Argus Launches First Ship-to-Ship Gulf of Oman Price Assessments for Abu Dhabi Crude

## Argus Introduces Landmark Price Assessments for Abu Dhabi Offshore Crude Global energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus has launched the first assessed prices for Abu Dhabi crude exports conducted via ship-to-ship (STS) transfers in the Gulf of Oman, marking a significant step forward in pricing transparency for one of the world's most strategically important crude trading corridors. According to a PR Newswire release dated August 12, 2026, the new price assessments are designed to bring clarity to Abu Dhabi crude transactions that take place outside the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint through which a significant share of global oil flows and which has historically been subject to geopolitical risk and logistical complexity. ### Why This Matters The Gulf of Oman has become an increasingly important hub for STS crude transfers, allowing Abu Dhabi producers and traders to load cargoes onto very large crude carriers (VLCCs) without transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the volume of trade conducted at these offshore locations, the absence of formal, independent price benchmarks has long been a source of opacity for market participants. By establishing assessed reference prices for these transactions, Argus aims to provide buyers, sellers, and traders with a reliable, independent benchmark that reflects actual market conditions. Transparent pricing is widely regarded as essential for efficient contract negotiation, risk management, and dispute resolution in commodity markets. ### Broader Market Context Abu Dhabi's flagship Murban crude, produced by ADNOC, has seen growing international interest since the launch of the Murban futures contract on the ICE Futures Abu Dhabi (IFAD) exchange in 2021. The addition of STS Gulf of Oman price assessments by Argus complements existing benchmark infrastructure and reflects the continued evolution of Middle Eastern crude pricing away from traditional formula-based systems toward more market-reflective mechanisms. STS operations in the Gulf of Oman have also gained prominence as producers and traders seek greater operational flexibility and resilience in the face of periodic tensions in the broader Persian Gulf region. ### Industry Implications For shipping professionals, the new assessments are relevant not only to crude traders but also to tanker operators and charterers active in the region, as transparent STS pricing can influence freight rate negotiations and voyage economics for VLCCs and Suezmaxes operating in the area. Argus, headquartered in London with a significant presence in Singapore, is one of the leading independent price reporting agencies (PRAs) in global energy markets. Its assessments are widely used as reference prices in physical supply contracts and financial derivatives.