logo
Saudi Arabia cuts July oil prices for Asia to nearly 4-year low after OPEC+ supply boost

Saudi Arabia cuts July oil prices for Asia to nearly 4-year low after OPEC+ supply boost

Reuters2 days ago

June 4 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, cut its July prices for Asian crude buyers to close to the lowest level in four years on Wednesday, in what the market sees as the country's attempt to regain market share.
Saudi Arabia has pushed OPEC+ this year to raise its output targets ahead of schedule.
OPEC+ has cited healthy demand and low stocks as the reasons behind increasing production. Those reasons would normally prompt producers to raise selling prices.
Saudi Arabia's state firm Aramco (2223.SE), opens new tab cut the official selling price for the flagship Arab light crude it sells to Asia for July to $1.20 a barrel above the Oman/Dubai average. The OSP premium for June was $1.40 a barrel and in May it was $1.20.
A Reuters survey had expected the price cut for Arab light in July to be 40 to 50 cents.
Saudi crude OSPs are usually released around the fifth day of each month, and set the price trend for other grades exported by Iran, Kuwait and Iraq, affecting about 9 million barrels per day of crude bound for Asia.
Eight OPEC+ countries met on Saturday and agreed to another big increase of 411,000 bpd for July, having increased by the same amount for May and June.
The tables below show the full free-on-board prices for June in U.S. dollars.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Dawn French ‘dismisses' Oct 7 Hamas attacks
Dawn French ‘dismisses' Oct 7 Hamas attacks

Telegraph

time39 minutes ago

  • Telegraph

Dawn French ‘dismisses' Oct 7 Hamas attacks

Dawn French has been accused of dismissing the Oct 7 Hamas attacks in Israel in a new social media video. The British comedian and actress, 67, posted a video of herself to X in which she appears to mimic Israel's supporters amid the military campaign in Gaza. In the video, published by French on the social media platform on Thursday, she says about the conflict in the Middle East: 'Complicated, no, but nuanced. But [the] bottom line is no.' She then goes on to mimic apparent defences of Israel's military campaign in neighbouring Gaza since the Hamas-led massacre in 2023, saying: ''Yeah but you know they did a bad thing to us'... Yeah, but no. ''But we want that land and there's a lot of history…'. No. 'These people are not even people, are they really?' No.' In response to the viral tweet, which has been viewed more than half a million times in the 24 hours since it was published, Tracy-Ann Oberman, the West End star and playwright, branded French's tone as 'mocking'. I am so saddened by this post . This mocking voice 'bad thing' of October 7 that Dawn ( who I revere by the way) appears ro be mocking involved the most horrific terrorist attack involving rape sexual violence burning alive child mutilation and taking of civilian hostages .… — Tracy-Ann Oberman (@TracyAnnO) June 6, 2025 The Jewish actress, 58, reposted French's video and said: 'I am so saddened by this post. 'This mocking voice 'bad thing' of October 7 that Dawn (who I revere by the way) appears to be mocking involved the most horrific terrorist attack involving rape, sexual violence, burning alive child, mutilation and the taking of civilian hostages.' She added: 'Why would Dawn seem to deny that which has affected so many of us personally in the most painful way possible. 'I can mourn the horrors of the war in Gaza whilst also remembering the horrors of what started it. Is this how most of our industry feels now – Oct 7 was a 'little thing'? NO!' Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas's massacre on Oct 7 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed by the terror group and 251 others were taken hostage. There are now 56 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Israel said its expanded offensive in the Strip, named Operation Gideon's Chariot, will increase the chances of returning the missing. 'Wow, this is really bad' The Hamas-run health ministry that operates in Gaza has said that at least 54,000 people have been killed in the territory during the war. Hamas has rejected proposed ceasefire and hostage release deals that do not guarantee a full Israel withdrawal from the Strip and an end to the war. Other responses to French's post include the financier Ben Goldsmith, who has been a strong defender of Israel's response to the Hamas terrorist attacks. He remarked: 'Wow, this is really bad. Who knew.' Elsewhere, comedy writer and self-described 'champion of Jewish rights' Lee Kern wrote: 'What you sneeringly mock as a 'bad thing' included the grieving children I met in hospital whose friends and family had been murdered, kidnapped and raped and who themselves were coming to terms with their own life-altering injuries. 'It also includes the 1,200 people murdered and tortured on October 7th… you proactively broadcast – with misplaced pride – a wicked glee in your mockery and dismissal of Jewish suffering, pain and death.' In a subsequent post following the criticism by Oberman, French clarified that she did not mean to 'support the atrocities of Oct 7th'. Writing on X, she said: 'I do not say 'a little thing'. In NO WAY do I support the atrocities of Oct 7th. Of course not. Appalling. Horrific. 'But starving innocent children is not the answer. NO is the answer to ALL of it, Tracy.'

Bitcoin mining trends in May 2025: Global surge amid innovation
Bitcoin mining trends in May 2025: Global surge amid innovation

Coin Geek

timean hour ago

  • Coin Geek

Bitcoin mining trends in May 2025: Global surge amid innovation

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... As of May 2025, Bitcoin mining is experiencing a transformative phase driven by technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and evolving economic dynamics. With BTC's price soaring past $110,000, the industry is witnessing a global 'digital gold rush' as nations and companies capitalize on the digital currency's bullish momentum. From Pakistan's bold energy allocation to cutting-edge hardware innovations and shifting profitability landscapes, recent news highlights a rapidly evolving sector navigating opportunities and headwinds. This article explores the key trends shaping Bitcoin mining in May 2025, reflecting a mix of strategic national policies, technological breakthroughs, and market challenges. One of the most significant developments is Pakistan's ambitious move to allocate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of surplus electricity to BTC mining and AI data centers, announced at the BTC Vegas 2025 conference. This initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, aims to transform the country's underutilized energy capacity—particularly from coal-fired plants operating at 15% capacity—into a revenue-generating asset. Estimates suggest this could yield 17,000 BTC annually, worth approximately $1.8 billion at current prices. Pakistan's strategy includes creating a national BTC reserve and establishing the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority to regulate the sector, positioning the country as a potential hub for digital currency and high-tech industries. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns about this allocation amid Pakistan's energy shortages, highlighting the tension between economic innovation and domestic needs. Technological advancements are also reshaping the mining landscape. Bitmain unveiled the Antminer S23 Hydro at the World Digital Mining Summit, boasting an energy efficiency of 9.7 joules per terahash (J/TH), a significant leap from the 1,200 J/TH of 2013 models. Set for release in Q1 2026, this rig reflects a broader trend toward energy-efficient hardware as miners face tighter margins post the 2024 Bitcoin halving, which slashed block rewards. The focus on efficiency is critical, as rising network hash rates—up 6.7% in April 2025—have driven a 6.6% drop in mining profitability. Miners are increasingly replacing older rigs rather than expanding fleets, aiming to survive squeezed margins in a competitive market where hashprice remains below pre-halving levels of $100/PH/s. Regulatory tailwinds fuel optimism, particularly in the United States, which dominates global BTC mining with over 36% of the hash rate. Pro-crypto policies, including Texas's push for a state-run Bitcoin reserve, create a favorable environment. The U.S. has seen persistent demand for BTC through spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with $3.3 billion in net inflows in May alone. However, not all news is positive: BlackRock's spot Bitcoin ETF recorded its largest outflow day on May 30, with $430.8 million withdrawn, ending a 31-day inflow streak. This volatility underscores the market's sensitivity to macroeconomic factors, such as rising U.S. Treasury yields and trade tensions with China. Globally, other nations are joining the mining race. Ecuador hosted its first Bitcoin mining event in Guayaquil, signaling a growing interest in Latin America. Meanwhile, countries like Kazakhstan, Japan, Malaysia, and Bhutan continue to embrace legal mining to bolster their economies. The global hash rate is climbing, reflecting increased competition, but this also raises environmental concerns. A recent analysis suggests AI data centers could surpass Bitcoin mining in energy consumption by year-end, potentially consuming as much power as a country like the U.K. This has sparked debates about sustainability, with environmental advocates pushing for greener blockchain solutions. However, miners resist abandoning existing hardware investments. Home mining is also making a comeback, driven by falling energy prices in key U.S. states, cheaper ASICs, and regulatory clarity from frameworks like the EU's MiCA. Platforms like BCC Mining have launched mobile apps offering 'free cloud mining' for BTC, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, lowering barriers for retail miners. However, the profitability squeeze and high initial costs remain hurdles for small-scale operations. Market sentiment remains bullish, with analysts predicting BTC could reach $200,000 to $330,000 by year-end, driven by institutional adoption and post-halving scarcity. U.S. public companies now hold $349 billion in BTC, a 31% increase since January, while ETF inflows outpace mined coins (26,700 BTC bought vs. 7,200 mined in May). Yet, challenges persist: fraud attempts surged 200% in Q1 2025, and miners face delays and tighter margins. Smart miners are shifting to flexible, hosting-first strategies to adapt. As Bitcoin mining evolves, it balances innovation with economic and environmental challenges. Nations like Pakistan are betting on crypto to drive economic growth while technological advancements and regulatory shifts create new opportunities. However, rising hash rates, profitability pressures, and sustainability concerns highlight the need for strategic adaptation. The industry's trajectory in 2025 will depend on navigating these complexities while capitalizing on Bitcoin's unprecedented market momentum. Watch: Bitcoin mining in 2025: Is it still worth it? title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">

Exclusive: US suspends licenses to ship nuclear plant parts to China, sources say
Exclusive: US suspends licenses to ship nuclear plant parts to China, sources say

Reuters

timean hour ago

  • Reuters

Exclusive: US suspends licenses to ship nuclear plant parts to China, sources say

June 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. in recent days suspended licenses for nuclear equipment suppliers to sell to China's power plants, according to four people familiar with the matter, as the two countries engage in a damaging trade war. The suspensions were issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the people said, and affect export licenses for parts and equipment used with nuclear power plants. Nuclear equipment suppliers are among a wide range of companies whose sales have been restricted over the past two weeks as the U.S.-China trade war shifted from negotiating tariffs to throttling each other's supply chains. It is unclear whether a Thursday call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping would affect the suspensions. The U.S. and China agreed on May 12 to roll back triple digit, tit-for-tat tariffs for 90 days, but the truce between the two biggest economies quickly went south, with the U.S. claiming China reneged on terms related to rare earth elements, and China accusing the U.S. of "abusing export control measures" by warning that using Huawei Ascend AI chips anywhere in the world violated U.S. export controls. After Thursday's call, further talks on key issues were expected. The U.S. Department of Commerce did not respond to a request for comment on the nuclear equipment restrictions. On May 28, a spokesperson said the department was reviewing exports of strategic significance to China. "In some cases, Commerce has suspended existing export licenses or imposed additional license requirements while the review is pending," the spokesperson said in a statement. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.S. nuclear equipment suppliers include Westinghouse and Emerson (EMR.N), opens new tab. Westinghouse, whose technology is used in over 400 nuclear reactors around the world, and Emerson, which provides measurement and other tools for the nuclear industry, did not respond to requests for comment. The suspensions affect business worth hundreds of millions of dollars, two of the sources said. They also coincide with Chinese restrictions on critical metals threatening supply chains for manufacturers worldwide, especially America's Big Three automakers. Reuters could not determine whether the new restrictions were tied to the trade war, or if and how quickly they might be reinstated. Department of Commerce export licenses typically run for four years and include authorized quantities and values. But many new restrictions on exports to China have been imposed in the last two weeks, according to sources, and include license requirements for a hydraulic fluids supplier for sales to China. Other license suspensions went to GE Aerospace for jet engines for China's COMAC aircraft, sources said. The U.S. also now requires licenses to ship ethane to China, as Reuters reported first last week. Houston-based Enterprise Product Partners (EPD.N), opens new tab said Wednesday that its emergency requests to complete three proposed cargoes of ethane to China, totaling some 2.2 million barrels, had not been granted. Enterprise said a May 23 requirement for a license to sell butane to China, in addition to the ethane, was subsequently withdrawn. Dallas-based Energy Transfer said it was notified on Tuesday about the new ethane licensing requirement, and planned to apply and file for an emergency authorization. Other sectors that have been hit with new restrictions include companies that sell electronic design automation software such as Cadence Design Systems (CDNS.O), opens new tab.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store