Europe downstream oil in brief

Downstream oil international focus: We take a closer look at the opportunities and challenges around fuel price liberalisation in Mexico and Argentina. European fuel retailers responded to a sharp increase in the wholesale cost of gasoline during September by raising prices at the pump to keep margins buoyant. Retail diesel margins came under more pressure however, as pump prices were unable to keep pace with rapidly rising wholesale prices. A stronger euro versus the US dollar provided some support. Our North West Europe (NWE) Brent and Med Urals FCC gross refining margins strengthened in September supported by refinery shutdowns in Europe and the continued impact from Hurricane Harvey striking the US Gulf Coast.