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Experts Offer Advice on Hedging in a Volatile Market
When Oil & Energy conducted its annual survey of the top hedging companies and wholesalers last year, the price of a barrel of oil was breaking records almost every day as it climbed toward its peak of $147 in July, leaving experts confounded and dealers confused about when to buy.
Its precipitous fall through the beginning of 2009 and steady climb back to more than $70 a barrel did little to settle questions about whether supply and demand or trading of oil contracts were behind the price movements. This volatility has made it harder than ever for home heating oil dealers to decide what price plans to offer, how to hedge and what costs to pass on to customers.
Read More...
Is Bioheat demand growing? Are distributors ramping up supply? What mandates are in effect? Consumer education and attitudes.
NEFI Action Center: From Washington
Mark S. Morgan, Esq., New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) Regulatory Counsel, and Jim Collura, NEFI Vice President for Government Affairs, review two recent legislative and regulatory victories for NEFI that will make spill prevention and inventory reporting less burdensome.
Mastering the Market
With our annual survey of the top hedging companies and wholesalers in the industry, dealers can gain a better understanding of where experts think this season’s prices might be headed—and how to get the most value from hedging.
Inside the Expo
NEFI’s 2009 North American Heating and Energy EXPO had record-breaking attendance thanks in part to the Energy Summit and technical sessions. We review some of the advice given on topics as varied as biofuels, carbon taxing and offering the best customer service.
Visions of the Future
The latest National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) conference presented attendees with a look at upcoming equipment with a focus on efficiency, while also offering help to the next generation of Oilheat technicians.
Signs of Optimism Seen by Dealers
The annual dealer survey from accounting firm Gray, Gray & Gray is in and shows some surprising results—including more dealers looking to acquire another business than last year, despite tight credit and an economic slowdown.
Q&A: Economist Joel Naroff
After the most volatile year of oil price gyrations most dealers can remember, we asked TD Bank’s chief economist Joel Naroff where he expects energy prices may go in the near future, whether inflation will become a problem and how businesses can best survive the downturn.
Biz Tip: Sure Profits in an Uncertain Market
Betsi Bixby of Meridian Associates gives home heating companies five tips to help increase profits despite the economy. For more information, see www.askmeridian.com.
Your New Banker: Your Customers
Matthew J. Ide, managing director of RenRe Energy Advisors Ltd., reviews some of the most common price programs that dealers offer and details how to pick those that can best improve a company’s cash flow. Ide can be reached at mji@renre.com or (832) 592-0076.
Biz Tip: Why Benchmarking is Essential for Survival
Joe Ciccarello of Gray, Gray & Gray defines “benchmarking” and outlines why it’s an important task for any business. Ciccarello can be reached at (781) 407-0300 or jciccarello@gggcpas.com.
Oil Market Stance: Dollars and Sense
With the recent market rally in energy prices, Mark Skaparas of Hedge Solutions gives some common sense tips for dealers to think about before making any big supply purchases. Skaparas can be reached at mark@hedgesolutions.com or (508) 721-7604.
Propane: Will There Ever Be Enough Storage?
Joe Rose, Propane Gas Association of New England president, writes that supply could always be an issue for dealers, but that having the proper plan in place can pay off if there are any disruptions during the season.
Weather Trends: El Nino Could Keep Northeast Cool
John Bagioni of Fax-Alert Weather Service says the unseasonably cool temperatures across the Northeast may persist through the summer, with hot periods arriving, but staying brief. Bagioni can be reached at johnbag@comcast.net.
See these topics and more in this month's edition of Oil & Energy Magazine!
Until Next Month,
Steven Andrews,
Managing Editor
• ONLINE EXTRA:
Extended Q&A with NORA Chairman Bob Boltz.
Click Here
• ONLINE EXTRA:
Extended Q&A with Energy Policy Research Foundation, Inc.'s Lucian Pugliaresi.
Click Here
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Fax: 978-535-7826
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