Matching Supply and Demand for Transportation Fuels in the Pacific Rim Countries Post-1990

The Pacific Rim, will meet its needs far-transportation and other fuels in a variety of ways. There are, however, some general statements that can be made. It is not anticipated that under any scenario there will be a gross long-term shortage of hydrocarbon fuels, although local economic circumstances will continue to lead to substitution in certain countries. However, gasoline supply will tend to be long relative to diesel. This in turn will put downward pressure on cetane quality to be balanced against upward pressure from the desire to maintain performance and reduce emissions. Similarly, environmental considerations to reduce or eliminate lead will call for compromises in octane specifications. There will be a need for continued discussions between governments and the oil and transportation industries, investment to meet the shifts in bulk properties and interesting opportunities in meeting customers' needs at a time of change.