Condensate export numbers hidden from view

[unhappycamper]

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/eagle-ford-fix/2014/10/condensate-export-numbers-hidden-from-view/

Condensate export numbers hidden from view
Posted on October 1, 2014 | By Jennifer Hiller

WASHINGTON — New government data about crude exports includes information about the first-known U.S. exports of lightly treated condensate, but the real details are hidden from view.

The amount of condensate that sailed away from Texas City, in July is found in the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s new report on the the nation’s petroleum supply, but it is folded into an existing category, probably unfinished “kerosene and light gas oils”

According to the report, in July, the U.S. exported 400,000 barrels of those unfinished kerosene and light gas oils, which by definition reflect partially refined products and generally require further processing. Given that no unfinished light gas oil shipments were reported in the five previous months, it appears likely that all 400,000 barrels recorded for July were minimally processed condensate.

At least one cargo of condensate sailed away in late July, following private Commerce Department rulings affirming that two Texas companies’ plans for distilling the ultra-light oil were sufficient to transform it into a refined product and qualify it for export. While refined petroleum products such as gasoline can be freely exported, it is generally illegal to sell raw U.S. crude overseas.