Buying interest for North Sea Forties crude reappeared in the trading window on Thursday for the first time this week, but bids were at a discount to the last deal levels.
Oseberg stayed the cheapest benchmark grade and the one setting dated Brent's value.
SHIPMENTS EAST
As many as four VLCCs of Forties are heading to Asia in May, according to shipping data, as well as one or two VLCCs of Ekofisk loading in May and June, a trade source said.
PLATTS WINDOW
No cargoes traded. Forties: Shell bid for a Forties cargo loading on June 20-26 at dated Brent minus 25 cents. The last bid reported was on May 15 at dated plus 80 cents. Castleton offered a Forties on a cif Rotterdam basis at dated plus $1.25 for June 5-8 delivery, up from the last known cif offer, made on May 16 at dated Brent plus 85 cents.
Oseberg stays the cheapest benchmark grade as it was valued at dated Brent plus $1.40, equal to dated plus 57 cents when applying the June quality premium of 83 cents.
Reporting by Alex Lawler