Phillips 66 (PSX.US), one of the largest U.S. refiners, anticipates a first-quarter loss of nearly $1 billion resulting from short positions in crude oil and related commodity derivatives, driven by a sharp price surge amid Middle East conflicts. A regulatory filing on Monday indicated that the company's standard net short positions in derivatives linked to crude oil, refined products, natural gas liquids, and renewable fuel feedstocks are expected to have an adverse impact of approximately $900 million.
Although Phillips 66 expects losses from its commodity-linked short positions, these financial hedging losses may be partially offset by the increased value of the physical crude and fuel inventories it holds as prices rise. The Middle East conflict has disrupted shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz, a passage for about one-quarter of the world’s seaborne crude oil. Since the conflict began, U.S. crude prices have surged nearly 68%, while diesel futures have climbed 62%.
Due to rising commodity prices, Phillips 66 also posted around $3 billion in collateral for its derivatives positions. In response, the company secured a new $2.25 billion 364-day term loan and increased an asset-backed securities facility from $1.25 billion to $1.75 billion.
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