A1 Oil Brokers provides experienced, independent intermediary services across crude oil, refined fuels, and petroleum products — with discretion, speed, and deep market knowledge.
A1 Oil Brokers is the independent brokerage practice of James Thornton, an experienced energy markets professional specialising in the physical trading and procurement of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and liquid fuels.
With over two decades spent working across trading desks, refinery procurement, and international deal facilitation, James brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to matching counterparties and closing transactions efficiently.
Whether you are a refinery, trading house, shipowner, government entity, or end consumer, A1 Oil Brokers provides discreet, focused intermediary services designed to move deals forward.
The OPEC+ alliance has confirmed it will maintain voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day through Q3, with delegates citing weaker-than-expected demand recovery across Asian markets. Brent futures responded positively, trading above $84/bbl as buyers moved to secure near-term supply. Analysts warn that any deviation from member compliance could quickly reverse gains.
Gasoil crack spreads hit a six-week high as alternative supply from the Middle East and US Gulf Coast struggles to fully offset reduced Russian volumes reaching the ARA hub. Buyers in Northwest Europe are paying a premium for prompt delivery, with term contract holders better positioned than spot buyers.
Renewed concerns over shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz are keeping a geopolitical risk premium embedded in Gulf crude benchmarks. Several VLCC operators have reported increased insurance costs and revised routing, adding to delivered costs for Asian refiners dependent on Middle Eastern supply.
TD3C rates on the Middle East Gulf–China route strengthened to WS62 as charterers moved to secure tonnage ahead of a busy June loading programme. Tighter availability of modern eco-vessels is supporting rates, with older tonnage commanding a significant discount.
The US Energy Information Administration reported a surprise drawdown of 2.1 million barrels in commercial crude stocks, against analyst expectations of a modest build. The draw was concentrated at Cushing, Oklahoma, the delivery point for WTI futures, pushing the prompt spread into backwardation.
Aviation fuel demand across Southeast Asia has recovered strongly ahead of the summer travel season, pushing the Singapore jet fuel crack spread to $18.40/bbl. Airlines in the region are reported to be increasing hedging activity, while refinery turnarounds in South Korea are tightening regional availability.
Whether you have product to sell or need to source supply, reach out to begin a confidential conversation.
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