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Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (19 Aug 2024)

Bunker demand low in Zhoushan; prompt VLSFO tight in Japanese locations; VLSFO and LSMGO availability tight in several Indian ports.

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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:

  • Bunker demand low in Zhoushan
  • Prompt VLSFO tight in Japanese locations
  • VLSFO and LSMGO availability tight in several Indian ports

Singapore and Malaysia

In Singapore, VLSFO deliveries now require lead times of 7–10 days, narrowing slightly from last week’s 4–11 days. HSFO availability is steady with workable delivery windows of 7–12 days, while LSMGO has become more accessible, with lead times easing to 3–6 days from 7–11 days a week ago.

The port’s residual fuel oil inventories have averaged 6% higher so far this month compared to July. The stocks have risen above 25 million bbls despite a steep 28% decline in net fuel imports, Enterprise Singapore data shows. Imports have dropped by 1.60 million bbls, far outpacing the 639,000-bbl fall in exports. Middle distillate stocks, meanwhile, have inched up 2% this month to 9 million bbls.

In Malaysia’s Port Klang, prompt VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries remain readily available, while HSFO continues to be in tight supply.

East Asia

In Zhoushan, VLSFO lead times have lengthened to 6–10 days from 5–8 days last week, despite subdued demand, as suppliers struggle with low inventories and delayed replenishment cargoes.

HSFO is also taking longer to secure, with lead times rising to 4–7 days from 3–5 days. By contrast, LSMGO has become easier to source, with lead times shortening to 2–4 days from last week’s 3–5 days.

Fuel availability across northern China remains mixed. Both VLSFO and LSMGO are well supplied in Dalian and Qingdao, though HSFO is limited in Qingdao. Tianjin, however, is tight across all three grades. In Shanghai, supply pressures persist for VLSFO and HSFO, while LSMGO remains relatively steady.

Further south, market conditions vary by port. Fuzhou is facing shortages of both VLSFO and LSMGO, while Xiamen has ample VLSFO but limited LSMGO. Delivery options remain constrained for both grades at Yangpu and Guangzhou.

In Hong Kong, lead times are stable at around seven days for all fuel types, consistent with recent weeks.

Taiwan continues to report steady conditions as well, with lead times of about two days for VLSFO and LSMGO at Taichung, Hualien, Keelung and Kaohsiung.

In South Korea, VLSFO and HSFO remain readily available amid muted demand, with most suppliers quoting lead times of around five days, slightly down from last week’s 5–6 days. LSMGO deliveries typically require 3–5 days.

Japan continues to face tight prompt VLSFO availability at key ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Mizushima, Nagoya and Yokkaichi. LSMGO stocks are generally sufficient across the country, though prompt orders in Mizushima may still see delays.

B24-VLSFO supply in Tokyo, Chiba, Kawasaki and Yokohama still depends on the enquiry.

HSFO availability is steady in most ports, while Oita is experiencing shortages across VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO are well supplied at Kwinana, Fremantle and Port Kembla, with most suppliers advising lead times of 7–8 days. In New South Wales, LSMGO availability remains steady in Sydney, while securing prompt HSFO deliveries continues to be difficult.

Suppliers in Victoria’s ports of Melbourne and Geelong are well stocked with VLSFO and LSMGO, though HSFO remains limited, particularly for prompt demand.

Further north in Queensland, suppliers in both Brisbane and Gladstone have healthy VLSFO and LSMGO availability with average lead times of around seven days. HSFO, however, continues to be constrained in Brisbane.

In New Zealand, VLSFO supply is stable in Tauranga and Auckland, ensuring consistent availability in both ports.

South Asia

VLSFO availability remains tight across several Indian ports, including Mundra, Kandla, Mumbai, Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Cochin, as it has been in recent weeks. LSMGO supply is also constrained in most locations, with deliveries subject to enquiry. In Tuticorin, one supplier is nearly out of both fuel grades, a situation that has persisted for months.

By contrast, Sri Lanka offers a more stable outlook. A supplier operating in both Colombo and Hambantota reports good availability across all grades, with prompt delivery available.

Middle East

Prompt bunker availability continues to be tight across all fuel grades in Fujairah. Lead times are steady at 5–7 days, though some suppliers can still accommodate prompt orders at premium prices. Similar conditions prevail in the nearby port of Khor Fakkan.

In Iraq’s Basrah, VLSFO and LSMGO remain readily available, while HSFO supply is limited. Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah is still experiencing restricted availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO. In Egypt’s Port Suez, stocks of all three grades – VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO – are nearly exhausted.

Qatar’s Ras Laffan also faces tight supply for VLSFO and LSMGO. Djibouti is grappling with severe shortages, with VLSFO and HSFO nearly depleted and LSMGO also scarce.

By contrast, Oman’s ports – Sohar, Salalah, Muscat and Duqm – continue to offer stable LSMGO supply.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 20 August, 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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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.

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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:

  • 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.

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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 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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