Vortexa: January Clean Product Exports Jump 5%% Y-or-Y
1/23 2:53 PM
Vortexa: January Clean Product Exports Jump 5% Y-or-Y HOUSTON, TX (DTN) - Global seaborne exports of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and naphtha have surged approximately 5% above 2025 levels in early January, adding 600,000-700,000 bpd to international flows as refiners navigate shifting trade patterns and oversupply pressures, energy and freight intelligence service Vortexa said Friday (1/23). - Diesel dominates export growth. Diesel is leading the export surge as Russia aggressively pushes sanctioned barrels into alternative markets following the European Union (EU) ban on Russian-refined products. Meanwhile, European refiners are ramping up domestic diesel production to replace Russian imports, contributing to a global redistribution of supply rather than reflecting strong end-user demand. - Naphtha sees short-term boost. Naphtha exports have strengthened following President Trump's announcement of a 30-50 million bbl Venezuelan oil purchase. The heavy Venezuelan crude requires naphtha as a diluent for transportation, temporarily boosting demand. However, analysts warn naphtha could become the "swing struggler" as Chinese buying appetite weakens following the Lunar New Year holidays. - Gasoline holds steady amid supply disruptions. Gasoline flows have remained stable, supported by steady demand in the U.S. Atlantic Coast and Northwest Europe. The EU ban on Russian products and operational issues at Nigeria's massive Dangote refinery have helped absorb available supply and maintain balanced markets. - Jet fuel margins stay healthy. Jet fuel continues to post robust margins despite constrained global production capacity. Top exporters including South Korea, Kuwait, India and China are operating near maximum output, with limited room to expand supply even as aviation demand remains firm. Vortexa analysts note that summer demand patterns will be critical in determining whether 2026's strong start sustains above five-year averages or softens as seasonal factors and market fundamentals reassert themselves. Editor's note: This story was written using AI with Vortexa's information. (c) Copyright 2026 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.