Family:  BDTI / BCTI / BLPG

Index: Middle East Gulf Indices

Category: Consultation:  Back up Plan - Middle East Gulf Tanker Indices

On 20 April 2026, Baltic Exchange Information Services Ltd (“BEISL”) issued a market consultation on potential methodology changes or suspension of certain Middle East Gulf (“MEG”) benchmarks in the event of an escalation or extended duration of the conflict that could have led to increased difficulty of producing representative benchmark assessments.

The outcome of that consultation, published on 23 April 2026, was that if an emergency change was required, a methodology referencing alternative load ports outside the MEG was preferable to outright suspension, provided that any such approach was clearly defined, transparent, and appropriately communicated to the market.  This consultation seeks feedback on two proposed changes to methodology that would allow alternative load ports to be used to price the impacted routes. 

Details of how to respond to the questions are set out in the consultation paper, which is available to members here  ( Middle East Gulf Routes Back up Plan Consultation )  The Baltic requests comments by 17:00 3 August 2026.

If you have trouble accessing a copy of the Consultation paper, please contact Balticbroker@balticexchange.com.

MC/Tankers/202607/44/N