US and European renewable diesel margins eased in June as higher feedstock costs weighed on economics, while lower diesel and renewable diesel prices added pressure, TPH Energy said in a Wednesday note.
TPH's lagged US renewable diesel indicator for low-carbon-intensity feedstocks fell to $2.08 per gallon in June from $2.71/gal in May as higher April feedstock costs rolled into margins under an estimated two-month lag.
Rising feedstock prices reduced margins by 87 cents/gal over the month, with animal fats such as tallow and white grease recording the largest increases, according to the note.
Diesel prices declined by 26 cents/gal from May, although stronger D4 Renewable Identification Number values added 50 cents/gal, partially offsetting the pressure from feedstock costs.
Despite the June decline, TPH's US renewable diesel indicator remained up $1.01/gal over the quarter in Q2. On a spot basis, however, the indicator increased only 27 cents/gal from Q1.
In Europe, the renewable diesel indicator for used cooking oil feedstocks declined to $1,276 per ton in June from $1,378 per ton in May as feedstock costs rose 1% and renewable diesel prices fell 3%, the note added.
The June pullback still left the European indicator at $1,395 per ton in Q2, compared with $1,169 per ton in Q1. The sustainable aviation fuel premium versus renewable diesel improved over the quarter but remained negative at $90 per ton.
TPH said stronger US margin trends continue to favor Darling Ingredients (DAR), while firmer European economics support Neste's spot exposure.