August 18 news
According to the SpotCom AI assistant, on August 17, 2026, the 180CST fuel oil market in China continued to consolidate. The spread indicator shows that it is currently in a volatile state. Considering the price cycle position, it is at a medium-high level on a one-year scale, with limited upside potential. In the short term, the market will mainly focus on resistance and consolidation.
I. Analysis of the Mean Difference Indicator
Difference Table of Means
| Average Difference Type | Today's Value (2026-08-17) | Yesterday's Value (2026-08-16) | Direction of Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-day Average Difference (D5) | 5 | 10 | - |
| 10-day Average Difference (D10) | 20 | 20 | Flat |
| 20-day Average Difference (D20) | -11.88 | -16.88 | Up |
Signal Status Determination
The current three average differences compared to the previous day do not completely align in their direction of change (5-day average difference decreased, 10-day average difference remained the same, 20-day average difference increased), which falls within the range of a volatile market. Based on the characteristics of the changes, it is determined to be a resilience warning (biased towards bullish).
Trend Direction Conclusion
Volatility. Reason: The 5-day moving average difference declined compared to yesterday, the 10-day moving average difference remained stable, and the 20-day moving average difference rose compared to yesterday. The directions of change among these three averages are inconsistent, meeting the criteria for a volatile market and exhibiting characteristics of consolidation with a tendency toward resistance to further declines.
II. Price Position and Spatial Reference
Fuel oil 180CST prices are at a moderately high level over a 1-year period, and at a high level over 60-day and 3-month periods. The current price is approaching the higher range of the cycle, with limited room for further increases. In the short term, any decline will depend on the strength of the support below.
III. Trend Chart Display
IV. Recent Market Performance Review
August 13: China’s 180CST fuel oil low-sulfur spot quotes for self-collection range from 5,800 to 6,400 CNY per ton; market conditions are stabilizing.
August 14: The ex-warehouse low-sulfur fuel oil 180CST quote for the Shanghai region offered by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is RMB 6,000 per ton, up RMB 100 per ton from the previous trading day. The Chinese market showed a slight upward trend, with quoted prices ranging from RMB 5,900 to RMB 6,400 per ton.
August 17: The Chinese fuel oil 180CST market is consolidating, with ex-warehouse low-sulfur quotes ranging from 5,900 to 6,400 CNY per ton.
Risk Warning
The above analysis is for reference only and does not constitute trading advice.
