Ol' Man River keeps commodities rolling along
Rising flood fears from the great Mississippi continues to drive gas and oil, despite what might be bearish data out of China and some comments from Germany regarding the Greece bailout that could further spook investors. We are already seeing some reduced runs at some refineries as they try to conserve what crude they have left in case shipments get delayed. According to DTN, Valero Memphis is running at reduced rates and Exxon has shut some terminals. Traffic on the Mississippi is still moving yet restrictions by the Coast Guard such as evening movement of traffic is being denied. There are 20 barge terminals that are also shut, but the key for gasoline prices may be whether or not Louisiana has to open the Morganza Spillway.
According to WDSU News, Lafourche Parish Louisiana government officials declared a state of emergency early Tuesday in preparation for possible flooding should the Morganza Spillway open in response to the rising Mississippi River. Louisiana Bobby Jindal is warning, according to Bloomberg News, that operations at two major refineries could be at risk affecting at least 75% of the refining rates at those two refineries. DTN estimates that production in that area at risk is equivalent to about 2.5 million barrels a day would be significant especially as the refiners should be ramping up production.
On the down side, the floods could also create some demand destruction as vacationers, plagued by the flood, will stay home and flooded farm fields will not see any tractors and spring planting. Still the risk for price will be a sharp move to the upside if these major refineries are shut down.
China inflation is not slowing fast enough to please the Chinese government or the overall marketplace. China's inflation rate as judged by consumer prices rose 5.3% from a year earlier. That beat analyst expectations and may signal more aggressive moves by the Chinese to try to slow their economy. In the short-term, that signals energy demand in China, while still strong, may slow if more dramatic steps are taken by the Chinese.
Euro yo-yo. Is a Greece bailout around the corner? Not so fast. German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants the Greece government to prove that they will continue to cut spending to prove they are worthy of another extension. Merkel said that, "We can offer solidarity only if Greece's stability and eagerness to reform is proven. We can get out of this difficult situation only if we properly rebuild that foundation, not just help without Greece doing anything." Well Greece is doing something. They are protesting reforms. Hey, wasn't this how the "Flash Crash" happened last year?
About the Author
Senior energy analyst at The PRICE Futures Group and a Fox Business Network contributor. He is one of the world's leading market analysts, providing individual investors, professional traders, and institutions with up-to-the-minute investment and risk management insight into global petroleum, gasoline, and energy markets. His precise and timely forecasts have come to be in great demand by industry and media worldwide and his impressive career goes back almost three decades, gaining attention with his market calls and energetic personality as writer of The Energy Report. You can contact Phil by phone at (888) 264-5665 or by email at pflynn@pricegroup.com. Learn even more on our website at www.pricegroup.com.
Futures and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and may not be suitable for everyone. The information presented by The PRICE Futures Group is from sources believed to be reliable and all information reported is subject to change without notice.