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Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (14 Oct 2025)

VLSFO and HSFO availability tight in Singapore; bunker demand low in Zhoushan; HSFO availability tight across several Japanese ports.
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Published

11 months ago

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RESIZED ENGINE East of Suez

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 HSFO availability tight in Singapore
  • Bunker demand low in Zhoushan
  • HSFO availability tight across several Japanese ports

Singapore and Malaysia

In Singapore, VLSFO lead times continue to fluctuate widely. Some suppliers can deliver in as little as six days, while others recommend booking up to two weeks in advance. A week ago, lead times ranged between 8–14 days.

HSFO supply has tightened slightly, with lead times extending from 6–10 days last week, to 7–12 days now. In contrast, LSMGO availability has improved, with shorter lead times of 3–8 days, down from 6–10 days previously.

Singapore’s residual fuel oil inventories have averaged 5% lower so far in October compared to September, according to Enterprise Singapore. The port’s fuel oil stocks have dipped below 24 million bbls, following a 37% drop in net fuel imports this month. Imports fell by 1.40 million bbls, while exports declined by 236,000 bbls. Meanwhile, middle distillate inventories have risen, averaging 4% higher than last month.

At Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO remain readily available, with prompt deliveries possible for smaller parcels, while HSFO supply remains tight.

East Asia

VLSFO availability in Zhoushan has improved amid muted bunker demand, reducing lead times from 10–12 days last week, to 5–7 days now. HSFO and LSMGO lead times have also shortened, from 10–12 days, to just 3–5 days.

Fuel availability remains uneven across northern China. Dalian and Qingdao have sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO, though HSFO remains tight in Qingdao. Tianjin, however, is facing shortages across all fuel grades.

In Shanghai, both VLSFO and HSFO supplies are constrained, while LSMGO remains comparatively stable. Further south, conditions vary: Fuzhou is seeing limited VLSFO and LSMGO, Xiamen has adequate VLSFO but scarce LSMGO, and Yangpu and Guangzhou are experiencing restricted delivery options for both grades.

In Hong Kong, lead times for all fuel grades remain steady at around seven days. Taiwan’s bunker supply is also stable — VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries can typically be arranged within two days at Keelung, Taichung, and Hualien, and within three days at Kaohsiung.

In South Korea, bunker demand has picked up following the country’s Golden Holiday (3–9 October). Lead times remain steady at around 2–7 days across all grades, according to a source.

However, supply schedules are still exposed to weather-related disruptions, caused by the lingering effects of Typhoon Nakri. Bunker operations could be interrupted in Busan (14–16 October), Ulsan (18–19 October), Yeosu (16–19 October), and Daesan (17–20 October). The September–November period marks a seasonal transition between summer and winter, typically accompanied by unstable weather conditions, the source added.

In Japan, prompt VLSFO supply remains tight across key ports — including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Mizushima, Nagoya, and Yokkaichi. LSMGO is generally well supplied nationwide, though prompt deliveries in Mizushima may still face delays.

B24-VLSFO is available only upon enquiry at Tokyo, Chiba, Kawasaki, and Yokohama. HSFO supply has tightened at most ports, with Oita reporting shortages across all grades — VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO.

Typhoon Nakri was nearing the southern Izu Islands yesterday morning, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. As of Monday morning, Hachijojima and Aogashima were within the typhoon’s storm zone. The system was expected to track eastward, near the southern Izu Islands today, according to Japan’s meteorological agency.

In Vietnam, LSMGO and HSFO require around three days of lead time for delivery at Nha Trang and Quy Nhon, with truck-based supply. Both grades are also available via truck at Cua Lo, Nghi Son, Vung Ang, Son Duong, and Hon La, a supplier said.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available at Kwinana and Fremantle, with most suppliers quoting around seven days of lead time. Deliveries are primarily carried out by barge from a single supplier, while LSMGO can also be supplied by truck. However, strong afternoon winds can occasionally disrupt bunkering operations, a source noted.

In New South Wales, Port Kembla offers VLSFO supply via both truck and pipeline, with a minimum pipeline delivery of 70 mt, while smaller parcels are available by truck. In Sydney, one barge operates alongside truck and pipeline options at select berths, though its schedule is sometimes affected by naval activity and cruise liner movements. VLSFO and LSMGO stocks remain healthy, while HSFO can be limited. Lead times of around seven days are preferred across all grades.

In Queensland, VLSFO and LSMGO are well supplied at Brisbane and Gladstone, both maintaining lead times of about seven days. HSFO in Brisbane is available only on request, while Gladstone may experience occasional weather-related delays. Berth access at Brisbane’s AAT terminal can also be challenging. The port now operates two barges, run by separate suppliers, both offering VLSFO and LSMGO, with HSFO supplied on enquiry.

In Victoria, the ports of Melbourne and Geelong maintain strong stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, though HSFO availability is tighter, especially for prompt deliveries. Currently, HSFO is well-stocked in Melbourne. A single barge serves both ports, and Bass Strait weather occasionally affects operations. A seven-day lead time is typically recommended. LSMGO can also be delivered by truck at smaller ports such as Portland and Port Welshpool, where lead times average 2–3 days.

Overall, Australian ports are maintaining stable bunker supply, with a general recommendation of seven days’ lead time. However, most ports can accommodate deliveries within 3–4 days thanks to ample availability. Ports equipped with pipeline systems, like Darwin and Dampier, often rely partly on truck deliveries, which can sometimes affect supply consistency.

In New Zealand, bunker operations remain stable, with VLSFO readily available at Tauranga and Auckland. Tauranga also offers pipeline access at certain berths, while Marsden Point can supply both, VLSFO and LSMGO, via pipeline at jetties where vessels are engaged in cargo operations.

Looking ahead, the cyclone season in northern Australia — running from 1 November to 30 April — is expected to periodically disrupt bunkering activity, the source added.

South Asia

In Sri Lanka, bunker supply has strengthened at Colombo and Hambantota, with one supplier now quoting around three days of lead time across all grades, down from five days last week.

Middle East

In Fujairah, prompt bunker supply remains tight across all grades despite subdued demand, as several suppliers face low stock levels and loading delays. Lead times are recommended at 5–7 days, a situation mirrored at the nearby port of Khor Fakkan. Some suppliers can accommodate urgent requests, though typically at a premium, a source said.

In Iraq’s Basrah, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, while HSFO supply remains limited. Availability in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah has improved for both grades, but port congestion continues to hamper operations, the source added.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Port Suez is facing severe shortages, with VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO stocks nearly depleted. Qatar’s Ras Laffan is also seeing tight availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, and Djibouti is experiencing an acute shortage, with VLSFO and HSFO supplies almost exhausted and LSMGO running low.

In contrast, Oman’s ports — including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm — continue to report stable LSMGO availability.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 15 October, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

Baltic Exchange: Bunker Report (3 September 2026)

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

3 days ago

on

September 4, 2026

By

Baltic Exchange logo

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

Baltic Exchange: Bunker Report (3 September 2026) Baltic Exchange: Bunker Report (3 September 2026)

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: 4 September, 2026

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Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Americas Fuel Availability Outlook (3 September 2026)

New York sees healthy bunker demand; availability improves in Los Angeles; VLSFO and LSMGO tight in Rio de Janeiro.
Admin

Published

3 days ago

on

September 4, 2026

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:

  • New York sees healthy bunker demand
  • Availability improves in Los Angeles
  • VLSFO and LSMGO tight in Rio de Janeiro

North America

In Houston, bunker demand has been strong over the past week, and prompt availability is bit tight across all three conventional 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.

Recommended lead times for all three grades stand at 5–8 days at the anchorage this week.

Mobile Bay stands out this week, with visibility dropping as low as 1 nautical mile during high-risk periods recurring almost daily through 9 September. Elsewhere, sea fog risk along the US Gulf Coast is mostly low.

Moderate risk builds through midweek at Port Arthur, Lake Charles, Marsh Island, Port Fourchon, New Orleans and Venice, while Texas ports, Pascagoula and Tampa stay largely clear, bar a few brief moderate spells.

In New York, bunker demand has been good. HSFO and VLSFO are tight for prompt supply, with lead times of 6–8 days, and LSMGO is available within 3–5 days.

No backlog or bunker barge readiness issues have been reported. Weather conditions are forecast to remain calm and conducive for bunkering at the port, a source said.

The Atlantic hurricane season is currently ongoing, with three active hurricanes — Karina and Marie in the Eastern Pacific, and Lowell in the Central Pacific.

The National Hurricane Center has issued advisories on all three. Additional marine warnings are also in effect in the Eastern Pacific region.

On the US West Coast, fuel availability across all three conventional grades has improved since the past week, a trader said. At the port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, some suppliers can now deliver VLSFO and LSMGO in a week’s time, compared to last week’s 10 days, while HSFO lead times remain unchanged at 7 days.

Recently, the Port of Los Angeles approved a 30-year lease extension with Yusen Terminals, keeping the operator at the port through 2056, and adding a further $200 million investment in zero-emission equipment.

At Canada’s Vancouver, VLSFO has been a bit tight over the past week, with recommended lead times currently over 5 days, a source said. HSFO and LSMGO have good availability, with lead times of 5–7 days.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Bunker availability is good for HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO at Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal, and demand has picked up this week, a trader told ENGINE.

Suppliers are recommending lead times of 3–5 days for all three fuel grades.

In Brazil, HSFO is no longer available, and lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO vary across the country’s ports.

Santos is congested, but availability is normal for VLSFO and LSMGO, with recommended lead times of 5–8 days.

Availability is tight for both grades in Rio de Janeiro this week, and supply is only available under prior consultation, a source said.

Rio Grande is reporting no availability for LSMGO, and VLSFO is available and can be supplied by most suppliers within a week.

At Paranaguá, Belém and Vila do Conde, VLSFO and LSMGO have decent availability, with lead times ranging between 4–7 days.

Punta Colorada in Argentina is set for a step up in activity, with two floating LNG (FLNG) units due onstream there by the end of 2027.

The Hilli Episeyo, currently repositioning from Cameroon via Singapore, and the Esperanza, a converted LNG carrier, will together add just over 6 million tonnes of annual LNG production capacity once both are running, Antares Shipping Agency said.

Bunkering operations in Argentina’s Zona Comun are continuing, despite choppy conditions at the anchorage.

Strong winds are expected to persist through the week, with the potential to interrupt bunkering, if winds exceed above 20 knots. Supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO are normal, and delivery lead times are currently running at 5-7 days, a source said.

By Gautamee Hazarika

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 4 September, 2026

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Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Fuel Availability Outlook (2 Sep 2026)

Prompt fuel supplies are tight in the ARA; high cruise demand tightens availability in Piraeus; lead times of 5-7 days required in Durban.
Admin

Published

4 days ago

on

September 3, 2026

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:

  • Prompt fuel supplies are tight in the ARA
  • High cruise demand tightens availability in Piraeus
  • Lead times of 5-7 days required in Durban

Northwest Europe

Fuel availability is tight in the ARA for prompt delivery dates, with buyers advised lead times between 5-7 days for deliveries of HSFO, VLSFO, ULSFO and LSMGO fuel grades, a trader said.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have averaged 15% higher in August thus far, compared to July’s monthly average, according to Insights Global data.

The ARA hub has imported around 344,000 b/d of fuel oil in August thus far, more than double July’s monthly average of around 159,000 b/d, according to Vortexa cargo flows data. The largest volumes arrived from Benin (20%), Venezuela (15%) and Mexico (8%).

The region’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – have dropped by 1% in August so far, compared to July, according to the Insights Global data.

The region has imported around 156,000 b/d of gasoil in August thus far, up from an average of around 119,000 b/d imported in July, according to Vortexa data. A majority of shipments arrived from the US (36%), Sweden (12%) and the UK (10%).

Bunker fuel availability is stable in Germany’s Hamburg port, a trader told ENGINE. Buyers are recommended a notice of five days to get delivery of any fuel grade.

Fuel availability is tight off Denmark Skaw and in Sweden’s Gothenburg, with buyers advised lead times of 10-14 days for deliveries of any fuel grade, a trader said.

Mediterranean

Bunker availability is tight for prompt dates at ports in the Strait of Gibraltar, with buyers advised earliest delivery dates of around 10-12 days out to get good coverage, a trader told ENGINE.

Suppliers in Gibraltar are running 4-12 hours behind schedule on deliveries, according to port agent MH Bland. In Algeciras, suppliers are running between 6-24 hours delayed, the port agent added. In Spain’s Ceuta, some deliveries at barge could be delayed by 6-8 hours, MH Bland said.

In Barcelona, buyers should book supplies at least a week before deliveries, a trader told ENGINE.

Prompt fuel availability is tight in Las Palmas, with buyers recommended lead times of around 10-12 days, a trader told ENGINE.

VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries off Malta require between 3-4 days of notice while ULSFO deliveries require six days of lead time, according to a trader. Some suppliers are offering prompt deliveries as well, the trader added.

Fuel availability is tight in Greece’s Piraeus for prompt supplies due to increased demand from cruise vessels, with buyers recommended lead times of seven days for HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO, while ULSFO supplies need a 5-day notice, a trader said.

Prompt fuel availability is okay in Turkey’s Istanbul for most marine fuels, a local supplier told ENGINE. LSMGO and ULSFO deliveries need 1-3 days of notice, while VLSFO needs 2-4 days’ time, a trader said. HSFO availability is slightly tight for prompt supplies in Istanbul, with buyers advised 4-7 days of lead time, the trader added.

Africa

In Togo’s Lome and off Namibia’s Walvis Bay, fuel availability is tight for prompt supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO, with buyers recommended a week of notice for both fuel grades.

VLSFO is not available in Angola’s Luanda, a supplier told ENGINE. LSMGO availability is comparatively stable, and a notice of 3-4 days is sufficient for deliveries of the fuel grade, the supplier added.

In Nigeria’s Lagos anchorage, prompt fuel supplies are tight, and buyers are advised lead times of 5-10 days, a local supplier said.

In South Africa’s Durban, prompt fuel supplies of all three grades are tight, a trader said. Buyers are advised a week’s notice for any fuel grade.

Bunker availability is tight in Port Louis, with suppliers requiring notice of around 10-14 days, a trader said.

In the Mozambican ports of Nacala and Maputo, VLSFO supplies are tight and need lead times of a week, a trader told ENGINE.

By Nachiket Tekawade

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 3 September, 2026

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