Contract Purpose
This contract allows market participants to:
- Trade the price spread between European gasoline (Eurobob Oxy FOB Rotterdam Barges) and European crude oil (Brent)
- Hedge exposure to the refining margin, commonly known as the “gasoline crack,” for producing gasoline from crude oil in Europe
- Manage risk associated with fluctuations in both gasoline and crude oil prices within the European market
- Speculate on changes in refining profitability and market dynamics impacting the relationship between crude oil and finished gasoline
Market Significance
Refining Margin Benchmark: The EBOB Crack contract is a key indicator of the economics of producing gasoline from crude oil in Northwest Europe, widely referenced by refiners, traders, and analysts.
Market Reference: Serves as a benchmark for gasoline pricing relative to crude oil, underpinning both physical and financial contracts across the region.
Arbitrage Opportunities: Captures trading opportunities between European gasoline and global crude oil markets, reflecting shifts in supply, demand, and refinery operations.
Trading Benefits
- Cross-Market Exposure: Provides simultaneous access to both European gasoline and global crude oil price movements
- Risk Management: Enables effective hedging against price volatility in both the gasoline and crude oil markets
- Spread Trading: Allows traders to capitalise on price differentials between refined products and crude oil, supporting sophisticated trading strategies
This contract is especially valuable for refineries, trading houses, and financial institutions active in the European gasoline and crude oil markets. It offers a focused tool for managing price risk, optimising refining strategies, and responding to market shifts in the relationship between crude oil and gasoline prices.