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ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (5 March 2026)

Houston Ship Channel closed by dense fog; strong bunker demand in Panama; Zona Comun bunker operations suspended.

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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:

  • Houston Ship Channel closed by dense fog
  • Strong bunker demand in Panama
  • Zona Comun bunker operations suspended

North America

In Houston, bunker fuel demand is steady at the port. VLSFO and HSFO are tight for prompt delivery and require at least 7–10 days. LSMGO can be delivered by most suppliers within 5–7 days.

The port is currently experiencing backlogs at its terminals due to intermittent closures of the Houston Ship Channel.

The channel most recently closed on Wednesday and remains shut to all vessel traffic due to dense fog conditions in the region. This is a result of the ongoing US Gulf fog season, which typically runs until mid-March.

Visibility during peak fog periods could fall to around 1–3 nautical miles, potentially disrupting vessel movements and port operations across the region.

The Sabine–Neches Waterway has also been closed due to poor visibility.

Fog conditions are also expected to disrupt bunkering at the nearby Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) anchorage. Deliveries are currently underway and are being carried out on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

Lead times at the anchorage are subject to specific enquiry, a source said.

Dense fog is forecast to periodically affect US Gulf Coast ports throughout the week, with several locations including Port Arthur, Corpus Christi, Marsh Island and Lake Charles facing repeated high fog threats, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours.

In New York, bunker demand is normal, with weather conditions easing to support bunkering operations.

HSFO remains slightly tight in New York and requires lead times of at least 7–9 days to secure availability. VLSFO lead times stand at 5–6 days, while LSMGO has good availability and can be delivered within 2–3 days, a source tells ENGINE.

On the US West Coast, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have normal availability, with most suppliers able to deliver all three fuel grades within 7–8 days.

Container traffic is expected to decrease, with 16 container ship arrivals forecast for next week, down from 19 this week, according to the ports’ vessel tracker, Signal.

In Vancouver, Canada, HSFO can be delivered within 5–7 days. VLSFO and LSMGO are available with lead times of 6–8 days this week, a source said.

Latin America and the Caribbean

In Panama, bunker demand has increased significantly over the past few weeks. Supply at the ports of Balboa and Cristobal is currently tight across all three conventional fuel grades and requires lead times of at least five days, a bunker trader tells ENGINE.

In Colombia, VLSFO requires lead times of around two days, while LSMGO requires three days. In ports where HSFO is available, such as Santa Marta and Barranquilla, the earliest delivery dates are around three days.

In Brazil, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is steady in Santos, with lead times of around 5–8 days.

In Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande, availability is normal for both grades and requires lead times of 4–5 days this week.

In Freeport in the Bahamas, a key supplier has experienced issues with its loading terminal and barge and is currently working through a backlog, a trader said. Until the supplier catches up, prolonged delays are expected.

“They have completed two deliveries to anchorage vessels since the terminal came back online,” the trader added.

In St. Eustatius, possible disruptions are expected due to high wind gusts until 9 March. This could lead to delays for anchorage deliveries.

In Argentina’s Zona Comun, bunker deliveries are currently suspended due to high wind gusts exceeding 20 knots. Prolonged delays are expected over the next several days.

Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO at the anchorage are currently between 7–10 days.

By Gautamee Hazarika

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 6 March, 2026

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Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Europe and Africa Fuel Availability Outlook (1 July 2026)

Prompt fuel availability is tight in the Gibraltar Strait ports; rough seas disrupt bunkering in Las Palmas; lead times of 5-6 days recommended in Angola’s Luanda.

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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:

  • Prompt fuel availability is tight in the Gibraltar Strait ports
  • Rough seas disrupt bunkering in Las Palmas
  • Lead times of 5-6 days recommended in Angola’s Luanda

Northwest Europe

Bunker fuel availability is very tight for prompt delivery dates in the ARA, with buyers recommended to book HSFO and VLSFO stems around seven days in advance to avoid high premiums, while LSMGO supplies may take around five days, a trader told ENGINE.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have averaged around 8% higher in the penultimate week of June, compared to May, according to Insights Global data.

Fuel oil stocks in the ARA hub have gained slightly from May’s inventory levels, which were the lowest seen in more than a decade.

The ARA hub has imported 247,000 b/d of fuel oil in June, slightly higher than May’s monthly average of 230,000 b/d, according to Vortexa’s cargo data. Most of June’s shipments have come from Syria (16%), Venezuela (15%) and UK (12%).

The region’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – have dropped 1% in June compared to May. Gasoil inventories are at their lowest level in around two and a half years.

The ARA hub imported 178,000 b/d of gasoil in June, down from 204,000 b/d imported in May, Vortexa data showed. June’s shipments have come mainly from the U.S (32%), the U.K (19%) and Lithuania (9%).

Marine fuels supply is stable in Germany’s Hamburg, and any fuel grade stem can be secured with a notice of around five days, a trader told ENGINE.

Buyers off Denmark’s Skaw and in Sweden’s Gothenburg are advised to book around 10 days ahead for any fuel grade, according to a trader.

Mediterranean

Bunker availability remains very tight for prompt delivery dates in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta, with buyers recommended to book around 10 days ahead to get good coverage from suppliers, a trader said.

Rough winds of around 25 knots are forecast in the area between 3-4 July, which may complicate bunkering in the Gibraltar Strait ports.

Rough seas, with swells between 1.5-2 metres high, are forecast in the area between 1-3 July. Bunkering operations have been currently suspended, except for those vessels berthed alongside and those anchored within the breakwaters, port agent MH Bland said.

Fuel availability is reportedly tight for prompt delivery dates in the Canary Islands bunkering hub, a trader told ENGINE. Buyers are usually recommended lead times between 7-10 days for delivery of any fuel grade.

Off Malta, VLSFO availability is tight in the past week, with deliveries possible around 5-7 days out, a trader said. LSMGO availability is relatively better, the trader said.

In Greek’s Piraeus, fuel availability has tightened for all fuel grades, with buyers advised to book stems around seven days ahead, a trader told ENGINE.

Availability of fuel oil grades like VLSFO and ULSFO are tight in Turkey’s Istanbul, while LSMGO supply is stable, a local supplier told ENGINE.

Africa

In Togo’s Lome, buyers are advised to book VLSFO and LSMGO stems around 10 days in advance, a trader said.

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

In Angola’s Luanda, a supplier requested lead times of 5-6 days for VLSFO and LSMGO suppliers.

Off Namibia’s Walvis Bay, buyers are advised to allow around 10 days for delivery, 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.

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

Bunker fuel availability is very tight in Mauritius’ Port Louis, where buyers are advised to book 10-15 days ahead for all fuel grades, according to a trader.

By Nachiket Tekawade

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 2 July, 2026

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Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (30 June 2026)

VLSFO availability tight in Singapore; availability good across several Sri Lankan ports; bunker demand picks up in Fujairah.

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ENGINE East of Suez 1

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 availability tight in Singapore
  • Availability good across several Sri Lankan ports
  • Bunker demand picks up in Fujairah

Singapore and Malaysia

VLSFO availability in Singapore remains under strain, with recommended lead times continuing to vary widely across suppliers. While some suppliers can deliver in around nine days, others are quoting lead times of more than four weeks. Although the lower end of the range is unchanged, the upper end has extended further from around three weeks previously.

Recommended lead times for HSFO have narrowed to 7–11 days, compared with 5–13 days last week. For LSMGO, suppliers are advising lead times of 3–8 days, versus 6–10 days a week ago.

The port’s residual fuel oil inventories have averaged 18% lower so far in June than across May, according to the latest data from Enterprise Singapore. Stocks have fallen below 17 million bbls amid a sharp 37% drop in Singapore’s net fuel oil imports so far this month. Imports declined by 849,000 bbls, while exports increased by a modest 127,000 bbls.

Singapore’s middle distillate inventories have also continued to decline, averaging 7.89 million bbls so far this month. Stocks are 14% below previous levels, leaving inventories at multi-year lows.

Bunker fuel availability in Malaysia’s Port Klang remains mixed. VLSFO supply is generally sufficient, particularly for smaller prompt stems. However, LSMGO availability remains constrained, while HSFO continues to face supply pressure, leaving both grades relatively tight.

East Asia

Despite subdued bunker demand, VLSFO availability in Zhoushan remains under pressure. Recommended lead times have lengthened from 7–10 days last week to 7–12 days, contributing to the recent increase in the benchmark price. Lead times for both LSMGO and HSFO have extended to 5–7 days, up from just three days previously.

Bunker fuel supply across northern China presents a mixed picture. Suppliers in Dalian and Qingdao have ample stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, although HSFO availability in Qingdao remains limited. In Tianjin, all major bunker grades continue to face supply constraints, while VLSFO and HSFO availability is tight in Shanghai. LSMGO supply in Shanghai, however, remains relatively stable.

Supply tightness also persists across several ports in southern China. Both VLSFO and LSMGO remain constrained in Fuzhou. Xiamen has adequate VLSFO availability but tighter LSMGO supply, while both grades remain constrained in Yangpu and Guangzhou.

Hong Kong’s bunker market remains stable, with recommended lead times for all major bunker grades holding at around seven days, broadly unchanged in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, bunker fuel availability remains steady across Taiwan’s key ports of Hualien, Keelung, Taichung and Kaohsiung. Recommended lead times for both VLSFO and LSMGO remain at around two days across all four ports, largely unchanged from last week.

Demand in South Korea’s bunker market has softened recently, according to a local trader. Across the country’s southern ports – including Busan, Ulsan, Masan, Onsan, Yeosu and Kwangyang – recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO have narrowed to 4–6 days, from 4–9 days last week. HSFO lead times have also shortened to 4–6 days, compared with 4–9 days a week earlier.

Supply conditions have also improved at western ports, including Incheon, Daesan, Dangjin, Pyeongtaek and Taean. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO have narrowed to 4–6 days, down from 4–9 days last week. HSFO availability remains stable, with lead times reduced to 4–6 days from 4–9 days previously.

Weather-related disruptions remain a concern across South Korea. Delays are forecast at Busan, Ulsan and Yeosu on 1 and 5 July, and at Daesan on 4 July.

In Japan, bunker demand has strengthened as expected, supported by some of the most competitive bunker prices in Asia. Enquiries have risen sharply, according to a Japan-based trader. VLSFO availability remains extremely tight, with limited supply capacity for July, while MGO availability has tightened suddenly and significantly.

The trader advised buyers to secure spot requirements immediately due to the severe supply squeeze and limited July allocations, with Japanese refineries expected to prioritise domestic energy demand.

At major Japanese ports including Tokyo, Chiba, Kawasaki, Kashima, Nagoya, Yokkaichi and Oita, VLSFO and LSMGO remain in short supply, with only a limited number of suppliers able to offer these grades. HSFO is comparatively more available, with recommended lead times of around 7–10 days.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains tight in Osaka, Kobe and Mizushima. Recommended lead times for these grades are around 7–10 days, while HSFO requires around 5–7 days.

Indonesia’s bunker market, by contrast, remains well supplied. VLSFO availability is stable across Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan and Cigading, where suppliers are generally quoting lead times of around 2–3 days.

Oceania

A temporary fuel excise cut introduced to help shield Australians from the impact of the oil crisis is set to expire on 30 June. From 1 July, fuel excise rates will increase. However, the change will affect only vessels operating domestically, as international vessels remain fully exempt from fuel excise and GST, according to an Australia-based trader.

In Western Australia, VLSFO availability remains steady at Kwinana and Fremantle, where suppliers are generally recommending lead times of around seven days. Bunker operations at both ports continue to be supported by a single supplier, with deliveries carried out exclusively by barge.

Supply conditions along Australia’s east coast differ by port. In New South Wales, Port Kembla can facilitate VLSFO deliveries by either truck or pipeline, while suppliers in Sydney have adequate stocks of both VLSFO and LSMGO. HSFO supply remains comparatively tighter in Sydney, with suppliers typically requesting around seven days of advance notice.

In Queensland, VLSFO and LSMGO remain readily available in Brisbane and Gladstone, with recommended lead times of around seven days.

Further south, suppliers in Melbourne and Geelong continue to hold healthy VLSFO inventories. However, bunker operations at both ports rely on a single barge, resulting in lead times of approximately one week.

HSFO availability is becoming increasingly constrained in both Melbourne and Brisbane.

One supplier is currently offering all bunker grades in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne with lead times of around five days. In Dampier, bunker deliveries continue to rely on truck-assisted pipeline operations, making advance scheduling and berth confirmation particularly important, according to a market source.

Across the Tasman Sea, bunker fuel availability in New Zealand remains broadly stable. VLSFO is readily available in Tauranga and Auckland, where suppliers are recommending lead times of about four days. At Marsden Point, both VLSFO and LSMGO can be delivered directly to vessels via pipeline infrastructure.

Weather continues to pose an operational risk across New Zealand. Bunker deliveries are particularly vulnerable to disruption in Wellington and ports across the South Island, where adverse weather conditions can periodically affect supply operations.

South Asia

The onset of the monsoon is expected to disrupt bunker operations at several Indian ports in the coming days, with weather-related delays likely to affect delivery schedules. Disruptions are forecast at Kandla and Sikka between 1–4 July, while rough sea conditions could hamper bunker operations at Mumbai, Cochin and Visakhapatnam from 30 June to 4 July.

In Sri Lanka, bunker market conditions remain stable, with sufficient inventories of all major bunker fuel grades in Colombo and Hambantota. At least one supplier is recommending lead times of around six days.

Rough weather conditions may intermittently disrupt bunker operations at Colombo and Trincomalee between 1–4 July, potentially affecting bunker delivery schedules.

Middle East

Bunker fuel availability has improved across all major grades in Fujairah, with several suppliers now able to accommodate prompt delivery requests. The improvement follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Before the agreement, suppliers were grappling with tight cargo availability as lower imports restricted replenishment volumes for bunker barges. The supply situation has since eased following the arrival of a small batch of cargoes in recent days, with additional deliveries expected shortly, according to a Middle East-based source.

Bunker demand in Fujairah has also picked up, the source added.

Most suppliers in Fujairah are currently able to offer prompt VLSFO stems, while a smaller number have LSMGO available. HSFO remains comparatively tight, although some suppliers continue to offer the grade.

Supply conditions have also improved at the neighbouring UAE bunker hub of Khor Fakkan, where both VLSFO and HSFO availability has strengthened.

Elsewhere in the UAE, port operations at Jebel Ali, Hamriyah, Dibba and Sharjah are continuing without disruption, according to Inchcape Shipping. Ports in Ras Al Khaimah are also operating normally, although the RAK Ports Authority has continued to impose a marine risk surcharge on vessels calling at its ports, harbours and anchorages since March.

In Kuwait, operations at the ports of Shuaiba and Shuwaikh continue uninterrupted.

No official operational advisories have been issued by Saudi Arabian ports. In Jeddah, VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains relatively stable. However, adverse weather conditions could disrupt bunker operations in Jeddah on 1 July and in Yanbu between 1–3 July.

In Qatar, all ports remain operational, according to Inchcape Shipping. However, VLSFO and LSMGO continue to be in tight supply at Ras Laffan.

“Regional ports remain operational with no major port closures reported. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz is gradually recovering following the recent de-escalation; however, some owners and operators remain cautious, and occasional schedule adjustments may still occur,” an Oman-based trader said.

Oman continues to offer strong prompt availability of LSMGO. One supplier is recommending lead times of just 2–3 days at the major ports of Duqm, Muscat, Sohar and Salalah. However, high wave activity forecast in Salalah between 30 June and 4 July could temporarily disrupt bunkering operations, according to a source.

In Egypt, port operations remain normal. At Port Suez, HSFO inventories are tight, while VLSFO stocks are close to depletion.

Further south, both VLSFO and LSMGO remain difficult to secure in Djibouti. Meanwhile, port and bunker operations across Jordan, Iraq, Cyprus, Pakistan and Lebanon continue to run normally, according to shipping agency Inchcape Shipping.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 1 July, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: B100 premiums narrow for Singapore-EU voyages

Rotterdam B100 over $100/mt costlier than HSFO; Rotterdam LBM discounts to LSMGO widen; B100 premium over LSMGO drops to $39/mt in Singapore.

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ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: B100 premiums narrow for Singapore-EU voyages

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:

  • Rotterdam B100 over $100/mt costlier than HSFO
  • Rotterdam LBM discounts to LSMGO widen
  • B100 premium over LSMGO drops to $39/mt in Singapore

Rotterdam B100’s premium over HSFO has widened by a further $35/mt to $103/mt over the past week.

On the other hand, its discounts to VLSFO and LSMGO have widened by $8/mt and $25/mt to $26/mt and $266/mt, respectively.

Singapore’s B100 has dropped slightly relative to conventional fuels. Its premiums over HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO have narrowed by $16-25/mt over the past week to $39-408/mt.

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: B100 premiums narrow for Singapore-EU voyages

LNG premiums over liquefied biomethane (LBM) in Rotterdam have widened by $15/mt to $440-447/mt.

Rotterdam’s LBM discounts to LSMGO have widened by $56-58/mt to $595-796/mt, depending on the engine type.

Liquid fuels

Rotterdam’s HSFO price has fallen by $41/mt over the past week. Its VLSFO has edged up by $2/mt, while its LSMGO price has increased by $19/mt.

The port’s B100 has edged down by $7/mt. Dutch ZRE A ticket prices have remained unchanged for a third consecutive week amid a “lack of reported trades,” Prima Markets has noted.

Singapore’s conventional fuel prices have declined by $36-45/mt over the past week, while its B100 benchmark has fallen by a larger $61/mt

The port’s monthly B100 sales doubled from 6,500 mt in April to 13,000 mt in May, according to preliminary data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

Liquid gases

Rotterdam’s LNG prices have declined by $23-24/mt in the past week, driven largely by a 7% decline in LNG bunker premiums, which dropped from $134/mt to $125/mt. The front-month Dutch TTF Natural Gas contract has fallen by 2%, adding further downward pressure to LNG bunker prices.

Rotterdam’s LBM prices have fallen by $37-39/mt.

Singapore’s LNG prices have edged up by $8-9/mt. Resurging tensions in the Middle East, a Qatari gas facility explosion and rising LNG demand in Asia have added upward pressure on the prices.

LNG sales in Singapore jumped from 42,000 mt in April to a record 70,000 mt in May.

By Konica Bhatt

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 30 June, 2026

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