The first half of 2021 is nearing the end, but product tanker rates are only getting worse.

The Baltic Clean Tanker Index hit a near year-to-date low on Wednesday, falling six points to 452. That's the lowest since the index started the new year at 434 on 4 January.

"Slow day for the LRs with little fresh enquiry to report," Howe Robinson said in its daily report of the Ras Taruna-Yokohama route.