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Advantages of Brake and Parts Cleaner

Dec 14, 2023
Brake and parts cleaner is a specialized cleaning solution designed for use in automotive maintenance, particularly for cleaning brake components and other automotive parts. Here are some benefits of using brake and parts cleaner:
 
1. **Effective Degreaser:**
   - Brake and parts cleaner is highly effective in removing grease, oil, brake fluid, and other contaminants from brake components and various automotive parts. This helps to maintain optimal performance and safety.
 
2. **Quick Drying:**
   - One of the advantages of brake and parts cleaner is its quick evaporation. This feature allows for fast and efficient cleaning without leaving residue, which is crucial for brake components where any leftover residue could affect performance.
 
3. **Non-Chlorinated Formulas:**
   - Many brake and parts cleaners are available in non-chlorinated formulations, which can be less harmful to the environment and may have reduced health risks compared to their chlorinated counterparts.
 
4. **Compatibility with Brake Systems:**
   - Brake and parts cleaner is designed to be safe for use on brake systems. It is formulated to be compatible with brake components such as calipers, pads, and rotors without causing damage.
 
5. **Prevention of Brake Squeal:**
   - Cleaning brake components with a brake cleaner can help prevent brake squeal by removing contaminants that may contribute to noise during braking.
 
6. **Versatility:**
   - In addition to brake components, brake and parts cleaner can be used on various automotive parts, such as engine components, carburetors, and other metal surfaces, making it a versatile cleaning solution.
 
7. **Maintenance and Safety:**
   - Regular cleaning of brake components helps maintain their efficiency and extends their lifespan. Clean brakes are also essential for optimal safety, as contaminants can negatively impact braking performance.
 
8. **Easy to Use:**
   - Brake and parts cleaner typically comes in an aerosol spray can, making it easy to apply and reach difficult-to-access areas. The spray nozzle allows for precision in application.
 
Despite these benefits, it's essential to follow safety precautions when using brake and parts cleaner. This includes using the product in a well-ventilated area, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and following the manufacturer's instructions. Always consult the product's safety data sheet for specific information about its composition and potential hazards.

Engine Oil and What it is used for

Apr 14, 2023
Engine Oil and What it is used for
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Engine oil is an essential component of any vehicle's engine, providing lubrication and protection to its various moving parts. Without engine oil, the engine would quickly overheat and seize up, causing significant damage and costly repairs.
 
Choosing the right engine oil for your vehicle is crucial to ensuring its longevity and performance. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this article, we'll explore some important factors to consider when selecting engine oil and how it can impact your vehicle's performance.
 
Viscosity: One of the essential factors to consider when selecting engine oil is its viscosity, which refers to the oil's thickness and flow properties. Viscosity is usually denoted by two numbers, such as 5W-30, where the first number indicates the oil's viscosity in cold temperatures, and the second number represents its viscosity in hot temperatures. It's essential to choose the right viscosity oil for your vehicle, as using the wrong oil can lead to poor performance and engine damage.
 
Additives: Another factor to consider is the oil's additives, which are chemicals added to the oil to improve its performance and protect the engine. Common additives include detergents, which help clean the engine and prevent the buildup of sludge, and anti-wear agents, which protect the engine's moving parts from wear and tear.
 
Synthetic vs. Conventional: Engine oils come in two main types: synthetic and conventional. Synthetic oils are made from chemical compounds and offer better performance and protection than conventional oils. They are also more expensive but can last longer and provide better fuel economy. Conventional oils, on the other hand, are made from crude oil and are generally cheaper but offer less performance and protection than synthetic oils.
 
Oil Change Frequency: It's essential to change your engine oil regularly to ensure that it remains effective in protecting your engine. The frequency of oil changes can vary depending on the vehicle's make and model, the type of oil used, and your driving habits. It's important to follow your vehicle's manufacturer's recommendations for oil change frequency or consult with a professional mechanic.
 
In conclusion, selecting the right engine oil for your vehicle is crucial to its longevity and performance. Factors such as viscosity, additives, synthetic vs. conventional, and oil change frequency should all be considered when choosing engine oil. By making the right choice and following regular maintenance practices, you can ensure that your engine stays healthy and performs at its best

Engine Oil

Apr 14, 2023
Engine Oil
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Engine oil is an essential component of any vehicle's engine, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. However, not all engine oils are created equal, and choosing the right one can have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your engine.
 
When it comes to selecting engine oil, there are several factors to consider, such as viscosity, additives, and base oil type. Viscosity is a measure of an oil's resistance to flow, and it is crucial to select an oil with the appropriate viscosity rating for your vehicle. Additives are chemicals added to engine oil to improve its performance and protect the engine from wear and tear, while the base oil type refers to the primary type of oil used in the blend.
 
One of the best engine oils on the market is synthetic oil. Unlike conventional mineral-based oils, synthetic oils are made from chemical compounds and offer superior performance and protection for modern engines. Synthetic oils have a uniform molecular structure, which makes them more resistant to breakdown and oxidation, providing better protection against wear and tear. They also offer improved fuel efficiency, which can lead to lower emissions and better mileage.
 
Another critical factor to consider when selecting engine oil is its ability to resist sludge and deposits. Over time, engine oil can break down and form sludge and deposits, which can clog up engine components and lead to premature wear and tear. Synthetic oils, in particular, are designed to resist sludge and deposits, helping to keep engines running smoothly for longer.
 
In addition to selecting the right type of engine oil, it's also essential to change it regularly. Engine oil degrades over time and loses its protective properties, so it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals. Regular oil changes also help to keep engines clean and free from contaminants, ensuring that they perform at their best.
 
In conclusion, selecting the right engine oil is crucial for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of your vehicle's engine. Synthetic oils, in particular, offer superior performance and protection, thanks to their uniform molecular structure and resistance to sludge and deposits. By choosing the right oil and changing it regularly, you can help to ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle's engine.

choosing the best silicone sealant to use at your home, Usually, Feel?

Jan 4, 2023
choosing the best silicone sealant to use at your home, Usually, Feel?
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While silicone caulks are versatile and can be used for many applications, certain ones are better for specific tasks and materials.
  • In case of high temperatures
    For applications exposed to high temperatures, look for a high-temperature silicone adhesive caulk. For a tough, watertight, mildew-resistant seal, we recommend using Loctite 100% Silicone. It’s a tough, waterproof, and UV-resistant adhesive that withstands temperatures from -65°F to 300°F, making it a perfect choice for repairs in humid or hot areas, such as plumbing, engines, or HVAC systems, as well as some industrial purposes, such as sealing various gaskets, cable insulation, and ductwork.
  • In case of moisture 
    Silicone sealants are terrific for bonds exposed to water or atmospheric moisture. For a quick fix when sealing leaks, placing tiles, mending glassware, or any job that might get wet, try Loctite Plumber and Marine Clear Adhesive. It can be applied thickly but won’t run, creating watertight seals when bonding aluminum, brick, cardboard, ceramic, fabric, fiberglass, glass, leather, most plastics, rubber, steel, and wood.
  • For construction projects
    For construction projects such as sealing gaps or cracks around windows, door frames, baseboards, walls, and molding, a caulk that combines acrylic and silicone is a smart choice. Loctite Polyseamseal Acrylic Caulk with Silicone bonds to wood, drywall, plaster, metals, brick, concrete, and masonry and can be painted within half an hour if you are using latex paint.
  • For diverse projects
    If you have multiple projects and are looking for a silicone adhesive caulk that does it all, try a multipurpose adhesive and sealant like Loctite Clear Silicone. It can be used on aluminum, ceramic, glass, metal, wood, plastic, porcelain, granite, and many more common surfaces, making it an easy choice for household repairs.
Silicone caulk on glass
Silicone sealant bonds securely to glass and metal, making it perfect for weatherproof holds.

2 stroke oil engine oil and where and how to use it for your engine?

Jan 4, 2023

Use our 2-Cycle/2-Stroke Ratio Chart to mix the proper Gasoline-Oil Blend

Many string trimmers, chain saws, polesaws, brushcutters and leaf blowers run with a 2-stroke engine. Two-stroke (or 2-cycle) engines require a mixture of fuel and oil be added to the fuel tank. This mixture results in both engine combustion and lubrication. Operating a 2-Stroke engine on gasoline alone will result in engine failure.

What is the gas-to-oil mix ratio for a two-cycle engine hand-held equipment?

First, you will need to identify when your equipment was manufactured. The year of manufacture is usually found near the model number.

For two-cycle handheld equipment manufactured prior to 2003: 

Use a 32:1 gasoline to oil ratio. One gallon of gasoline combined with 4 oz of two-cycle engine oil. If you are in the state of California, use a 2-cycle oil mix ratio of 40:1.

For two-cycle handheld equipment manufactured after 2002: 

Use a 40:1 two-cycle oil mix ratio. One gallon of gasoline combined with 3.2 oz of two-cycle engine oil.

Unsure of the age of your equipment?

Use the 40:1 mixture. All of our handheld two-cycle units can operate on a 40:1 two-cycle oil mix ratio.

Refer to the chart below to make sure you're using the correct 2-cycle/2-stroke fuel and oil mixture:

Mixing Ratio (Gas:Oil)

Volume of Gasoline

Volume of 2-Cycle Oil

32:1 1 US gal. (128 oz) 4 oz.
40:1 1 US gal. (128 oz) 3.2 oz. 
50:1 1 US gal. (128 oz) 2.6 oz.
32:1 1 liter 31.25 ml
40:1 1 liter 25 ml
50:1 1 liter 20 ml

 

Mixing the 2-cycle/2-Stroke oil and fuel mixture

Pour the 2-Cycle oil  to an empty gasoline can before adding one gallon of fresh gasoline into the can. No additional agitation is necessary. If the mixture may be stored for more than 30 days, include a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline before mixing to help increase its shelf life.

Label the gas can containing the 2-cycle oil mixture, to prevent accidentally using it in other equipment, such as your lawn mower.

Note: Never use gasoline with an ethanol content higher than 10%. Ethanol attracts moisture when exposed to air. After absorbing less than an ounce of water, the 2-cycle gasoline and oil mixture will start to separate and if used, result in damage to your engine's carburetor.

How to Choose the Best Silicone Sealant

Sep 9, 2022
How to Choose the Best Silicone Sealant
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How to Choose the Best Silicone Sealant



There are several different types of silicone sealants. Each one has a different purpose and can be used for various projects. These sealants are often used instead of more traditional adhesives. This article will give you an overview of some of the different types of silicone sealants. Once you understand the benefits of each, you can make the best choice for your project.
 
Colours - Silicone sealants can be found in a wide range of colours. While the most common colours are clear and white, other colours include cream, gray, and black. It is vital to choose the correct color for your project, as clear sealants tend to yellow relatively quickly.
 
Types of silicone sealants are also different in consistency. Some are made for high-temperature applications, while others are designed for low-temperature environments. There are also specialist silicones, which are specifically designed for a specific industrial purpose. In the electronics industry, for example, specialty silicones are used for coating circuit boards, potting assemblies, and sealing circuits.
 
The application of the sealant will determine the type of sealant that is appropriate. It will also depend on what kind of materials are involved. If you're not sure, look for a compatibility chart. The compatibility chart will show which materials work well with which other materials.
 
Unlike traditional adhesives, silicone sealants are stable and reliable, which make them an excellent choice for a variety of tasks. They also offer a high level of adhesion and polish. Furthermore, they don't promote mould or vermin growth. They are also excellent for waterproof joins.
 
Another key feature of silicone sealants is their ability to resist moisture. Its ability to withstand both high and low temperatures makes it a preferred material in the building and plumbing industry. However, silicone sealants can be quite expensive. Some of them are paintable, while others are not.
 
Choose a silicone sealant that is suitable for your application. Some are suitable for applications where high temperatures are likely, such as around electrical outlets and in sanitary areas. If you're not sure what type to use, make sure to read the label of the sealant carefully. Make sure you choose the one with the best adhesive properties.
 
A silicone sealant can bond a variety of common materials. They are often used to caulk cracks. They are easily applied but should be used carefully and ideally, the colour should match your building material. It is not paintable, so you should make sure to thoroughly clean the area before applying it.
 
The correct silicone sealant is one that provides durability and flexibility. It can also be used to protect glass surfaces from UV radiation and weather.

Need advise? Here is the best & recommended silicone sealant that suits your needs.

 

Oil slips after API data shows U.S. inventory build-up

Nov 3, 2021
SINGAPORE, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Wednesday as industry data pointed to a big build in crude oil and distillate stocks in the United States, the world's largest oil consumer, and as pressure mounted on OPEC to increase supply.

Brent crude futures fell $1.03, or 1.2%, to $83.69 a barrel by 0724 GMT, after dropping to a session-low of $83.27 earlier.
 

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures tumbled $1.30, or 1.6%, to $82.61 a barrel, after dropping to a low of $82.26 earlier.

''Crude prices are declining after the API reported the sixth straight week of crude oil inventory builds and as the Biden administration exhausts every possible plea to OPEC+ members before tapping their Strategic Petroleum Reserve,'' said Edward Moya, senior analyst at OANDA.

''World leaders are running out of cards to pressure OPEC+ and that should mean whatever dip that comes from tapping strategic reserves from China or the U.S. will likely be bought into.''

President Joe Biden, speaking at a climate summit in Glasgow, blamed a surge in oil and gas prices on a refusal by OPEC nations to pump more crude. read more

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, a group known as OPEC+, meets on Thursday to review its policy and is expected to reconfirm plans for monthly increases. read more

U.S. crude and distillate fuel stocks rose last week while gasoline declined, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday.

 

Crude stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels for the week ended Oct. 29. Gasoline inventories fell by 552,000 barrels and distillate stocks rose by 573,000 barrels, the data showed, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Analysts polled by Reuters had expected crude oil inventories to have risen last week.

 

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the U.S. Department of Energy, will be released later on Wednesday.

In a sign that high prices are encouraging more supply elsewhere, BP said on Tuesday it will ramp up investments in its onshore U.S. shale oil and gas business to $1.5 billion in 2022 from $1 billion this year.

Oil edges up, as investors worry about global demand

Sep 22, 2021
NEW YORK, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose modestly in a see-saw session on Tuesday, as concerns about the global consumption outlook counterbalanced the struggle by big OPEC producers to pump enough supply to meet growing demand.

Both benchmarks were at one point up by $1 per barrel, but Brent crude pared gains and settled just up 44 cents at $74.36 a barrel, after falling by almost 2% on Monday.

The October West Texas Intermediate (WTI) contract , which expired on Tuesday, rose 27 cents to settle at $70.56 a barrel, after dropping 2.3% in the previous session. The more active November contract rose 35 cents a barrel to $70.49.

Brent and the November WTI contract earlier reached session highs of $75.18 a barrel and $71.48 per barrel, respectively.

 

''It seems to be a very nervous trade today,'' said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures group in Chicago. ''It's a little bit of ongoing concerns about the potential impact of demand going forward.''

The TASS news agency said Russia believes global oil demand may not recover to its 2019 peak before the pandemic, as the energy balance shifts.

However, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies including Russia (OPEC+) struggled to pump enough oil in August to meet current consumption as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Several countries appeared to have produced less than expected as part of the OPEC+ agreement - suggesting a supply gap could grow. read more

Investors across financial assets have been rocked by fallout from the China Evergrande (3333.HK) crisis that has harmed asset values in risk markets like equities. read more

 

''Traders worried that it could trigger a domino effect in China’s major debt-driven companies, and a rollover bearish effect for stocks and commodity prices,'' said Nishant Bhushan, oil markets analyst at Rystad Energy.

''However, given that all Chinese major banks and lending institutions are controlled by the government, there is a ray of hope in the market that the second biggest economy in the world would be able to absorb shock waves from the Evergrande.''

In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to start tightening monetary policy, which could cut investor tolerance for riskier assets such as oil. Fed policymakers began a two-day meeting Tuesday. read more

U.S. oil production is still recovering from hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast region. Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L), the largest U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil producer, said on Monday that damage to offshore transfer facilities from Hurricane Ida will cut production into early next year. read more

 

About 18% of the U.S. Gulf's oil and 27% of its natural gas production remained offline on Monday, more than three weeks after Ida.

U.S. crude oil, gasoline and distillate inventories fell last week, according to market sources, citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday, as numerous refineries and offshore drilling facilities remained shut following Hurricane Ida.

Crude stocks fell by 6.1 million barrels for the week ended Sept. 17. Gasoline inventories fell by 432,000 barrels and distillate stocks fell by 2.7 million barrels, the data showed, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Official U.S. government data is due on Wednesday.

Oil settles unchanged as latest storm spares U.S. energy sector

Sep 15, 2021
Sept 14 (Reuters) - Oil prices ended largely unchanged on Tuesday as tropical storm Nicholas brought heavy rain and power outages in Texas but caused less damage to U.S. energy infrastructure than Hurricane Ida caused earlier this month.

Brent crude settled up 9cents to$73.60 a barrel after hitting a session high of $74.28. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled up 1 cent, at $70.46, after touching a high of $71.22.

More than 39% of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico's production of crude and natural gas remained shut on Tuesday, the regulator Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) said. Nicholas made landfall in Texas on Monday and was to reach Louisiana on Wednesday, bringing more floods and heavy rains to the Gulf's oil facilities.

''The Gulf situation is not resolving itself quickly,'' said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.
 

Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) shut production at an offshore oil platform due to heavy winds. Vessel traffic at some energy hubs was halted due to difficult weather conditions.

''There's going to be import-export issues because Houston is in a semi-flood zone,'' said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho.

Nicholas is the second major storm to threaten the U.S. Gulf region in recent weeks, bringing heavy rains to the Deep South and causing power outages. Still, most Texas refineries were operating normally and Texas utilities were restoring power to customers who suffered outages. read more

The Colonial pipeline, the largest U.S. fuel pipeline, partially resumed operations after shutting due to a power outage early in the day.
 

Oil turned negative during the session after new data from the U.S. Labor Department showed inflation cooling and as worries receded about the storm's impact on the energy sector. read more

After three months of declining global oil demand, rollouts of COVID-19 vaccines should rekindle appetite for oil that was suppressed by pandemic restrictions, especially in Asia, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday.

The IEA sees a demand rebound of 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in October and continued growth until the end of the year.

Overall, the agency lowered its 2021 global oil demand growth forecast by 105,000 bpd to 5.2 million bpd but raised its 2022 figure by 85,000 bpd to 3.2 million bpd.
 

These forecasts are below those of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which expects demand to grow by about 5.96 million bpd this year and 4.15 million bpd next year. read more

Reuters Graphics
Reuters Graphics

Protesters blocked an oil tanker from loading at the Libyan terminal of Es Sider on Tuesday, the National Oil Corp's (NOC) media office and an engineer at the port said.

Details on China's plans to sell crude from strategic reserves pressured prices. China's state reserves administration said it would auction about 7.4 million barrels of crude on Sept. 24.

Oil climbs to one-week high on U.S. supply concerns

Sep 13, 2021
SINGAPORE, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed on Monday to a one-week high in a second straight session of gains as concerns over U.S. supplies following damage from Hurricane Ida supported the market, along with expectations for higher demand.

Brent crude rose 48 cents, or 0.7% to $73.40 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also added 49 cents, or 0.7%, to $70.21 a barrel. Both markets were at their highest since Sept. 3 earlier in the session.

About three-quarters of the U.S. Gulf's offshore oil production, or about 1.4 million barrels per day, has remained halted since late August - roughly equal to what OPEC member Nigeria produces.

''To compound matters, more oil refineries in Louisiana have resumed operations, raising demand for crude oil,'' ANZ analysts said in a note.

Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDSa.L), the largest oil producer in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, on Thursday cancelled some export cargoes due to damage to offshore facilities from Hurricane Ida, signalling energy losses would continue for weeks. read more

However, the number of rigs in operation in the United States grew in the latest week, energy service provider Baker Hughes said, indicating production may rise in coming weeks. read more

Beyond the impact of Ida, market attention will focus this week on potential revisions to the oil demand outlook for 2022 from the Organization of the Petroleum Operating Countries (OPEC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA). OPEC will likely revise its forecast lower on Monday, two people familiar with the matter said. read more

Money managers raised their net long U.S. crude futures and options positions in the week to Sept. 7, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said on Friday. The speculator group raise its combined futures and options position in New York and London by 1,035 contracts to 279,610 during the period.

Tesla unveils $199-a-month Full Self-Driving subscription plan ¡ª but there¡¯s a catch

Jul 19, 2021
Tesla unveils $199-a-month Full Self-Driving subscription plan ¡ª but there¡¯s a catch
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Tesla Inc. has unveiled a $199-a-month subscription plan for its Full Self-Driving package, rather than a $10,000 up-front fee, but it could come with an added cost for some drivers.

Electrek first reported the new subscription plan Friday. According to Tesla’s support page, there are two options, depending on the vehicle’s current Autopilot capability: Basic Autopilot to FSD for $199 a month, or Enhanced Autopilot to FSD for $99 a month. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time.

Tesla TSLA, -0.98% notes that FSD is not the same as fully driverless technology, and that “the currently enabled features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous.”

But the subscription plan requires version 3.0 of the FSD hardware, and upgrading to that will cost $1,500. That hardware — containing a new, more powerful chip — has been standard in Teslas since mid-2019.

However, Electrek reported Saturday that Tesla owners who bought their vehicles between late 2016 and mid-2019 were told at the time they had FSD hardware built in and would not need an additional hardware update.

A number of Tesla owners on Twitter and Reddit expressed irritation or outright anger over that possibility, with some saying Tesla should pay for the upgrade cost while others called for a class-action lawsuit.

Tesla’s support page says hardware upgrades are not included with the FSD subscription.

Tesla, which dissolved its media relations team last year, did not immediately respond to a request for details about the FSD 3.0 upgrade cost.

Tesla shares dipped 2% last week, and are down nearly 9% year to date. They’re still up 115% over the past 12 months, though.


Shell chief vows to bolster emissions strategy after court ruling

Jul 14, 2021
Royal Dutch Shell has vowed to accelerate its strategy towards becoming a net zero emissions business, two weeks after a Dutch court ruling ordered the company to cut its global carbon emissions by 45% by the end of 2030 compared with 2019 levels.

Shell’s chief executive, Ben van Beurden, promised to “rise to the challenge” in helping to create a low-carbon energy system, but came out fighting for the Anglo-Dutch oil company he runs, insisting it has been leading the industry in taking responsibility for its carbon emissions.

 

In a statement on his LinkedIn page, Van Beurden said he was surprised by the court’s verdict and was “disappointed that Shell is being singled out by a ruling that I believe does not help reduce global CO2 emissions”.

He added: “A court ordering one energy company to reduce its emissions – and the emissions of its customers – is not the answer.”

The transition to low-carbon energy, which remained necessary to battle the climate emergency, was “far too big a challenge for one company to tackle”, he wrote, calling for clearer regulations and policies from global governments.

Shell said it was reviewing the ruling handed down last month by a court in The Hague and expected to appeal. But the court has said its decision is immediately applicable and should not be suspended before an appeal.

Shell’s oil production had probably peaked in 2019, Van Beurden said, adding that he believed the firm’s total absolute carbon emissions would decline from 2018 levels. Instead, he said Shell should work with its customers to help them find their own way to achieving net zero emissions.

The oil firm said it would continue to produce oil and gas products “for a long time to come” in order to meet customer demand and retain the company’s financial strength, while also attracting investment.

“Imagine Shell decided to stop selling petrol and diesel today. This would certainly cut Shell’s carbon emissions. But it would not help the world one bit,” Van Beurden wrote. “Demand for fuel would not change. People would fill up their cars and delivery trucks at other service stations.”

The company said it had “rigorous, short-term reduction targets” on the way to its goal of becoming a net zero emissions business by 2050. The chief executive added that Shell had taken responsibility for reducing the carbon emissions it produced, as well as those produced when customers used its products.

The landmark Dutch case was brought by the environmental group Friends of the Earth and more than 17,000 co-plaintiffs, who successfully argued that Shell had been aware of the dangerous consequences of CO2 emissions for decades, and that and its targets remained insufficiently robust.

The company was told by the court that its emission reductions, along with those of its suppliers and buyers, should be brought into line with the Paris climate agreement.

Although it intended to appeal against the ruling, Shell said it would “seek ways to reduce emissions even further in a way that remains purposeful and profitable”.

As part of its energy transition strategy, Shell said it had in recent years invested “billions of dollars” in lower-carbon energy, including wind and solar power, hydrogen and biofuels.

Shell has vowed to give investors a chance to vote on the progress of its transition strategy at every annual shareholder meeting. Van Beurden complained that the court hearing took place several months before the publication of the strategy.
 

Shell faced a significant investor rebellion at its most recent AGM, when a shareholder resolution coordinated by Follow This, a Dutch climate activist group, calling for the company to set binding carbon emissions targets received 30% of votes.

Mark van Baal, the founder of Follow This, said Van Beurden had “failed to have his epiphany moment, and still thinks that committing to the Paris agreement is an unfair ask. More stakeholders than ever are pushing for Paris-alignment and there comes a time when Shell will have to listen and act. Butvan Beurden can take comfort that Shell is not alone in this challenge.”

Rachel Kennerley, an international climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said Shell’s promises did not far enough.

She added: “If Mr van Beurden was as serious about this as he claims, he’d stop dismissing his company’s role in driving this devastating situation and would use the court ruling as an intervention to do the right thing, rather than appealing it with all of Shell’s corporate might.”

Rising oil price may speed shift to electric vehicles, says energy watchdog

Jul 14, 2021
IEA analysis offers hope for climate action but says inflated oil price may slow global economic recovery from Covid-19
A motorist fills their petrol tank using a paper towel to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus
A motorist fills a petrol tank using a paper towel to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Petrol prices fell at the start of the pandemic but have now risen fast. Photograph: Jon Santa Cruz/REX/Shutterstock
 

 

 
 

Rising oil prices could help speed climate action by accelerating the shift to electric vehicles, but would come at the expense of the economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the global energy watchdog.

The world’s demand for crude surged by an average of 3.2m barrels a day (b/d) in June compared with the previous month but the return of oil production has failed to keep pace, triggering a steady rise in market prices.

 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that oil prices, which climbed by two-thirds this year to highs of $77 a barrel earlier this month, could climb higher and lead to market volatility unless big oil producers pump more barrels.

“While prices at these levels could increase the pace of electrification of the transport sector and help accelerate energy transitions, they could also put a drag on the economic recovery, particularly in emerging and developing countries,” the IEA said.

US drivers are already facing record high prices to fill up their tanks due to rising oil market prices. The price per gallon reached an all-time high of $3.14 on Monday, and analysts have warned that the price could climb to $5 a gallon.

As a result, the cheaper price of running an electric vehicle may encourage more motorists to make the switch sooner than planned, boosting efforts to cut emissions from transport. But higher fuel prices could also stoke cost inflation across the global economy, particularly in developing countries.

The Paris-based agency used its influential monthly oil market report to warn members of Opec and its allies (Opec+) that without success in its oil production talks the market would “tighten significantly as demand rebounds from last year’s Covid-induced plunge”.

Oil demand fell at its steepest rate since the second world war after the outbreak of coronavirus, from 100m barrels of oil a day to just over 91m barrels. But demand could rebound at its quickest rate on record to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022, according to an earlier IEA report.

The Opec+ talks to determine how quickly to increase the cartel’s oil production after historic production cuts last year fell apart last week, meaning output from the cartel is expected to rise by only 400,000 b/d from August.

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Meanwhile, the IEA has predicted that between July and September oil demand could rise to 3.3m b/d higher than the previous quarter.

In Europe, demand for air transport grew “significantly” in June, boosting demand for transport fuels. The number of scheduled seats increased by 52% in the UK compared with May, according to data provider OGA, with similar increases recorded for France (46%), Germany (44%) and Spain (53%).

The mismatch between fast-rising oil demand and a slower pace of oil production could lead to oil market volatility if there is uncertainty over the future oil supply from Opec+. Ultimately, volatility in the market “does not help ensure orderly and secure energy transitions – nor is it in the interest of either producers or consumers”, the IEA said.


Commodity Prices

Jul 7, 2021
The following graphs present commodity future prices over the periods of the last week, last three months and last year. All changes are measured in US Dollars and reflect daily closing prices for the forward month futures.

Current Price

Energy Prices
INDEX PRICE % TIME(GMT)
WTI Crude $73.45 +0.11 4:21 AM
Brent Crude $74.53 0 4:17 AM
Natural Gas $3.67 +0.99 4:21 AM
07 July 2021 04:32 AM GMT

Light Crude Oil

282930126$72.91$73.68$74.46$75.23$76.00Last 6 Days
 
MayJunJul$59.32$64.49$69.66$74.83$80.00Last 3 Months
 
ASONDJFMAMJJ$35.79$46.84$57.90$68.95$80.00Last 12 Months

Brent Crude Oil

282930126$74.53$75.15$75.77$76.38$77.00Last 6 Days
 
MayJunJul$62.74$67.06$71.37$75.69$80.00Last 3 Months
 
ASONDJFMAMJJ$37.46$48.10$58.73$69.36$80.00Last 12 Months

Natural Gas

282930126$3.62$3.64$3.66$3.69$3.71Last 6 Days
 
MayJunJul$2.46$2.84$3.23$3.61$4.00Last 3 Months
 
ASONDJFMAMJJ$1.64$2.23$2.82$3.41$4.00Last 12 Months

Futures Disclaimer:

Copyright © 2021. All market data is provided by Barchart Solutions.

Futures: at least 10 minute delayed. Information is provided 'as is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice. To see all exchange delays and terms of use, please see disclaimer.


Oil prices surge after OPEC+ calls off talks

Jul 6, 2021
New York / London (CNN Business)Oil prices soared on Tuesday after major producers, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, fell out over plans to increase production in the face of rising global demand.
The price of Brent crude, the global benchmark that has surged roughly 50% this year, rose above $77 a barrel to reach its highest level since October 2018.
US oil futures increased 1.5% to $76.32, a remarkable recovery from April 2020, when prices crashed to negative $40 a barrel.
 
 
The surge comes after the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including Russia and Mexico, canceled a Monday meeting to discuss plans to lift production curbs as demand for oil recovers following the coronavirus pandemic.
The talks were carried over from last week after producers failed to agree on production increases. No new date for the meeting has been set.
OPEC+ has only gradually added back production that it aggressively sidelined during last year's oil crash. But as economies reopen, manufacturing picks up and people start to travel again, demand for oil is outpacing supply and sending prices higher.

The high drama comes as Americans hitting the road for the Fourth of July holiday were greeted by a seven-year high in gasoline prices, adding to inflation headaches already buffeting the economy. The average price of a gallon of regular gas in the United States stands at $3.13, up 95 cents, or 44%, from a year ago.
Analysts have said that the only solution is for OPEC+ to pump more oil to meet surging demand. But members of the alliance disagree on how much oil should be added back to global supply.
OPEC member the United Arab Emirates, which has invested heavily in recent years to boost its production, has argued publicly that the baseline from which its share of cuts are calculated is too low. The UAE was OPEC's third-biggest producer in 2020.
 
UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said over the weekend that the current deal wasn't ''fair,'' arguing it had been forced to idle one third of its production while other countries were allowed to pump more relative to their maximum output.
''We cannot extend the agreement or make a new agreement under the same conditions. We have the sovereign right to negotiate that,'' the minister said in a televised interview on Sunday.
For many years, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of OPEC, have been close allies.
But relations between the two nations have been tense more recently and analysts said that could factor into the current OPEC deadlock. In fact, some OPEC watchers see a risk that the UAE could leave the cartel altogether.
— Chris Isidore, Hanna Ziady and Matt Egan contributed to this report.

Oil prices rise to six-year highs after OPEC+ talks yield no production deal

Jul 6, 2021
Oil jumped to its highest level in six years after talks between OPEC and its oil-producing allies were postponed indefinitely, with the group failing to reach an agreement on production policy for August and beyond.

On Tuesday, U.S. oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude futures advanced 1.6%, or $1.22, to $76.38 per barrel. At one point, WTI crude hit as high as $76.98, which was the highest price since November 2014.

 

International benchmark Brent crude rose 0.2%, or 16 cents, to $77.32 per barrel — the highest since late 2018.

Discussions began last week between OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+, as the energy alliance sought to establish output policy for the remainder of the year. The group on Friday voted on a proposal that would have returned 400,000 barrels per day to the market each month from August through December, resulting in an additional 2 million barrels per day by the end of the year. Members also proposed extending the output cuts through the end of 2022.

The United Arab Emirates rejected these proposals, however, and talks stretched from Thursday to Friday as the group tried to reach a consensus. Initially, discussions were set to resume on Monday but were ultimately called off.

“The date of the next meeting will be decided in due course,” OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo said in a statement.

OPEC+ took historic measures in April 2020 and removed nearly 10 million barrels per day of production in an effort to support prices as demand for petroleum-products plummeted. Since then, the group has been slowly returning barrels to the market, while meeting on a near monthly basis to discuss output policy.




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