Argus Launches EULAB Index to Track Blue Ammonia Prices in Europe
Key Ideas
- Argus introduces EULAB index to monitor blue ammonia prices in key European ports, aiding companies in managing price risks.
- The index focuses on the cost of blue hydrogen-derived ammonia produced in the US Gulf Coast and shipped to Europe.
- Sharp price fluctuations in blue ammonia, including a 65% swing in values over the past year, highlight the need for risk assessment in contract confirmations.
- With the upcoming EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, low-carbon alternatives like blue ammonia may become more attractive due to premium pricing on high-emission imports.
Global agency Argus has unveiled the Argus EU Low-Carbon Ammonia Benchmark (EULAB) to track the cost of delivering blue ammonia to key European ports. This index aims to assist companies trading low-carbon hydrogen-based products, like blue ammonia, by providing insights into price fluctuations and aiding in risk management. EULAB specifically focuses on the expenses associated with blue hydrogen-derived ammonia produced in the US Gulf Coast and transported to Europe. Argus emphasized significant price swings in the blue ammonia market, with values varying by 65% in the past year and a notable €269 ($290) per tonne shift in February alone, showcasing the challenges companies face in contract negotiations. The impending EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is expected to elevate the cost of high-emission imports, potentially making environmentally friendly options such as blue ammonia more appealing. This initiative signals a growing focus on sustainable energy solutions in the trading sector, with companies increasingly considering low-carbon alternatives to navigate evolving market dynamics.