SPRC Rallies on High Margins, Then Falls on Diesel Cap and Margin Collapse
Middle East Tensions Boost Oil Prices and Refining Margins Middle East tensions pushed Brent crude above $90–$100, lifting refining margins and sending SPRC shares up 8.63% in July. Thai refined oil exports also jumped 120% in July, supporting revenue.
This was a key positive force driving SPRC's stock higher early in the quarter.
Strong Q2 Profit and Attractive Dividend Yield SPRC swung to a 6.9-billion-baht profit in Q2 and declared a 0.50-baht interim dividend. Brokers raised target prices up to 19.70 baht, citing a debt-free balance sheet and an 8–10% dividend yield.
This fundamental strength attracted income-focused investors and supported the stock price.
Government Diesel Price Cap Cuts Profits Thailand's government capped diesel prices, reducing SPRC's Q3 profit by roughly 1.4 billion baht, with a later doubling of the cut to about 994 million baht. This regulatory move directly hurt earnings.
This was a major negative event that weighed on SPRC's financial performance and stock price.
Singapore Refining Margins Collapse and Hidden Costs Emerge Singapore refining margins fell from over $20 to $9.2–10.6, and hidden costs added 3–6 baht per litre. Brokers began warning investors to avoid refinery stocks, pressuring SPRC shares.
This sharp decline in industry margins and rising costs turned sentiment negative and drove the stock lower.
