LONDON, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Spot activity was slim on Monday
but an Indian refiner took a greater than usual volume in its
latest buy tender, helping to mop up excess Nigerian crude in
the increasingly competitive Altantic Basin.
* Around five cargoes were still said to be available from
the September loading programme.
* The October programme is expected to emerge on Aug. 15.
* Over 30 cargoes of Nigerian crude were still available for
September loading, weighing on differentials.
* Nigerian crude has been selling slower than usual as U.S.
exports of similar specification crude ramp up further. In a
sign of even more competition to come, a major new U.S. pipeline
has just started deliveries.
* Global commodities trader Trafigura said on Monday it has
started shipments of Permian basin crude to the Corpus Christi
hub in Texas via the new Cactus II pipeline system. * Cactus II is the first of three major pipelines expected
to start up before the end of the year.
* Traders said that India's IOC took around 5 million
barrels of west African crude with Agbami from Chevron, Agabmi
and Girassol from Glencore and the remainder from Vitol.
* Traders added that the volume was unusually high for the
short time period.
* IOC has issued two tenders for Oct. 9-18 and 18-27
loading. They close on Wednesday.
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