Russia ESPO crude oil export increase 4% in August

Russia's   exports   of the medium sweet   ESPO   Blend crude in   August are   expected to  

total 2.7 million mt, up to 3. 85% from July, the latest monthly loading program showed.

This was similar to the June-loading program, which runs from   June 30 to August 1.

However, the August-loading rate will average 582, 088 b/d, upfrom 577, 515 b/d scheduled for July.

The program showed that state-owned Rosneft holds ten cargoes   for August, up from eight in July.

Surgutneftegaz holds eight cargoes for August similar to their   allocation for the July-loading program.

Small   producers   including   Swiss-based Tenergy   will   hold a   total of six cargoes, unchanged from the previous month,

while   Gazpromneft and Lukoil will hold two cargoes and one   cargo,   respectively,   for August,   the program showed.

The   August-loading   cargoes   were   heard   sold   at   premiums   of around   $2.50-$2.70/b   to   Platts   front -month   Dubai   crude

assessments. This compares to premiums of   around   $3.20-$3. 40/bfor loading over H1 July,   and around $2. 50$2.70/b for loading over   H2 July.