Connect with us

Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (15 Oct 2025)

LSMGO availability to remain tight till month-end at Rotterdam; HSFO supply very tight at Gibraltar Strait ports, Las Palmas; fuel availability stable at Nacala and Maputo.

Admin

Published

on

RESIZED ENGINE Europe and Africa

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:

  • LSMGO availability to remain tight till month-end at Rotterdam
  • HSFO supply very tight at Gibraltar Strait ports, Las Palmas
  • Fuel availability stable at Nacala and Maputo

Northwest Europe

In the ARA bunkering hub, LSMGO availability is expected to remain tight for the remainder of the month as suppliers are facing difficulty securing cargoes, a source told ENGINE.

Buyers are advised to enquire about LSMGO a week in advance to get offers from a wider selection of suppliers, while VLSFO and HSFO supplies still need around 5-7 days of notice, a trader told ENGINE.

Meanwhile, the strikes in Belgian ports have ended, at least temporarily, but the disruptions caused by the strikes have led to severe congestion, with more than 200 vessels currently stranded in the North Sea as well as at the ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Ghent, shipping agent VertomCory said.

Operations and planning have been complicated due to the strikes and bunkering is expected to be affected until the congestion eases, sources added.

Independently held fuel oil stocks in the ARA hub have dropped by 6% in October so far, according to Insights Global data. Fuel oil inventories are now at their lowest monthly average of the year.

The region has imported 34,000 b/d of fuel oil so far in October, sharply down from the 250,000 b/d imported in September, according to cargo tracker Vortexa. A majority of these supplies have arrived from Ireland (51%), while a significant portion of the supplies have come from Poland (34%).

ARA has imported 111,000 b/d of gasoil in October so far, almost half compared to the 209,000 b/d imported in September, according to Vortexa data. Most cargo volumes have arrived from India (45%), followed by the US (30%) and Finland (11%).

Availability is normal in Germany’s Hamburg, with a notice of 3-5 days sufficient to secure any fuel type, a trader said.

Availability of all fuel types in the Swedish port of Gothenburg and Off Skaw is tight with suppliers requiring longer lead times of more than 10 days, a trader said. Some Swedish suppliers told ENGINE that they are also supplying biofuels, with HVO available promptly, while FAME availability may be tighter.

Stronger wind gusts of more than 25 knots and waves of around 2.5 meters are forecast in both locations between 25-28 October, which may cause a suspension in bunkering operations.

Mediterranean

HSFO availability at the Gibraltar strait ports has significantly tightened, with buyers now advised to enquire about stems almost two weeks ahead of delivery to get good coverage from suppliers, according to a trader. However, VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries in these locations continue to require around a week of lead time, the trader added.

Around 35 vessels are expected to call for bunkers at Gibraltar for bunkering between 15-21 October, according to shipping agent A Mateos & Sons. The number could slowly reduce as summer cruise demand eases.

Some suppliers were delayed by around a day in both Gibraltar and Algeciras, port agent MH Bland said. In neighboring Ceuta, some deliveries can run around 7-8 hours behind schedule at the anchorage while at some delays are also expected at the berth during the afternoon to evening period, shipping agent Jose Salama & Co said.

Wind gusts of more than 25 knots and waves of around 2 meters are forecast in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta on 18 October, which may cause bunker suspensions or delays.

In Las Palmas, HSFO supply is tight, with around 14 days of lead time requested by most suppliers, while VLSFO and LSMGO may need a 5-7-day notice, a trader told ENGINE.

In Spain’s Barcelona, deliveries of all fuel types may need around 5-7 days of lead time, a trader said.

At Lisbon, availability is normal, with lead times of 3-5 days advised for all fuel types, a source told ENGINE.

Deliveries off Malta are proceeding normally with around 1-4 days of lead times, a trader said. Stronger wind gusts of more than 25 knots and waves over 1.5 meters are forecast off Malta on 19 October, which may cancel supplies in some of the bunkering areas in the location.

At the Greek port of Piraeus, 2-3 days of notice is recommended, a local supplier told ENGINE.

In Istanbul, availability is normal for VLSFO, ULSFO and LSMGO with around 1-5 days of notice required, a local supplier said.

Africa

In the Togolese port of Lome and off Namibia’s Walvis Bay, HSFO supplies are very tight, a trader said. VLSFO and LSMGO supplies in these locations can be delivered with a lead time of 5-7 days, the trader added.

Off Walvis Bay, higher swells of more than 2 meters are expected to limit all operations to only anchorage areas for the rest of the month.

Deliveries in Nigeria’s Lagos are possible with around 5-7 days of lead time for smaller quantities, while larger quantities might take around two weeks, a local supplier said.

In South Africa’s Durban and Richards Bay, HSFO may require around a week of lead time, while VLSFO can be delivered within 2-3 days, a trader said. Meanwhile, supplies are slowly ticking up off Algoa Bay, with VLSFO deliveries possible at anchorage with around a week of lead time, a trader told ENGINE.

Higher swells of more than 3 meters accompanied by stronger wind gusts of more than 25 knots are forecast in South Africa’s Durban and off Algoa Bay between 16-19 October and on 23 October, which may suspend bunkering in the port.

At least six vessels were expected to call at Durban for bunkering between 13-18 October, according to shipping agent Trade Ocean.

Fuel availability remains stable in the Mozambican ports of Nacala and Maputo, a source told ENGINE.

Meanwhile, HSFO remains tight in Mauritius’ Port Louis, with suppliers continuing to request lead times of around two weeks, while VLSFO and LSMGO are available within a week, a trader said.

By Nachiket Tekawade

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 16 October, 2025

Continue Reading

Alternative Fuels

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: LSMGO surges to greater premium over biofuel

B100 discount to LSMGO widens to $541/mt in Rotterdam; Singapore’s B100 drops to $106/mt below LSMGO; Rotterdam LBM at $639-833/mt discounts to LSMGO.

Admin

Published

on

By

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: LSMGO surges to greater premium over biofuel

Once a week, bunker intelligence platform ENGINE will publish a snapshot of alternative and conventional bunker fuel prices in the world’s two biggest bunkering hubs. The following is the latest snapshot:

20 July 2026

  • B100 discount to LSMGO widens to $541/mt in Rotterdam
  • Singapore’s B100 drops to $106/mt below LSMGO
  • Rotterdam LBM at $639-833/mt discounts to LSMGO

B100’s premium over HSFO in Rotterdam has narrowed by $50/mt over the past week to $64/mt, while its discount to VLSFO has widened by $83/mt to $105/mt.

B100 has become far more competitive against LSMGO in Rotterdam, with its discount widening by $180/mt over the past week to $541/mt, as a surge in conventional fuel prices left B100 broadly unchanged by comparison.

B100’s price has risen by $109/mt in Singapore, but its discount to LSMGO has still widened by $102/mt to $106/mt, as LSMGO surged by an even greater $211/mt.

Rotterdam’s LNG premium over VLSFO has widened by $35/mt to $201/mt for vessels with Otto medium speed (Otto MS) engines. For vessels with diesel slow speed (diesel SS) engines, LNG has flipped to a $15/mt premium over VLSFO, from a $22/mt discount the prior week.

Liquefied biomethane (LBM) discounts to VLSFO in Rotterdam have narrowed by $50-52/mt to $203-396/mt over the past week. Against LSMGO, LBM discounts have widened by $45-47/mt to $639-833/mt, depending on engine type.

In Singapore, LNG is now $42/mt cheaper than LSMGO for vessels with Otto MS engines, and $134/mt cheaper for vessels with diesel SS engines.

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: LSMGO surges to greater premium over biofuel

Liquid fuels

HSFO and VLSFO prices in Rotterdam have jumped by $66/mt and $99/mt respectively over the past week, while LSMGO has surged by an even steeper $196/mt. A $9.69/bbl ($71/mt) rise in front-month ICE Brent futures, to $87.94/bbl ($645/mt), drove bunker prices sharply higher across the board.

Bunker fuel availability is tight for prompt delivery dates in the ARA ports, with buyers advised to enquire about stems between 5-7 days ahead to get good coverage, a trader said.

Rotterdam’s B100 price has risen by $16/mt over the past week. Dutch ZRE A ticket prices were unchanged at €107.50/mtCO2e.

Singapore’s HSFO and VLSFO prices have risen by $130/mt and $132/mt respectively, while its LSMGO price has gained an even steeper $211/mt over the past week.

VLSFO availability in Singapore has been tight, with several suppliers reporting low stock levels. Recommended lead times have widened from 13–17 days last week to 14–19 days now.

Liquid gases

Rotterdam’s LNG prices have surged by $134-136/mt over the past week, while its LBM prices have climbed by $149-151/mt.

LBM discounts to LNG in Rotterdam have narrowed by $15/mt to $404-411/mt.

Singapore’s LNG bunker benchmarks have surged by $196-197/mt over the past week.

By Erik Hoffmann

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 21 July, 2026

Continue Reading

Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Americas Fuel Availability Outlook (16 July 2026)

Moderate sea fog to affect parts of US Gulf; Panama bunker supply steady; tight VLSFO and LSMGO supply in Rio Grande.

Admin

Published

on

By

RESIZED ENGINE Americas

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:

  • Moderate sea fog to affect parts of US Gulf
  • Panama bunker supply steady
  • Tight VLSFO and LSMGO supply in Rio Grande

North America

In Houston, bunker availability is normal across all three conventional fuel grades. Recommended lead times are about 5-7 days for VLSFO and HSFO, while LSMGO has typically taken 4-5 days over the past week, a trader tells ENGINE.

At the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA), deliveries are continuing on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to weather conditions.

Currently, no major operational disruptions have been reported at the anchorage.

Sea fog is not expected to cause widespread bunker disruptions across the US Gulf Coast, with most major ports forecast to maintain good visibility.

Moderate sea fog could affect Pascagoula and Mobile early next week, while Tampa faces the highest risk of reduced visibility between 20-22 July.

Brief visibility restrictions are also forecast at Venice, Louisiana, while conditions are expected to remain favourable at Houston, Galveston, Freeport, Corpus Christi, Port Arthur, Lake Charles, Port Fourchon and New Orleans.

The Atlantic hurricane season is underway, and the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued an advisory for Tropical Storm Elida in the Eastern Pacific. Marine warnings are also in effect across parts of the Caribbean, southwest Atlantic and Eastern Pacific.

Bunker demand on the US East Coast at the port of New York is good, with healthy availability of HSFO and VLSFO.

Most suppliers can deliver both grades within 5 days, and LSMGO requires 2-4 days.

In New York, periods of high wind gusts are forecast through 19 July.

While no backlog congestion has been reported, suppliers may require standby tugs under poor weather conditions, which could slow bunker barge movements, a source said.

On the West Coast, bunker demand has remained normal in Los Angeles and Long Beach, where suppliers recommend lead times between 8-10 days across all conventional grades.

In Vancouver, recommended lead times are 5-7 days for HSFO and 6-8 days for VLSFO and LSMGO, a source said.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Bunker availability is stable in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal ports. Recommended lead times are 3-5 days for VLSFO and LSMGO, and HSFO requires around 7 days, a source said.

No major congestion or weather-related disruptions have been reported at the ports.

At Balboa, deliveries are being made on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to weather conditions, with priority given to vessels holding confirmed Panama Canal transit schedules.

Weather conditions could temporarily affect operations at several Caribbean bunkering locations.

In Freeport, Bahamas, bunker operations continue normally. Cruise vessels are given priority at the port, and no significant congestion or weather-related disruptions have been reported.

Further east, high wind gusts are forecast through 19 July and could delay bunker operations at St. Eustatius, where deliveries are conducted at anchorage.

Offshore bunkering in Trinidad may also experience delays during the same period because of high winds and rough seas.

Brazil continues to present a mixed supply of bunker fuels.

Santos this week offers normal availability for VLSFO and LSMGO, although port congestion persists, a trader tells ENGINE. Recommended lead times are 5-8 days at the port.

Rio de Janeiro also has normal VLSFO availability and requires lead times between 4 days to one week. LSMGO is available only upon prior consultation at the port.

Availability is tighter at southern Brazilian ports. Paranaguá and Rio Grande have both reported tight VLSFO and LSMGO availability, and operators are advised to plan bunker stems well in advance.

Belém and Vila do Conde continue to offer normal availability of both grades, with lead times between 4-7 days, a source said.

In Argentina’s Zona Común, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good, with suppliers typically taking between 5-7 days of lead time to deliver via barges, a source said.

Weather conditions could become less favourable between 19-20 July, when high wind gusts are forecast. Deliveries will continue on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to weather conditions.

By Gautamee Hazarika

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 17 July, 2026

Continue Reading

Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: Europe and Africa Fuel Availability Outlook (15 July 2026)

Notice of 5-7 days required in ARA; congestion remains high in Gibraltar and Algeciras; lead time of around 4-5 days recommended in Luanda.

Admin

Published

on

By

RESIZED ENGINE Europe and Africa

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:

  • Notice of 5-7 days required in ARA
  • Congestion remains high in Gibraltar and Algeciras
  • Lead time of around 4-5 days recommended in Luanda

Northwest Europe

Bunker fuel availability is tight in the ARA for prompt supplies, with buyers advised to book stems around 5-7 days in advance to get good coverage from suppliers, a trader said.

In Antwerp’s Deurganck Dock, hydrofluoric acid spilled from a container on a cargo ship, leading to traffic getting suspended in the affected area. Operations have resumed in all terminals, except the MPET terminal.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have averaged 9% higher so far in July, compared to June’s monthly average, according to Insights Global data.

The ARA hub has imported only 175,000 b/d of fuel oil in July so far, down from June’s monthly average of 215,000 b/d, according to Vortexa cargo data.Most import cargoes have come from Colombia (33%), the Caribbean Netherlands (28%) and France (24%).

The region has imported 84,000 b/d of gasoil in July so far, down from 188,000 b/d imported in June, according to Vortexa data. Most of these shipments have come from Canada (24%), the US (20%) and Finland (15%).

Availability of all marine fuel types is stable in Germany’s Hamburg, and all fuel grades can be delivered within five days, a trader told ENGINE.

Off Denmark’s Skaw and in Sweden’s Gothenburg, fuel buyers are advised booking deliveries around 10 days ahead for any fuel grade, according to a trader.

Mediterranean

Ships calling at Gibraltar are seeing heavy congestion due to a lack of space, with around 21 vessels awaiting bunkers as of Wednesday morning, port agent MH Bland said. Some suppliers may be late by anywhere between 24-48 hours on deliveries, the port agent added.

In neighbouring Algeciras, some suppliers are delayed by 12-18 hours on supplies, port agent MH Bland said.

Consequently, fuel buyers looking to bunker in Gibraltar and Algeciras are recommended to book stems around 15 days ahead, a trader said. The congestion in Gibraltar and Algeciras is caused mostly due to overbooking by suppliers, the trader added.

In Spain’s Barcelona, buyers are advised to book with a lead time of a week, a trader said.

Fuel availability is stable in Portugal’s Lisbon, a supplier said.

In Las Palmas, buyers are requested to book with a lead time of around 7-10 days for delivery of HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies, a trader told ENGINE.

Fuel buyers off Malta should enquire around 5-7 days prior to their expected time of arrival, a trader said.

Although there is a slight shortage of LSMGO, the market is expected to bounce back by next week, a supplier told ENGINE.

Fuel availability is stable in Turkey’s Istanbul, with notice of 1-3 days sufficient to get any fuel grade, a local supplier told ENGINE.

In Romania’s Constanta, Mangalia and Midia, fuel availability is normal, but prices are high, a local supplier said.

Africa

HSFO availability remains limited across almost all ports in Africa, a trader told ENGINE.

Prompt fuel availability remains tight in Togo’s Lome and off Namibia’s Walvis Bay, and buyers are recommended lead times of seven days, a trader told ENGINE.

VLSFO supplies in the Nigeria’s Lagos anchorage come with a lead time of 5-7 days, a local supplier told ENGINE.

In Angola’s Luanda, buyers are advised to book with a notice of 4-5 days for VLSFO and LSMGO, a supplier said.

Bunker availability is tight for prompt deliveries in South Africa’s Durban and off Algoa Bay, with buyers advised at least 5-7-day notice for VLSFO and LSMGO, a trader said.

Fuel availability remains tight in Mozambique’s Nacala and Maputo, as suppliers are recommending lead times of around 5-7 days for VLSFO supplies, a trader said.

Bunker fuel availability is tight in Mauritius’ Port Louis, where buyers are advised to book seven days ahead for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries, a trader said.

By Nachiket Tekawade

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 16 July, 2026

Continue Reading

Trending