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Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: East of Suez Fuel Availability Outlook (11 Mar 2025)

VLSFO availability improves in Zhoushan; VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight in several Indian ports; prompt HSFO supply is tight across several Japanese ports.
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1 year 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 Zhoushan
  • VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight in several Indian ports
  • Prompt HSFO supply is tight across several Japanese ports

Singapore and Malaysia

VLSFO lead times in Singapore vary widely between 3–12 days, compared to last week’s recommendation of 5–12 days. Meanwhile, LSMGO lead times have shortened from 5–9 days last week, to 2–4 days now. HSFO supply remains stable, with lead times unchanged at 5–8 days.

Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 18% lower so far in March than in February, according to Enterprise Singapore’s latest data. The port’s fuel oil stocks have fallen below 16 million bbls, despite a 47% surge in net fuel oil imports this month. Fuel oil imports have increased by 1.10 million bbls, while exports have dropped by 171,000 bbls. In contrast, middle distillate stocks have risen, averaging 12% higher this month.

Additionally, Singapore-registered bunker vessels can now carry and deliver biofuel blends of up to 30% (B30). The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has implemented the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) interim biofuel guidance ahead of schedule. This move is expected to reshape Singapore’s biofuel bunker market, as only a few suppliers have been able to deliver blends above 25%. Many have defaulted to 24% (B24) to stay below the previous 25% limit.

In Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO remain abundant, with prompt small-quantity deliveries readily available. However, HSFO supply continues to be limited.

East Asia

VLSFO availability in Zhoushan has improved, with lead times shortening from eight days last week to about 4–6 days now. In contrast, lead times for LSMGO and HSFO have increased from around two days to 4–6 days.

Meanwhile, bunker operations at Zhoushan’s outer anchorages, Tiaozhoumen and Xiazhimen, have been suspended since yesterday due to dense fog, a source reported. However, most suppliers expect full bunkering operations in the OPL area to resume by tomorrow, the source added.

In northern China, Dalian and Qingdao have ample stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, though HSFO remains scarce in Qingdao. In Tianjin, VLSFO and HSFO supplies are tight, while LSMGO availability is stable.

Shanghai is experiencing pressure on VLSFO and HSFO availability, but LSMGO remains readily available. Fuzhou has a good supply of both VLSFO and LSMGO, whereas Xiamen has abundant VLSFO but limited LSMGO.

Meanwhile, securing prompt deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO continues to be challenging in Yangpu and Guangzhou.

In Hong Kong, lead times of around seven days are recommended for all fuel grades, unchanged from last week. Adverse weather is expected on 16 March, which could impact operations.

In Taiwan, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies remain stable in Hualien and Keelung, with lead times of about two days, similar to last week. In Kaohsiung and Taichung, deliveries require slightly longer lead times of 3–4 days for both grades.

In several South Korean ports, most suppliers recommend lead times of 3–8 days for all fuel grades, nearly unchanged from last week. However, bunker operations in Ulsan, Onsan, and Busan may face intermittent disruptions due to high waves and strong winds from 14–17 March. Similar interruptions are expected in Daesan, Taean, and Yeosu between 14–18 March.

In Japan, VLSFO is readily available at several ports, including Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, and Yokkaichi. However, prompt supply remains tight in Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Mizushima.

LSMGO availability is stable, but securing prompt deliveries can be challenging in Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, and Mizushima. Similarly, prompt HSFO supply remains constrained across multiple Japanese ports.

In Oita, all fuel grades are subject to availability.

Bunker deliveries in Vietnam may face intermittent disruptions due to adverse weather, affecting Ho Chi Minh from 12–15 March and Hai Phong on 13 March.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available at Kwinana and Kembla, with standard lead times of 7–8 days. However, bunker deliveries in Fremantle have been disrupted due to a labour union strike, according to a supplier.

In New South Wales, LSMGO supply remains stable in Sydney, though HSFO may require longer lead times. Victoria’s ports of Melbourne and Geelong have sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, but securing prompt HSFO deliveries can be challenging.

In Queensland, Gladstone has adequate VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, with lead times of 7–8 days. The Port of Brisbane has resumed limited operations since Monday following a week-long disruption caused by Cyclone Alfred. Future movements remain subject to factors such as river flow after rainfall and dam releases, debris in the river, and swell conditions, according to GAC Hot Port News.

In New Zealand, Tauranga suppliers have ample VLSFO stocks, while Auckland suppliers maintain good supplies of both VLSFO and LSMGO. However, rough weather in Tauranga on 12 March could disrupt bunker operations.

South Asia

At several Indian ports, including Kandla, Mumbai, Tuticorin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Cochin, VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains subject to enquiry, consistent with recent weeks. Meanwhile, a supplier in Paradip and Haldia is nearing stock depletion.

Adverse weather is expected to impact bunker deliveries at Kandla from 13–15 March, Sikka from 12–13 March, and Visakhapatnam from 14–15 March.

In Sri Lanka, suppliers in Colombo have good stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times reduced from six days last week to around four days now. Similarly, in Hambantota, lead times have also shortened from about six days to four days.

Middle East

In Fujairah, prompt availability remains tight, with lead times for all fuel grades holding steady at 5–7 days, unchanged from last week. Some suppliers can offer faster deliveries, but at higher prices, according to a source. Khor Fakkan suppliers are also maintaining lead times of 5–7 days for all grades.

However, adverse weather is expected in the UAE ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan on 13 March, which could disrupt bunkering operations.

In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah port has sufficient stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO. In Djibouti, VLSFO supply remains strained, while LSMGO is more readily available.

At Omani ports—including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm—LSMGO supplies are ample, with prompt deliveries available.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 12 March, 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

24 hours ago

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September 4, 2026

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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.
Admin

Published

24 hours 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

2 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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