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OPIS Blog

A closer look at key topics in the spot, rack and retail markets across the global energy supply chain.

From gasoline and petrochemicals to coal and carbon credits, the OPIS team of expert analysts covers the global supply chain. The OPIS Blog features expert tips, practical insight and timely pricing and market information. It covers the spot, rack and retail markets as well as gasoline, diesel, renewable fuels, NGL/LP, feedstocks, natural gas, jet fuel and crude oil. It’s the simplest way to gain a greater understanding of how fuel markets tick and to keep up with changes that could affect pricing — and your bottom line.

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How Polymer Grade Propylene is Priced

Do you understand how the pricing of polymer grade propylene is critical to the supply chain?

Propylene, particularly PGP, play an integral part in the costs that trickle downstream and spread throughout the refining, petrochemical and broader manufacturing industry. If you don’t fully understand the pricing method by which you are buying or selling PGP, you could be selling too low, or buying too high.

Download How Polymer Grade Propylene is Priced to strengthen your understanding of the PGP market and the different ways it can be priced.

A stronger understanding of each pricing method helps to identify which is the best for place on the supply chain, positioning you to save money by choosing the most cost-effective pricing method for your business.

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Forward Ethylene Markets: A Price-Protection Primer and Focus on a High-Exposure Market

Have you ever found yourself really ticked off at the ethylene market because of how expensive prices were on the day you had to take delivery?

If you produce or consume a commodity made from ethylene, you have unique exposure in the market. And price exposure involves risk.

But you don’t need to be a prisoner of this risk. Tools exist to help you.

In an ideal world you:

  • Actively manage your ethylene risk.
  • Limit your exposure and save yourself money.
  • Or, use your exposure to speculate and make yourself money.

If none of these perfect-world scenarios apply to you, this report will underscore the importance of ethylene price protection using forward curves.

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fuel buying 101

Fuel Buying 101: Your guide to the fuel supply chain

Your complete reference guides to clearly understanding the fuel chain – futures and spot markets, wholesale rack markets and retail markets.

Download the updated Fuel Buying 101 e-Book for a step by step guidance on how gasoline, diesel and other fuel products moves through the supply chain and how prices are determined.

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fuel supply contract checklist

Fuel Supply Contract Checklist

Tips for creating a wholesale supply agreement that leaves nothing on the table.

Before you negotiate your next wholesale fuel supply agreement, here are 7 tips to help you write a contract like a pro. This checklist is perfect for gasoline and diesel retailers, municipalities and end-users. Download the checklist before finalizing your next supply contract.

Download your copy of the Fuel Supply Contract Checklist today and discover:

  • How long is too long for a contract term
  • A simple way to estimate your fuel volumes
  • What NOT to let your supplier dictate
  • And much more!

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Gas Pumps

OPIS RVP Infographic

Get updated information on wholesale gasoline RVP season designations.

Download this handy RVP infographic for an easy desktop reference with key information on the transition to low-RVP gasoline at the spot and wholesale rack level across the U.S., along with a map identifying key regions.

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Infographic: OPIS Wholesale Rack Pricing Product Finder

Are you using the right wholesale fuel pricing report for your fuel business?

OPIS publishes several wholesale gasoline and diesel pricing reports, plus online tools. Three of our most popular pricing resources are the Invoice Checker, daily Gasoline and Diesel Rack Price Report and the Spot Ticker (a spot pricing tool that helps wholesalers gauge whether wholesale rack prices will go down or up, based on spot price movement.) This handy rack product-finder infographic leads you to the most relevant of these three products for you, based on some quick questions about your wholesale business.

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Infographic: Major Reasons U.S. West Coast Fuel Prices are Volatile

What makes the U.S. West Coast spot gasoline and diesel market so prone to dramatic price increases and changes?

Because of unique market fundamentals, limited refining capacity, and a boutique gasoline blend needed to meet regional specs, the West Coast region has a relatively lean gas and diesel trading network compared to other spot markets. That lack of market liquidity can lead to huge price moves and surges, like the one that caused retail gasoline prices to top over $4/gal in spring 2019.

Download this infographic for a visual breakdown of the key reasons and fundamentals why the U.S. West Coast refined spot market is so unique and often, challenging.

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