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On June 30th, Futures News reported that oil prices rose yesterday due to a series of attacks on oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of military operations between the US and Iran. Although the two sides subsequently suspended military operations, renewed market concerns directly led to a rise in oil prices. Zhuochuang Information predicts that continued attention should be paid to developments in the Middle East. If the situation does not escalate further, or even de-escalates, oil prices will likely decline. Otherwise, market volatility will persist, and oil prices will fluctuate widely at high levels. In the short term, US crude oil is expected to fluctuate weakly around $70.June 30th - According to four sources with direct knowledge of the discussions, the unexpectedly rapid decline in energy prices over the past week has further eased pressure on European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers to raise interest rates next month, but the rationale for a small rate hike remains strong. The ECB raised rates this month to prevent a surge in oil prices triggered by the Iran war from inflating market price expectations, and policymakers are currently discussing the urgency of further rate hikes. The sources stated that the speed of the oil price decline surprised them, with futures prices for several key maturities now even lower than the ECBs previously predicted "relatively mild" rate hike scenario. Previous concerns about shortages of supplies such as aviation fuel have proven unfounded, as some oil-producing countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, have exceeded expectations in energy production to ensure market supply. The sources added that even amid the escalation of the conflict between Iran and the United States over the weekend, oil prices did not react strongly, indicating that the normalization process in the energy market is progressing. Currently, a September rate hike remains the most likely scenario, but the sources pointed out that the June inflation data to be released on Wednesday is still of greater importance. If the June inflation data unexpectedly rises sharply, a July rate hike may re-emerge as a focus of discussion.The yield on Japans 5-year government bonds rose 2 basis points to 1.890%.On June 30th, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) appointed Ayano Sato, considered a supporter of loose monetary policy, as a new board member. This appointment increases the likelihood of two dissenting votes on future interest rate hike proposals. Although the nine-member board remains hawkish overall, this structural change could slow the pace of the BOJs tightening policy. The departure of the boards most steadfast hawks, Naoki Tamura and Hajime Takada, in July next year adds uncertainty to the policy tightening path. Sato is scheduled to hold a press conference at 5 PM Tokyo time (4 PM Beijing time) on Tuesday, and the market will closely watch whether she will align with Toshiro Asada and oppose further tightening. Her formal policy debut will take place at the July 30-31 meeting, where the BOJ is widely expected to maintain interest rates. The market will weigh Sanae Takaichis apparent monetary prudent stance (related to the financing costs of her government investment program) against the BOJs established position of continuing to tighten policy in response to price pressures driven by the energy shock.European Central Bank sources say that if June inflation data unexpectedly rises sharply, a July rate hike may become a focus of discussion again.

In Colombia, natural gas consumption has outpaced production

Charlie Brooks

Jun 28, 2022 11:31


According to our most recent Colombia Country Analysis Brief, Colombia imported 14,2 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas to help meet its natural gas demand for electricity in 2020, when a drop in hydroelectric power was caused by drought.


In 2020, hydroelectricity will contribute to around 65% of Colombia's electrical generation, down from nearly 80% in earlier years. Since hydropower is Colombia's principal energy source, droughts may have a significant effect on the country's electrical producing mix.


The bulk of natural gas used in Colombia is produced domestically and employed to create electricity. In recent years, imports have progressively bridged the gap between domestic natural gas production and domestic demand. In 2020, Colombia produced 399 Bcf of dry natural gas, while domestic consumption was 413 Bcf.


Concerns over the reliability of the nation's electricity supply prompted the Colombian government to approve the Sociedad Portuaria El Cayao (SPEC) LNG import plant in November 2014. The facility started operations in November 2016. The administration has since proposed the Pacific Regasification LNG terminal as the nation's second LNG import plant.


EPM is currently developing the new hydroelectric dam project Ituango. The first of eight 300-megawatt generating units will commence operating in the second part of 2022. The whole project will have a capacity of 2.4 gigawatts when it is finished in 2025. If completed, the Ituango project would be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Colombia in terms of generating capacity. In 2020, the installed electrical production capacity of Colombia was 17 gigawatts.