Welcome to this Methanol Market Puts-and-Takes podcast episode, part of the Chemical Conversations series.

In this episode, Senior Analyst Cassidy Staggers talks with Dave McCaskill, Argus VP of Methanol and Derivatives on:

• Impact of the Iran–US peace agreement on the methanol industry
• Potential for softer pricing in Asia and slower declines in the Atlantic basin
• A longer-term outlook for the global methanol market

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial.

In this episode, Michael Ball, editor of Air Daily speaks with carbon reporter Ida Balakrishna as she examines the recent surge in RGGI allowance prices and the market forces driving unprecedented volatility. The discussion explores how Virginia’s earlier-than-expected return is raising supply concerns, alongside rising emissions, growing data center-driven power demand, and shifting compliance strategies. They also unpack recent auction surprises, seasonal demand factors, and potential regulatory responses shaping the outlook for the RGGI market.

Key Takeaways:

• Market volatility and price surges driven by Virginia's re-entry into RGGI in July
• Rising energy demand which is shaping emissions outlook and allowance demand
• Compliance deadlines and evolving regulatory expectations influencing trading behavior
• External drivers including seasonal demand patterns and auction outcomes

In this episode, George Maher-Bonnett (Deputy Editor — European Products Report) speaks with Josh Michalowski (Reporter — European Diesel & Gasoil) and Gabriella Twining (Global Editor — Base Oils and Waxes) about the refining tug-of-war between diesel and base oils. They discuss how record diesel cracks have been driving refiners’ decisions, how supply resilience is masking structural risks, and why the summer driving season could deepen a squeeze across the lubricants chain.

Key themes:

• Diesel cracks: $46/bbl in June, more than double seasonal norms

• Refiners prioritise middle distillates over base oils despite uplift

• Group 3 imports collapse after Gulf supply halts, pushing prices to records

• Summer demand risk: strong diesel runs vs tightening base oil availability