Feasibility Analysis for Futures Trading of Imported Crude Oil

국내 수입 원유의 선물거래 타당성 분석

The objective of this paper is to examine whether it is feasible to introduce an crude oil futures contract on domestic commodity exchange in order to minimize the price risks of imported crude oil. In addition. this study suggests the policy issues to promote futures trading and the alternatives to use foreign energy compares the five criteria to evaluate the feasibility of crude oil futures trading on the domestic exchange. Related to the possibility of successful futures trading of imported crude oil on the domestic exchange, they are evaluated as follows: it is highly possible to succeed for the aspects of price volatility, potential market size or liquidity, and commodity homogeneity; but it is inappropriate for the aspects of deliverable amounts and market power or market structure. Therefore, it is concluded that trading a new futures contract for the underlying imported crude oil on the domestic exchange is inappropriate. For the policy issues and the hedging alternatives, first, it is urgent to establish an atmosphere for futures trading by promoting spot trading. Second, for the case of futures trading on the domestic exchange it is important to consider the simultaneous hedging of crude oil price and foreign exchange risks and mutual offsetting mechanism with major foreign exchanges. Third, for the case of futures trading on foreign exchanges it is reasonable to regard cooperation among concerned companies, government support for futures trading and direct participation into futures trading by the government.