Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (21 April 2026)

Bunker availability good in Zhoushan; VLSFO and LSMGO availability good across several Taiwanese ports; bunker demand picking up across South Korean ports.

Published

2 months ago

April 22, 2026

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:

Bunker availability good in Zhoushan
VLSFO and LSMGO availability good across several Taiwanese ports
Bunker demand picking up across South Korean ports

Singapore and Malaysia

Prices in Singapore have edged lower, supported by expectations that upcoming US-Iran peace talks could ease regional tensions and potentially increase supply from the Middle East, a source said.

Soft demand is adding to the pressure. “Demand for VLSFO is slow,” a Singapore-based trader said, contributing further to the decline in the benchmark.

In terms of availability, VLSFO lead times in Singapore remain broadly stable at 5-12 days. HSFO lead times are now assessed at 5-10 days, compared with a wider 3-12-day range last week.

LSMGO lead times continue to hold steady at 2-7 days, largely unchanged week on week.

On the supply side, Singapore’s residual fuel oil inventories have averaged 5% lower so far in April compared to March, according to Enterprise Singapore. Total fuel oil stocks have dropped below 23 million bbls, driven by a sharp 54% decline in net imports this month. Imports have fallen by 2.39 million bbls, while exports have risen slightly by 151,000 bbls.

In contrast, middle distillate inventories have increased, averaging 15% so far this month and reaching their highest levels since September.

At Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO availability remains relatively steady, particularly for smaller prompt stems. However, tighter LSMGO supply and continued constraints in HSFO availability are making both grades harder to secure.

East Asia

Availability in Zhoushan remains strong across all grades, with recommended lead times steady at 3-7 days, largely unchanged from last week. However, adverse weather later this week could disrupt bunkering operations, a source noted.

Across northern China, supply conditions are uneven. Dalian and Qingdao have sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, although HSFO remains limited in Qingdao. Tianjin is facing tight availability across all grades, while Shanghai is seeing constrained VLSFO and HSFO supply, with LSMGO relatively stable.

Further south, supply remains tighter. Fuzhou is experiencing limited availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO. Xiamen has adequate VLSFO supply but restricted LSMGO volumes. In Yangpu and Guangzhou, both grades continue to face supply pressure.

In Hong Kong, bunker availability is largely stable, with lead times for all grades holding at around seven days in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, CPC Corporation has lifted restrictions on bunker delivery order extensions and cancellation charges at Taiwanese ports with immediate effect.

“There is no such problem [shortage of cargo] happening till now, therefore CPC thinks it is unnecessary to keep this rule in place,” a trader said.

The company added that it will resume accepting requests to extend delivery order validity, and that cancellation charges introduced on 10 March will no longer apply.

In Taiwan, supply conditions remain stable, according to a local trader. Lead times are around two days for both VLSFO and LSMGO across Keelung, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Hualien.

In South Korea’s southern ports – including Busan, Ulsan, Masan, Onsan, Yeosu and Kwangyang – recommended lead times for all fuel grades remain steady at around 2-3 days, broadly unchanged from approximately three days last week.

At western ports such as Incheon, Daesan, Dangjin, Pyeongtaek and Taean, lead times are also at 2-3 days, easing from a wider 4-6-day range in the previous week.

Bunker demand in the country has shown some improvement, supported by a decline in Brent futures amid expectations of easing tensions in the Middle East, a South Korea-based trader said.

Weather disruptions persist, with potential delays expected in Busan and Ulsan between 23-24 April, in Yeosu on 23 April, and in Daesan between 26-27 April.

In Japan, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast in Iwate Prefecture on Monday, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue tsunami warnings for Iwate and parts of Hokkaido and Aomori. Waves of up to 3 metres were anticipated, though the warnings—and subsequent advisories covering parts of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima—were later lifted.

Port operations were unaffected, with a source confirming there was “no impact.” However, the Japan Meteorological Agency has since warned of a potential mega quake, advising residents across seven prefectures to remain alert and follow updates.

Bunker supply in Japan remains tight overall, driven by crude procurement constraints and ongoing Middle East tensions. Osaka is described as severely tight, while Tokyo Bay (Chiba, Kawasaki and Yokohama) offers limited, selectively available supply depending on demand. Suppliers are prioritising discreet, case-by-case negotiations, avoiding open market inquiries, the source added.

As a result, availability across all fuel grades in major Japanese ports – including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Mizushima, Kashima, Tokuyama and Oita – is now assessed individually rather than through standard market availability.

Oceania

Availability across Australian ports has improved, although prices remain elevated and smaller operators continue to face volume constraints, an Australia-based trader said.

Last week, a fire broke out at the Viva Energy Refinery Geelong. Emergency services responded and brought the situation under control. Geelong Port has since confirmed that the refinery pier has resumed normal operations, with all berths now operational, according to Inchcape Shipping. The trader added that the incident had “no impact” on LSMGO and VLSFO supply.

In Western Australia, VLSFO supply at Kwinana and Fremantle typically requires about one week’s notice, with deliveries carried out by barge through a single supplier.

In New South Wales, VLSFO deliveries at Port Kembla can be arranged via truck or pipeline. Suppliers in Sydney maintain ample VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, while HSFO remains tight, with lead times of around seven days.

In Queensland, ports including Brisbane and Gladstone are offering VLSFO and LSMGO with lead times of roughly seven days. HSFO in Brisbane is available on request. Deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO are handled by two barges operated by separate suppliers, while HSFO availability depends on enquiry.

In Victoria, VLSFO inventories remain strong in both Melbourne and Geelong, although HSFO availability is limited for prompt supply. Bunkering operations in these ports rely on a single barge, with recommended lead times close to seven days.

Australia’s cyclone season, which typically runs from November to April, is also coming to an end, the source said.

In New Zealand, bunker supply conditions remain stable. VLSFO is readily available in Tauranga and Auckland, with some Tauranga berths connected by pipeline. At Marsden Point, both VLSFO and LSMGO can be supplied via pipeline to vessels.

South Asia

In India, VLSFO availability remains good in Cochin, while lead times of around 3-4 days are reported in Kandla, a source said.

Adverse weather is expected to affect operations at several Indian ports, including Kandla between 22-24 April, Sikka on 23 April, Visakhapatnam between 22-25 April, and Mumbai on 25 April, which could disrupt bunkering activities.

Middle East

“The bunkering situation in the Middle East is more stable now, but still not fully consistent,” a regional source said.

At Fujairah, bunkering continues without disruption, with terminals and anchorages operating normally. “Avails [are] ok as of now, all offers are subject to firm inquiry,” another trader said.

While operations are ongoing, some suppliers are loading barges based on actual demand rather than at full capacity, reflecting subdued demand in the port.

Elsewhere in the UAE, operations at Jebel Ali, Hamriyah and Sharjah are running as usual. Petroleum terminals in Abu Dhabi, including Ruwais, are also functioning normally. Ship-to-ship (STS) operations at Dubai anchorage have resumed with tug support, with each case evaluated individually, according to Inchcape Shipping.

“Prices have improved slightly, but they can still change quickly. Vessel operations are better than before, with smoother port entry and departure, though some delays can still happen. It is still recommended to book in advance to avoid any issues,” a trader noted.

Ports in Ras Al Khaimah remain fully operational. However, RAK Ports introduced a marine risk surcharge in March for vessels calling at its ports, harbours and anchorages.

In Kuwait, Shuaiba and Shuwaikh are operating normally. Saudi Arabia has not issued formal alerts, although bunker availability in Jeddah remains tight, particularly for VLSFO and LSMGO.

In Qatar, port activity remains steady at Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais, with operations also ongoing at Mesaieed and Ras Laffan. However, VLSFO and LSMGO supply is tight in Ras Laffan, while in Al Ruwais availability is limited to smaller vessels such as dhows and barges.

In Oman, all ports are fully operational, with good LSMGO availability and prompt lead times in Muscat, Duqm and Sohar, the source said.

In Bahrain, vessel movements are gradually resuming, though operations remain limited. Egyptian ports are functioning normally, but VLSFO is nearly depleted at Port Suez, while LSMGO supply remains sufficient.

Both VLSFO and LSMGO availability are tight at Djibouti’s port of Djibouti.

Port conditions remain stable in Jordan, while ports in Iraq, Cyprus, Pakistan and Lebanon continue normal operations.

Israeli ports—including Eilat, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Hadera and Haifa—are operating at full capacity, according to Inchcape Shipping.

By Tuhin Roy

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 22 April, 2026

Up Next

Shell-chartered “New Frontier 1” completes bio-LNG bunkering operation in Canary Islands

Don't Miss

SMW 2026: Singapore commits over $100 million for maritime R&D over next five years

Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Americas Fuel Availability Outlook (11 June 2026)

Tight prompt supply in Houston; Paranagua, Rio de Janeiro supply constrained; Punta Colorada targets higher throughput.

Published

1 day ago

June 12, 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:

Tight prompt supply in Houston
Paranagua, Rio de Janeiro supply constrained
Punta Colorada targets higher throughput

North America

In Houston, bunker demand has been steady over the past week, with prompt availability tight across all three conventional fuel grades. HSFO and VLSFO require lead times of 5–7 days, and LSMGO can be delivered by most suppliers within 4–5 days, a trader said.

At the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA), operations are being conducted on a first-come, first-served basis and remain subject to weather conditions.

High seas are forecast for 14 June, which could impact bunker deliveries at the anchorage. Recommended lead times for all three conventional grades stand at 5–8 days this week.

In New York, bunker demand has softened this week, while variable fuel availability has resulted in unclear lead times, a trader said. HSFO and VLSFO are tight for prompt supply, with lead times of 6–8 days this week, while LSMGO is available within 3–5 days.

No backlog or bunker barge readiness issues have been reported. High wind gusts are forecast through 12 June, which could disrupt bunkering operations at the port.

The Atlantic hurricane season began on 1 June, though tropical cyclone risks across North America are currently low.

High pressure is expected to maintain stable conditions across the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic this week, reducing the likelihood of weather-related disruptions to bunker operations.

On the US West Coast, fuel availability across all three conventional grades is normal at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Recommended lead times for HSFO, VLSFO, and LSMGO stand at 7–10 days this week.

Latin America and the Caribbean

In Panama, bunker demand is strong, and fuel prices continue to be high, a trader said.

Availability is good at both Balboa and Cristobal, with recommended lead times of 3-4 days for VLSFO and LSMGO. HSFO requires slightly longer lead times of 4-5 days.

High wind gusts forecast in Balboa on 12-13 June could disrupt bunker operations. Deliveries are being carried out on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to vessels holding confirmed Panama Canal transit slots.

In Colombia, the ports of Santa Marta, Cartagena and Barranquilla have good availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO, with the earliest delivery dates available in 3-4 days, a source said.

Across the Caribbean, the remnants of Tropical Storm Cristina are forecast to move into the Bay of Campeche later this week, bringing increased showers and thunderstorms.

While the system has a low chance of further development, a low-end tropical storm cannot be completely ruled out. Elsewhere, dry air and wind shear are expected to suppress tropical development across much of the Caribbean.

In Freeport, Bahamas, bunkering conditions remain stable with no weather-related disruptions expected. Cruise ships continue to receive operational priority, which may influence bunker scheduling, a trader tells ENGINE.

Further south, St. Eustatius is expected to experience high wind gusts from 10-14 June, which could affect bunkering operations.

Deliveries are conducted at the anchorage, while cruise ships receive priority. Bunker barge operations may face weather-related delays.

Offshore Trinidad, high wind gusts and rough seas are forecast through 13 June, posing a risk of disruptions to offshore bunkering operations.

Deliveries are conducted while underway, and bunker barge delays are possible due to adverse sea conditions, a source said.

In Brazil, bunker availability varies by port. Santos is experiencing congestion, with VLSFO and LSMGO available in 5-8 days, although shorter lead times may be possible depending on stem size and price premiums, a source said.

Availability is normal in Rio Grande, Belem, and Vila do Conde, where both grades can be supplied within 4-6 days.

In contrast, Paranagua is facing tight availability, with the earliest delivery date currently 15 June. Availability is also tight in Rio de Janeiro, where bookings are being done under prior consultation and lead times remain uncertain, a trader said.

Bunker deliveries in Argentina’s Zona Comun continue despite rough weather conditions at the anchorage, a source told ENGINE.

Dense fog forecast through 12 June could disrupt operations. Deliveries are being carried out on a first-come, first-served basis.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains good, with typical lead times of 5-7 days.

Meanwhile, a major supplier is increasing the planned throughput capacity of its new crude export terminal at Punta Colorada from 550,000 b/d to 700,000 b/d.

According to Antares Ship Agency, the decision reflects current market dynamics and growing interest in diversifying crude supply sources. The higher capacity will be achieved through increased pumping rates and enhanced onshore infrastructure.

Once operational, the terminal is expected to handle up to 128 vessels annually, with each lifting around 200,000 barrels.

By Gautamee Hazarika

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 12 June, 2026

Bunker Fuel

JLC China Bunker Fuel Market Monthly Report (May 2026)

China’s bonded bunker fuel sales slipped in May, but they were still high, as domestic supply remained sufficient and bonded LSFO prices were still competitive, says JLC.

Published

2 days ago

June 11, 2026

Admin

Beijing-based commodity market information provider JLC Network Technology Co. recently shared its JLC China Bunker monthly report for May 2026 with Manifold Times through an exclusive arrangement:

Bunker Fuel Demand

China’s bonded bunker fuel sales slip in May, but still high

China’s bonded bunker fuel sales slipped in May, but they were still high, as domestic supply remained sufficient and bonded low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO) prices were still competitive.

The country sold roughly 1.88 million mt of bonded bunker fuel in the month, with the daily sales at 60,626 mt, down by 3.31% month on month, JLC’s data shows.

Bonded LSFO prices in Zhoushan averaged $803.68/mt in the month, $11.47/mt lower than those in Singapore, JLC’s data shows.

Regarding the sales by supplier, the sales by Chimbusco, Sinopec (Zhoushan), SinoBunker, and China Changjiang Bunker (Sinopec) respectively settled at 440,000 mt, 550,000 mt, 90,000 mt, and 10,000 mt in the month, while those by suppliers with regional bunkering licenses settled at 789,400 mt.

China’s LSFO output decreases in May

China’s LSFO output decreased moderately in May due to unit maintenance. Chinese refiners produced about 1.19 million mt of LSFO in the month, with the daily output at 38,323 mt, a cut of 5.92% month on month, JLC’s data shows.

Specifically, Sinopec’s LSFO output dropped, as Qingdao Petrochemical, Shanghai Petrochemical, Shanghai Gaoqiao Petrochemical, and Hainan Refining and Chemical lowered their output. However, Shengli Oilfield, Maoming Petrochemical, and ZhongKe (Guangdong) Refinery & Petrochemical boosted their production, limiting the decline in Sinopec’s overall output.

CNOOC also recorded a drop in its LSFO output, as Taizhou Petrochemical suspended production amid turnarounds. Zhongjie Petrochemical was still under maintenance, while Zhoushan Petrochemical and Huizhou Petrochemical ramped up their production.

PetroChina’s LSFO output did not change much in May, with most refineries maintaining stale production. Meanwhile, Liaohe Petrochemical raised its output slightly, while Dalian WEPEC lowered its output.

ZPC and Sinochem did not produce any LSFO in the month, but the latter produced and exported 10,000 mt of MGO.

On a year-on-year comparison, however, China’s LSFO output surged by 24.40% in May.

Screenshot 2026 06 11 at 2.29.45 PM

Screenshot 2026 06 11 at 2.29.54 PM

Domestic-trade bunker fuel demand mixed in May

Domestic-trade heavy bunker fuel demand settled at 320,000 mt in May, with the daily demand at 10,323 mt, down by 3.23% month on month, JLC’s data shows.

The recovery of shipping demand was slower than expected, and risk aversion sentiment in the domestic-trade market intensified. Trade in North China remained lukewarm, with shipowners prioritizing the consumption of their stockpiles.

On the contrary, domestic-trade light bunker fuel demand came in at 160,000 mt in the month, with the daily volume at 5,161 mt, growing by 10.60% from the prior month, the data shows.

Bunker Fuel Supply

China’s bonded bunker fuel imports plunge in April

China’s bonded bunker fuel imports plunged in April, as bunker suppliers suspended their import of LSFO when domestic production surged.

The country imported 555,100 mt of bonded bunker fuel in the month, a slump of 32.55% from a month earlier, calculations show, based on the GACC data.

Bonded bunker suppliers did not import any LSFO as they prioritized domestic resources to meet demand. China’s LSFO output settled at roughly 1.22 million mt in April, with the daily output at 40,733 mt, surging by 27.55% month on month and 17.16% year on year, JLC’s data shows.

However, the arrivals of imported high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) remained high, putting a cap on the decline in the overall imports.

On a year-on-year comparison, however, China’s bonded bunker fuel imports increased by 5.63% in April.

Regarding the imports by source, Russia became the largest supplier by exporting 317,900 mt to China, accounting for 57.26% of the latter’s total imports. Malaysia slipped to the second place with 141,300 mt, accounting for 25.46%. Singapore remained in the third place with 79,000 mt, accounting for 14.24%, followed by South Korea, with 16,900 mt, accounting for 3.04%.

China’s bonded bunker fuel imports totaled 2.59 million mt in the first four months of this year, soaring by 26.46% year on year, calculations also show.

Screenshot 2026 06 11 at 2.30.10 PM

Domestic-trade heavy bunker fuel supply declines in May

Chinese blenders reduced their heavy bunker supply in May, as the availability of low-sulfur residual oil decreased and trade in North China was depressed by stricter tax inspection.

These blenders supplied 330,000 mt of domestic-trade heavy bunker fuel in the month, with the daily supply at 10,645 mt, down by 8.76% from a month earlier, JLC’s data shows.

Conversely, domestic-trade marine gas oil (MGO) supply settled at 190,000 mt in May, with the daily supply at 6,129 mt, increasing by 2.15% month on month, the data shows. Refineries continued to raise their MGO yields to meet growing demand.

Screenshot 2026 06 11 at 2.30.21 PM

Bunker Prices, Profits

Screenshot 2026 06 11 at 2.30.39 PM

Screenshot 2026 06 11 at 2.30.46 PM

Screenshot 2026 06 11 at 2.30.54 PM

Editor
Yvette Luo
+86-020-38834382
[email protected]

Sales (Beijing)
Tony Tang
+86-10-84428863
[email protected]

Sales (Singapore)
Ginny Teo
+65-31571254
[email protected]
[email protected]

JLC Network Technology Co., Ltd is recognised as the leading information provider in China. We specialise in providing the transparent, high-value, authoritative market intelligence and professional analysis in commodity market. Our expertise covers oil, gas, coal, chemical, plastic, rubber, fertilizer and metal industry, etc.

JLC China Bunker Fuel Market Monthly Report is published by JLC Network Technology Co., Ltd every month on China bunker market, demand, supply, margin, freight index, forecast and so on. The report provides full-scale & concise insight into China bunker oil market.

Note: China-based commodity market information provider JLC Technology has been providing Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times China bunker volume data since 2020. Data from earlier periods are available here.

Photo credit: JLC Network Technology
Published: 11 June, 2026

Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Europe and Africa Fuel Availability Outlook (10 June 2026)

Prompt supplies tight in the ARA; fuel availability is normal off Malta; VLSFO and LSMGO supplies in Luanda need 5-6 days of notice.

Published

2 days ago

June 11, 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:

Prompt supplies tight in the ARA
Fuel availability is normal off Malta
VLSFO and LSMGO supplies in Luanda need 5-6 days of notice

Northwest Europe

Bunker fuel availability remains tight for prompt supplies in the ARA hub, a trader said.

Recommended lead times for VLSFO and HSFO supplies have reduced slightly to 7-8 days, from 10 days advised last week, the trader added.

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

Fuel oil stocks in the ARA hub have fallen to levels not seen in more than a decade.

The ARA hub has imported only 7,000 b/d of fuel oil in the first week of June, sharply lower from April’s monthly average of 230,000 b/d, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa. All of the cargoes during the first week of June have come from Germany.

The ARA hub imported 164,000 b/d of gasoil in June, down considerably from 204,000 b/d imported in May, Vortexa data showed.

Around 37% of June’s shipments have come from the Saudi Arabia, while Lithuania has sent around 21% of the cargoes.

In Germany’s Hamburg, buyers are advised to book stems around five days ahead to get deliveries of any fuel grade, a trader told ENGINE.

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

Mediterranean

In the Gibraltar Strait ports, bunker availability remains tight for prompt deliveries of any fuel grade, with buyers advised lead times between 7-10 days, a trader told ENGINE.

Ships calling in Gibraltar for bunkers are facing high congestion, with around 20 vessels awaiting bunkers as of Wednesday morning due to lack of space, port agent MH Bland said.

Suppliers in the port are delayed by around 12-24 hours, subject to availability of space, the port agent added.

The Gibraltar Port Authority has issued a fog warning for Wednesday. The port authority has said that patches of sea fog overnight may reduce visibility to around 500 metres at times.

Strong winds of more than 25 knots are forecast in the port between 11-13 June, which may further impact bunkering operations and schedules.

In Algeciras, suppliers are delayed anywhere between 4-24 hours behind deliveries, MH Bland said.

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.

High swells of above 1.5 metres are forecast in the area until 11 June. Bunker operations are suspended in the outer anchorage areas currently, MH Bland said. Supplies can be carried out in the inner anchorage and at the berth, the port agent added.

Fuel availability has now normalized off Malta, a trader said. Loading delays had affected delivery schedules in Malta over the past few weeks. Buyers can now get delivery of any fuel grade with a lead time of 3-4 days, the trader added.

Fuel availability is normal in Türkiye’s Istanbul, and buyers are able to get deliveries easily within 1-3 days, a trader said.

LSMGO availability is stable in the Romanian ports of Constantza, Midia and Mangalia, a local supplier said.

Africa

Fuel availability remains tight for prompt deliveries in the Togolese port of Lome and off Namibia’s Walvis Bay, a trader said. Buyers are advised to book stems 10 days in advance for VLSFO and LSMGO in both locations, a trader said.

In Nigeria’s Lagos, VLSFO supplies need a lead time of around 5-7 days, a local supplier told ENGINE.

A supplier in Luanda’s Angola said VLSFO and LSMGO supplies can be carried out within 5-6 days.

Prompt fuel availability is tight in South Africa’s Durban and off Algoa Bay, and buyers are recommended lead times of around 5-7 days, a trader said

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

Bunker fuel availability is tight in Mauritius’ Port Louis. Buyers are recommended longer lead times of between 10-15 days for all fuel grades, according to a trader.

By Nachiket Tekawade

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 11 June, 2026