Web exclusive posted Nov. 11, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. CST

ICIS pricing, an information provider for the chemical and oil industries, has enhanced its U.S. and European biodiesel price reports with new quotes to reflect growing demand and trade flow internationally.

On Nov. 5, the company announced its European pricing coverage will expand from rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and two unspecified-origin biodiesel quotes with cold filter plugging points (CFPP) of minus 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) and zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), to now include specified palm biodiesel and soy biodiesel in the mix, plus a biodiesel with a CFPP of minus 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). According to ICIS, RME has a CFPP of minus 13 Celsius (55.4 degrees Fahrenheit). The U.S. biodiesel report will now include a FAME 0 CFPP FD MIDWEST price quote.

CFPP is one measurement used to gauge at what temperature fuel will clog a fuel filter as a result of it becoming more viscous when cold, differences are dependent on the level of saturated fatty acids in the fuel which varies based on feedstock, and any additives with which the fuel may have been dosed to improve cold flow.

"The new quotes reflect the diversity of a fast moving market which is driven by legislation, progress in technology, increased trade flows and demand," ICIS pricing stated in its early November release.

In 2006 ICIS launched its portfolio of weekly pricing and market-intelligence reports covering ethanol, biodiesel and ethyl tertiary butyl ether in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States.