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Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (29 July 2025)

VLSFO availability improves in Singapore; prompt VLSFO supply tight across several Japanese ports; bunker demand low in Fujairah.
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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 availability improves in Singapore
  • Prompt VLSFO supply tight across several Japanese ports
  • Bunker demand low in Fujairah

Singapore and Malaysia

VLSFO availability has improved amid low demand and better supply, with most suppliers now recommending lead times of 9–11 days. Last week, lead times varied more widely, ranging from five days to up to three weeks.

HSFO currently requires 9–11 days for delivery, slightly more consistent than last week’s range of 8–13 days. In contrast, LSMGO delivery times have increased, with most suppliers now quoting 5–7 days, up from 2–6 days the previous week.

Residual fuel oil stocks in Singapore have averaged 5% higher so far this month compared to June, according to Enterprise Singapore.

The port’s fuel oil inventories have risen to over 23 million barrels, driven by a sharp 41% increase in net fuel oil imports in July. Imports have grown by 1.85 million bbls, outpacing the 829,000-bbl rise in exports, resulting in a net stock build. In contrast, middle distillate inventories at the port have declined, averaging 16% lower than last month’s levels.

At Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are readily available, with immediate delivery possible for smaller volumes. However, HSFO availability remains tight.

East Asia

VLSFO supply in Zhoushan remains stable, with most suppliers recommending lead times of 5–7 days, unchanged from the previous week. HSFO delivery times are also steady at 5–7 days, while LSMGO lead times continue to hold around 5–7 days as well.

However, bunker operations at Zhoushan’s inner and outer anchorages have been suspended since 24 July due to rough weather, a source reported. Typhoon Co-May (also referred to as Typhoon No. 8), which passed near Okinawa Island on the eve of 28 July, is currently moving northwestward over the East China Sea and is expected to make landfall on the Chinese mainland in the coming days, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Bunkering at inner anchorages of Xiushandong and Mazhi was halted on 24 July, while operations at outer anchorages, including Tiaozhoumen and Xiazhimen, were suspended earlier on 21 July. Most suppliers expect bunker operations to fully resume after 30 July, another source noted.

Across northern China, Dalian and Qingdao maintain good availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO, though Qingdao is currently facing limited HSFO supply. Tianjin, on the other hand, is experiencing tight supply conditions across all three fuel grades—VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO.

In Shanghai, VLSFO and HSFO supplies remain restricted, while LSMGO availability is relatively stable.

In the southern ports, supply conditions vary. Fuzhou is facing tight availability for both VLSFO and LSMGO. Xiamen has adequate VLSFO but limited LSMGO supply. Yangpu and Guangzhou are both experiencing constraints on prompt deliveries for VLSFO and LSMGO.

In Hong Kong, lead times for all fuel grades remain stable at around seven days.

In Taiwan, VLSFO and LSMGO lead times at Taichung port are holding steady at approximately three days, virtually unchanged from the previous week. Other major Taiwanese ports—Hualien, Kaohsiung, and Keelung—offer shorter lead times, typically requiring about two days for delivery.

In South Korea, LSMGO supply remains limited, with availability subject to enquiry. However, some suppliers can offer the grade with a lead time of 3–6 days if it is ordered alongside VLSFO, according to a trader. VLSFO and HSFO availability continues to be stable across South Korean ports, with recommended lead times of 3–6 days, nearly unchanged from last week.

In Japan, prompt VLSFO availability remains tight at several major ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Mizushima, Nagoya, and Yokkaichi. LSMGO stock levels are generally healthy throughout the country, though Mizushima is facing delays in prompt deliveries. HSFO supply remains steady at most Japanese ports, while Oita is experiencing tight availability across all three fuel grades.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Krosa, also referred to as Typhoon No. 9, approached the Ogasawara Islands early Tuesday and is expected to linger near the area through Thursday, according to the JMA.

The agency also issued warnings of high waves, swells, and strong winds. None of the ports have been affected so far, but they could be in the coming days, a source said.

In the Philippines, vessel docking at Calaca Port is currently on hold due to rough sea conditions. Ships already at the terminal have been advised to remain alert and monitor weather conditions closely. At Subic Bay, vessel movement restrictions were lifted on Sunday, according to GAC Hot Port News.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available at Kwinana, Fremantle, and Port Kembla, with suppliers typically recommending lead times of 7–8 days. In New South Wales, Sydney maintains a stable supply of LSMGO, although prompt HSFO deliveries remain challenging.

In Victoria, the ports of Melbourne and Geelong report strong availability for both VLSFO and LSMGO. In contrast, HSFO supply remains limited, especially for immediate delivery needs.

Further north in Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone have well-stocked inventories of VLSFO and LSMGO, with average lead times around seven days. However, Brisbane continues to face tight HSFO availability.

In New Zealand, VLSFO supply is sufficient at both Tauranga and Auckland.

South Asia

In Sri Lanka, a supplier operating in both Colombo and Hambantota continues to recommend lead times of approximately three days for all fuel grades, showing little variation from the previous week.

Middle East

Fujairah continues to face tight prompt bunker availability, despite low demand, with lead times for all fuel grades holding steady at 5–7 days. Some suppliers can still accommodate prompt stems, though typically at higher prices. Similar conditions are reported at nearby Khor Fakkan.

In Iraq’s Basrah, VLSFO and LSMGO remain readily available, while HSFO supply is still limited. In Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah, both VLSFO and LSMGO continue to face supply constraints.

At Egypt’s Suez port, inventories of all three conventional fuel grades, VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO, are low, with stocks nearly depleted. Qatar’s Ras Laffan is also experiencing tight supply for both VLSFO and LSMGO.

Djibouti is under severe supply pressure, with VLSFO and HSFO stocks nearly exhausted, and limited LSMGO availability as well.

In contrast, Omani ports including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm continue to maintain stable LSMGO supply.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 23 July, 2025

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ENGINE: Americas Fuel Availability Outlook (11 June 2026)

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

3 days ago

on

June 12, 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:

  • 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

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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.

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Published

4 days ago

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June 11, 2026

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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.

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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.

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Bunker Prices, Profits

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

Sales (Beijing)
Tony Tang
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Sales (Singapore)
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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.

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be photocopied, reproduced, retransmitted, put into a computer system or otherwise redistributed without prior authorization from JLC.

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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

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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.
Admin

Published

4 days ago

on

June 11, 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 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

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