercial crude imports (excluding strategic reserves) decreased by 906,000 barrels per day to 6.013 million barrels per day. EIA gasoline inventories decreased by 2.658 million barrels, and EIA refined oil inventories decreased by 825,000 barrels [5] - This week in China, the operating rate of major refineries increased, while that of Shandong local refineries decreased. The production of gasoline and diesel increased. Both major refineries' gasoline and diesel production increased, while that of independent refineries decreased. The sales - to - production ratios of local refineries for gasoline and diesel increased. Gasoline and diesel inventories accumulated. The comprehensive profit of major refineries rebounded, and that of local refineries improved [5]

Report Summary 1. Industry Investment Rating - Short - term: Oil prices are expected to trade in a range. - Medium - term: Bearish allocation [4] 2. Core View - OPEC's decision to suspend production increases in October is more of a statement of attitude, indicating that it lacks confidence in off - season demand. The market has recognized that the relaxation of production quotas does not equal an increase in actual production. OPEC is currently ineffective, and most member countries lack the ability to actively adjust production. Saudi Arabia aims to support oil prices rather than seize market share, which is why it has been increasing production slowly [3] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Market News and Important Data - New York Mercantile Exchange's light crude oil futures for August delivery fell $1.81 to $66.57 per barrel, a 2.65% decline; Brent crude oil futures for September delivery on the London market dropped $1.55 to $68.64 per barrel, a 2.21% decline. The SC crude oil main contract closed down 1.44% at 513 yuan per barrel [1] - US President Trump called on the Fed to cut interest rates quickly [2] - OPEC stated in its World Oil Outlook 2025 that global oil demand averages 105 million barrels per day this year, is expected to increase to 106.3 million barrels per day in 2026, and climb to 111.6 million barrels per day in 2029. Forecasts for 2026 - 2029 are lower than last year's. OPEC still predicts 113.3 million barrels per day in 2030, the same as last year. It expects global oil demand to reach 122.9 million barrels per day by 2050, higher than last year's forecast. OPEC expects demand growth to last longer than other forecasters, while the IEA predicts oil demand will peak in the 2020s [2] - OPEC+ discussed suspending production increases from October [2] - Israel's Defense Minister said that if Iran threatens Israel, Israel will strike Iran again [2] - The European Commission will propose a floating price cap mechanism for Russian oil this week as part of a new sanctions package. In June, it proposed lowering the G7's $60 - per - barrel price cap on Russian oil to $45 in the 18th round of sanctions. The G7 reached the price - cap agreement in December 2022 to weaken Russia's ability to finance the Ukraine conflict. The move to lower the cap is due to falling global oil prices, making the current cap ineffective. The Commission is drafting a mechanism to adjust the cap based on global oil price fluctuations, and the plan is still being revised [2] Investment Logic - OPEC decided to suspend production increases in October, and the previous production quota limit of 2.2 million barrels per day will be fully lifted before October. However, oil prices fell instead of rising. The market has recognized that the relaxation of production quotas does not equal an increase in actual production. OPEC's suspension of production increases is more of an attitude, indicating that it lacks confidence in October's demand [3] Strategy - Short - term: Oil prices will trade in a range; Medium - term: Bearish allocation [4] Risks - Downside risks: The US relaxes sanctions on Iranian oil, and macro black - swan events occur [4] - Upside risks: The US intensifies sanctions on Russian oil, and large - scale supply disruptions occur due to Middle East conflicts [5]

Core Viewpoint - The CEO of Rosneft stated that the Western plan to lower the price cap on Russian oil to $45 per barrel is an initiative by the EU to enhance procurement efficiency from Russia, rather than an attempt to reduce Russia's budget revenue [1] Group 1 - The price cap on Russian oil has been set at $45 per barrel [1] - The initiative is aimed at improving procurement efficiency from Russia [1] - The intention is not to decrease Russia's budget revenue [1]