Benchmark price

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Benchmark price (BP) is the price per unit of quantity in a specific segment of the international marketplace, set by the country or producers' organization that consistently exports the largest quantity or volume in a marketplace such as the London Metal Exchange. [1] [2] This price is set periodically, usually monthly and serves as a guideline for international trade.

The term "benchmark" can be applied to many aspects of public concern, such as quality, services, attitudes and others, denoting the highest standards achieved in such spheres. For example, a school or university could be cited as setting the benchmark for education. A hotel could be cited as setting the benchmark for quality of service. The phrase "international benchmark price", however, is synonymous with prices of commodities in international trade.

An example is the benchmark prices that apply to crude oil in the international marketplace.

It is not mandatory for exporting countries or importing countries to use the benchmark price as international trade is based on favourable prices.

The benchmark price is often the most important consideration when determining export prices.

A specific raw material or other similar goods will sell for more or less than the benchmark price depending on how it compares to the benchmark commodity (percentage of undesirable components such as sulfur, for example) and where it is to be delivered, if other than the benchmark price's delivery point.

Also see

Benchmark (crude oil)

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Western Canadian Select (WCS) is a heavy sour blend of crude oil that is one of North America's largest heavy crude oil streams. It was established in December 2004 as a new heavy oil stream by EnCana, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Petro-Canada and Talisman Energy Inc.. It is a heavy blended crude oil, composed mostly of bitumen blended with sweet synthetic and condensate diluents and 21 existing streams of both conventional and unconventional Alberta heavy crude oils at the large Husky Midstream General Partnership terminal in Hardisty, Alberta. Western Canadian Select—the benchmark for heavy, acidic crudes—is one of many petroleum products from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin oil sands. Calgary-based Husky Energy, now a subsidiary of Cenovus, had joined the initial four founders in 2015;

References

  1. "LME Official Price". London Metal Exchange. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  2. "About fuel prices". Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. 5 November 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2013.