Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (17 Sep 2024)

VLSFO and LSMGO supply is good in Port Klang; LSMGO supply is good across several Japanese ports; LSMGO availability is good in Omani ports.

Published

2 years ago

September 18, 2024

Admin

The following article regarding regional bunker fuel availability outlook for the East of Suez region has been provided by online marine fuels procurement platform ENGINE for publication on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

VLSFO and LSMGO supply is good in Port Klang
LSMGO supply is good across several Japanese ports
LSMGO availability is good in Omani ports

Singapore and Malaysia

VLSFO availability in Singapore remains tight, with lead times extending up to 15 days. Some suppliers can still accommodate stems in as little as six days, but these typically come at a higher cost compared to those with longer lead times.

HSFO supply is also strained, with recommended lead times now exceeding two weeks. In contrast, LSMGO availability is relatively better, with lead times ranging from 5-8 days.

According to the latest data from Enterprise Singapore, Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 5% lower so far this month compared to August. Despite a 4% increase in the port’s net fuel oil imports in September, fuel oil stocks have fallen below 18 million bbls, marking their lowest level since November 2018. Both fuel oil imports and exports have decreased this month, with imports down by 1.23 million bbls and exports down by 1.32 million bbls. Additionally, the port’s middle distillate stocks have averaged 3% lower this month.

At Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are robust, with some suppliers able to offer prompt deliveries for smaller quantities. However, HSFO availability remains limited.

East Asia

Prompt VLSFO availability in Zhoushan is tight, with lead times of 5-7 days, while LSMGO and HSFO have shorter lead times of 3-5 days.

Bunker deliveries resumed at most anchorages in Zhoushan on Tuesday after being suspended since Sunday due to Typhoon Bebinca. However, operations remained halted at the outer Xiazhimen anchorage.

In Shanghai, bunkering resumed briefly on Tuesday, but was suspended again due to the typhoon. Other ports in the Yangtze River Delta, including Lianyungang, Nanjing, Jiaxing, Nantong, and Taicang, have also been impacted by the storm.

In Northern China, the ports of Dalian, Qingdao, and Tianjin have ample VLSFO and LSMGO supplies, though HSFO is limited in Qingdao and Tianjin. Shanghai also has strong VLSFO and LSMGO availability. Fuzhou and Xiamen offer good supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO, while prompt deliveries of both two fuel grades are under pressure in Guangzhou and Yangpu.

In Hong Kong, lead times of around seven days are recommended for all grades, unchanged from the previous week. Wind gusts of 18-21 knots and swells of more than one meter are forecast intermittently throughout the week, which may impact operations there.

In Taiwan, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies in Hualien, Kaohsiung and Keelung ports are stable with lead times of about 2-3 days, similar to last week. Deliveries in Taichung require slightly longer lead times of 3-4 days for both grades.

In South Korean ports, the availability of VLSFO and LSMGO has improved, with recommended lead times now around 2-5 days, compared to 4-10 days last week. HSFO availability has also improved, with lead times decreasing from last week’s 12-13 days to 2-5 days now.

High winds and waves are expected to affect the ports of Ulsan, Onsan, Busan, Daesan, Taean, and Yeosu from 20-22 September, which could impact bunker operations at these ports.

VLSFO is available at most Japanese ports, but prompt supply is tight in Nagoya, Yokkaichi, and Oita. The tightness in Nagoya and Yokkaichi is attributed to technical issues at the Chiba refinery, while the closure of Idemitsu Kosan’s Yamaguchi refinery in March continues to constrain VLSFO supply in Oita.

HSFO availability is generally good across Japan, although prompt supply is under pressure in Oita. LSMGO supply remains strong in major ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Mizushima, and Oita.

The Philippine port of Subic Bay and the Vietnamese port of Ho Chi Minh are preparing for inclement weather this week, which is likely to cause intermittent difficulties in bunkering conditions. Similarly, the Thai ports of Koh Sichang and Leam Chabang anticipate adverse weather on 23 September, which could affect bunker operations at these ports.

Oceania

A bunker barge serving Fremantle and Kwinana ports is currently in dry dock. It went into dry dock in early September and will remain there until mid-November, making VLSFO unavailable by barge during this period. However, LSMGO will still be supplied at berth.

The Western Australian port of Kembla will not be affected by the barge dry docking, as bunker deliveries there are made exclusively by truck and ex-pipe.

Melbourne and Geelong in Victoria have ample VLSFO and LSMGO, although prompt HSFO deliveries may be difficult to secure. In Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone ports offer sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO with lead times of about 7-8 days, but HSFO availability in Brisbane is limited.

In New Zealand, Tauranga and Auckland have a good supply of VLSFO, and Auckland also has a strong LSMGO supply. However, intermittent rough weather in Tauranga this week could potentially impact bunker operations.

South Asia

In Indian ports including Mumbai, Kandla, Tuticorin, Cochin, Chennai, and Haldia, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are limited. Both grades are subject to availability in Visakhapatnam, while a supplier in Paradip is nearly out of stock for both.

At the Sri Lankan port of Colombo, the availability of all grades is good, with lead times of around four days.

Middle East

Prompt availability of all fuel grades remains tight in Fujairah, with most suppliers suggesting lead times of about 7-10 days for all grades, similar to last week.

In Iraq’s Basrah, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, but both grades are nearly depleted in Qatar’s Ras Laffan.

The port of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia has an ample supply of LSMGO, though VLSFO availability is limited. In Djibouti, supplies of both VLSFO and HSFO are nearly exhausted, and LSMGO is also constrained. Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm, have sufficient LSMGO to meet prompt demand.

By Tuhin Roy

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 18 September, 2024

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Bunker Fuel

Baltic Exchange: Bunker Report (18 June 2026)

Bunker report panellists include Island Oil Limited, Cockett Marine Oil Pte, Monjasa A/S and KPI OceanConnect, NSI Marine and Transparensea Fuels.

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Admin

The following bunker report has been provided by freight market information provider Baltic Exchange for post on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

Screenshot 2026 06 19 at 1.11.18 PM

All values are in US$/metric ton, all-in (invoice price), delivered on board
Delivery in 7-10 days
ISO 8217:2010
IFO 380 3.5% Sulphur
IFO 380 0.5% Sulphur
DMA 0.1% Sulphur

Fujairah – Offshore Anchorage Area
Gibraltar – Anchorage area
Houston – Houston Harbor
Panama – (Pacific) dangerous cargo area, Balboa
Rotterdam – Waalhaven Maasvlakte range
Singapore – Anchorage, under SBA Scheme
Zhoushan – Southern anchorage area

Submitted weekly at Close of Business UK time Daily

Panellists:
Cockett Marine Oil Pte, Island Oil Limited, KPI OceanConnect, Monjasa A/S, NSI Marine and Transparensea Fuels

Photo credit and source: Baltic Exchange
Published: 19 June, 2026

Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Americas Fuel Availability Outlook (18 June 2026)

Operations suspended in GOLA; fuel availability good in Panama; lead times extend in Zona Comun.

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Admin

The following article regarding bunker fuel availability in the Americas region has been provided by online marine fuel procurement platform ENGINE for post on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

Operations suspended in GOLA
Fuel availability good in Panama
Lead times extend in Zona Comun

North America

Bunker demand in the US Gulf port of Houston has been strong over the past week, and prompt fuel availability is slightly tight with most suppliers, a trader tells ENGINE.

Lead times for HSFO and LSMGO are currently estimated at 5–7 days, while VLSFO requires at least 5 days.

In the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) operations have been suspended and are expected to remain affected through the afternoon of 19 June. Another suspension is likely on the morning of 21 June if adverse weather conditions persist, a trader tells ENGINE.

On the US East Coast, bunker demand in New York has softened compared to previous weeks. Market sources say buyers have been reluctant to book at elevated prices amid ongoing price fluctuations.

Prompt availability is tight for VLSFO and HSFO, with suppliers recommending lead times of 6–7 days. LSMGO can be delivered within 2–3 days.

Weather conditions have generally been favourable, although occasional high wind gusts have caused intermittent disruptions. A small craft advisory remains in effect through late Thursday night, restricting the movement of smaller vessels such as barges.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on 1 June. A developing weather disturbance off the US East Coast is expected to bring thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to parts of the southeastern US and nearby offshore waters this week.

On the US West Coast, fuel availability remains normal across all three conventional grades at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Recommended lead times for HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO are currently 7–10 days.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Bunker demand in Panama has been decent, with good fuel availability reported at both Balboa and Cristobal. A notice of 3-5 days is recommended for all three conventional fuel grades.

El Niño conditions could lower Panama Canal water levels, potentially leading to transit restrictions and reduced vessel traffic.

High wind gusts are forecast to affect operations at Freeport, Bahamas, between 21-22 June, potentially causing delays at the anchorage. Barge operators will assess weather conditions before deciding whether operations can proceed safely.

At St. Eustatius, high wind gusts are forecast from 18-22 June, which could lead to delays in bunkering operations.

Fuel availability is normal across Brazil’s key bunkering ports of Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Paranaguá, Rio Grande, and Belem/Vila do Conde.

Suppliers are reporting normal availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO, with no significant supply constraints. Recommended lead times for both grades are 5-8 days, a trader said.

HSFO is no longer available in Brazil.

In Zona Comun, bunkering operations are currently ongoing but could be suspended for a short period on the morning of 19 June if wind speeds exceed 20 knots.

Suppliers can offer VLSFO and LSMGO at the anchorage, with expected lead times of 6-8 days this week, a source said.

By Gautamee Hazarika

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 19 June, 2026

Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Europe and Africa Fuel Availability Outlook (17 June 2026)

ARA bunkering lead times remain high; fuel availability is steady in Istanbul; prompt fuel supply is tight in Durban.

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2026

Admin

The following article regarding Europe and Africa bunker fuel availability has been provided by online marine fuel procurement platform ENGINE for post on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

ARA bunkering lead times remain high
Fuel availability is steady in Istanbul
Prompt fuel supply is tight in Durban

Northwest Europe

Prompt HSFO and VLSFO availability remains tight in the ARA bunkering hub, because of loading delays at the terminals, a trader said. Lead times of around 7-8 days are recommended for both grades.

LSMGO stems in the ARA require around six days of notice, the trader added.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks remain unchanged in June so far, compared to May’s monthly average, according to Insights Global data.

Fuel oil stocks in the ARA hub remain almost equal to May’s inventory levels, which were the lowest seen in more than a decade.

The ARA hub has imported 172,000 b/d of fuel oil in the first week of June, lower from May’s monthly average of 230,000 b/d, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa. Around 48% imports came from Venzuela, while U.S. Virgin Islands sent around 14% of the June cargoes.

The region’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – have dropped 70,000 bbl this month so far compared to May. Gasoil inventories have fallen to their lowest level in two and a half years.

The ARA hub imported 226,000 b/d of gasoil in June, up from 204,000 b/d imported in May, Vortexa data showed.

Around 33% of June’s shipments have come from the U.S., while Brazil (14%) and Saudi Arabia (12%) have also sent cargoes. Gasoil shipments coming from the Middle East have fallen considerably over the last few months.

Fuel availability is normal in Germany’s Hamburg, with buyers advised to inquire about supplies around five days ahead to get deliveries of any fuel grade, a trader told ENGINE.

Marine fuel availability is normal off Denmark’s Skaw and in Sweden’s Gothenburg, but buyers may need to provide a notice of around 10 days to arrange deliveries of any fuel grade, according to a trader.

Mediterranean

Fuel availability remains tight for prompt delivery dates in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta, with buyers recommended to book around 10 days ahead to avoid high premiums, a trader said.

The Gibraltar Strait ports have seen strong summer demand lately.

Ships calling for bunkers in the port of Gibraltar have faced congestion for most of last week due to high influx of vessels, causing significant supply delays in the ports, according to port MH Bland.

Although that congestion has now eased, around 11 vessels still await bunkers as of Wednesday morning, and some suppliers are facing delays of between 2-12 hours.

Some suppliers in neighbouring Algeciras are still operating with around 24-36 hours of delays, the port agent added.

Prompt bunker availability is tight in Las Palmas, and buyers are advised to book with a notice of between 7-10 days to get deliveries of any fuel grade, a trader told ENGINE.

Deliveries are now being carried out in the outer anchorage, in addition to the inner anchorage and berth areas, as weather and sea conditions have improved over the last few days, according to port agent MH Bland.

Fuel availability is stable for all fuel grades in Portugal’s Lisbon, a source told ENGINE.

Fuel availability remains stable off Malta, with HSFO, ULSFO and LSMGO supplies available readily with a notice of 2-3 days, a trader said. VLSFO availability is tight for some suppliers, the trader added.

Fuel availability of all grades is good in the Greek port of Piraeus, and buyers are advised to book around five days in advance to get competitive offers, according to a trader.

Bunker demand is healthy in Turkey’s Istanbul and fuel availability remains stable for all fuel grades, a local supplier informed ENGINE. All fuel grades are available promptly within a day, a trader said.

LSMGO demand is weak off late in the Black Sea Port of Constantza in Romania, a local supplier said.

Africa

In Togo’s Lome, marine fuel buyers are required to give a long lead time of around 10 days to get delivery of VLSFO and LSMGO, a trader said.

In Nigeria’s Lagos, VLSFO supplies need lead times of around a week, a local supplier told ENGINE.

A supplier in Luanda’s Angola said they can deliver VLSFO and LSMGO with lead times of around 5-7 days.

Off Namibia’s Walvis Bay, buyers are advised longer lead times of around 10 days due to high demand, the trader said.

Bunker availability is tight for prompt delivery dates in South Africa’s Durban and off Algoa Bay, a trader said. Buyers are advised to book stems at least 5-7 days ahead, the trader added.

In Mozambique’s port of Nacala and Maputo, suppliers are recommended lead times of around 7-10 days for VLSFO supplies, a trader said.

Bunker fuel availability is very tight in Mauritius’ Port Louis, with buyers advised lead times of between 10-15 days for all fuel grades, according to a trader.

By Nachiket Tekawade

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 18 June, 2026