Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Europe and Africa Fuel Availability Outlook (17 June 2026)

ARA bunkering lead times remain high; fuel availability is steady in Istanbul; prompt fuel supply is tight in Durban.

Published

3 months ago

June 18, 2026

Admin

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:

ARA bunkering lead times remain high
Fuel availability is steady in Istanbul
Prompt fuel supply is tight in Durban

Northwest Europe

Prompt HSFO and VLSFO availability remains tight in the ARA bunkering hub, because of loading delays at the terminals, a trader said. Lead times of around 7-8 days are recommended for both grades.

LSMGO stems in the ARA require around six days of notice, the trader added.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks remain unchanged in June so far, compared to May’s monthly average, according to Insights Global data.

Fuel oil stocks in the ARA hub remain almost equal to May’s inventory levels, which were the lowest seen in more than a decade.

The ARA hub has imported 172,000 b/d of fuel oil in the first week of June, lower from May’s monthly average of 230,000 b/d, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa. Around 48% imports came from Venzuela, while U.S. Virgin Islands sent around 14% of the June cargoes.

The region’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – have dropped 70,000 bbl this month so far compared to May. Gasoil inventories have fallen to their lowest level in two and a half years.

The ARA hub imported 226,000 b/d of gasoil in June, up from 204,000 b/d imported in May, Vortexa data showed.

Around 33% of June’s shipments have come from the U.S., while Brazil (14%) and Saudi Arabia (12%) have also sent cargoes. Gasoil shipments coming from the Middle East have fallen considerably over the last few months.

Fuel availability is normal in Germany’s Hamburg, with buyers advised to inquire about supplies around five days ahead to get deliveries of any fuel grade, a trader told ENGINE.

Marine fuel availability is normal off Denmark’s Skaw and in Sweden’s Gothenburg, but buyers may need to provide a notice of around 10 days to arrange deliveries of any fuel grade, according to a trader.

Mediterranean

Fuel availability remains tight for prompt delivery dates in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta, with buyers recommended to book around 10 days ahead to avoid high premiums, a trader said.

The Gibraltar Strait ports have seen strong summer demand lately.

Ships calling for bunkers in the port of Gibraltar have faced congestion for most of last week due to high influx of vessels, causing significant supply delays in the ports, according to port MH Bland.

Although that congestion has now eased, around 11 vessels still await bunkers as of Wednesday morning, and some suppliers are facing delays of between 2-12 hours.

Some suppliers in neighbouring Algeciras are still operating with around 24-36 hours of delays, the port agent added.

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.

Deliveries are now being carried out in the outer anchorage, in addition to the inner anchorage and berth areas, as weather and sea conditions have improved over the last few days, according to port agent MH Bland.

Fuel availability is stable for all fuel grades in Portugal’s Lisbon, a source told ENGINE.

Fuel availability remains stable off Malta, with HSFO, ULSFO and LSMGO supplies available readily with a notice of 2-3 days, a trader said. VLSFO availability is tight for some suppliers, the trader added.

Fuel availability of all grades is good in the Greek port of Piraeus, and buyers are advised to book around five days in advance to get competitive offers, according to a trader.

Bunker demand is healthy in Turkey’s Istanbul and fuel availability remains stable for all fuel grades, a local supplier informed ENGINE. All fuel grades are available promptly within a day, a trader said.

LSMGO demand is weak off late in the Black Sea Port of Constantza in Romania, a local supplier said.

Africa

In Togo’s Lome, marine fuel buyers are required to give a long lead time of around 10 days to get delivery of VLSFO and LSMGO, a trader said.

In Nigeria’s Lagos, VLSFO supplies need lead times of around a week, a local supplier told ENGINE.

A supplier in Luanda’s Angola said they can deliver VLSFO and LSMGO with lead times of around 5-7 days.

Off Namibia’s Walvis Bay, buyers are advised longer lead times of around 10 days due to high demand, 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, the trader added.

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

Bunker fuel availability is very tight in Mauritius’ Port Louis, with buyers advised lead times of between 10-15 days for all fuel grades, according to a trader.

By Nachiket Tekawade

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 18 June, 2026

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Zhoushan completes China’s first batch of marine biofuel blending under pilot programme

Petrochina International Co Ltd recently said it has blended more than 30,000 metric tonnes (mt) mt of biofuel since completing the country’s first biofuel marine fuel blending operation on 13 March.

The company said the milestone demonstrates its ability to conduct continuous and large-scale biofuel marine fuel blending operations.

The company has been developing marine biofuel blending operations at China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, leveraging storage and logistics facilities at its Aoshan base.

Its latest product, B24 marine fuel containing 24% biofuel component, meets relevant International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements and marine fuel standards, according to the company. It said the product can be supplied for bunkering vessels operating on international routes.

It has used its global trading network to secure feedstock supplies and support cost control and supply security for the blending operations, it added.

The company said the large-scale blending of its marine biofuel products marks a development in China’s marine biofuel blending market.

It plans to work with upstream and downstream businesses within its group to support the development of Zhoushan Port as a major bonded marine fuel bunkering hub and contribute to its parent group’s transition towards lower-carbon energy.

Manifold Times previously reported China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone launching the first pilot programme for marine biofuel blending in China with the completion of the first batch of B24-HSFO.

The launch was marked with the blending of 2,000 mt of biodiesel and 6,300 mt of high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) in storage tank F-02 of Sinochem-Xingzhong Oil Staging (Zhoushan), producing 8,300 mt of B24-HSFO.

Manifold Times also reported the first cross-regional bonded bunkering operation of blended biofuel in East China was successfully completed at the Meishan Port Area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port.

The B24-HSFO used in the bunkering operation was supplied by the Aoshan Petroleum Base in Zhoushan from the first pilot programme for marine biofuel blending in China.

Photo credit: Sinochem-Xingzhong Oil Staging (Zhoushan)
Published: 21 September, 2026

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NYK wraps up first STS ammonia bunkering operation in Japan

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NYK wraps up first STS ammonia bunkering operation in Japan

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At a quay within Japan Marine United Corporation’s Ariake Shipyard, ammonia fuel was transferred from the ammonia carrier Shoei Maru via the STS method to an ammonia-fuelled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

The operation was conducted in preparation for sea trials of the AFMGC using fuel ammonia.

“This achievement represents an important initiative that has put into practice an operation essential for the future practical deployment of ammonia-fuelled vessels,” the company said.

The bunkering operation was conducted following extensive discussions among the companies involved. Safe operating procedures and work processes were established prior to the operation, enabling the transfer to be completed safely. Through this initiative, we have accumulated practical insights regarding safe fuel supply operations.

This operation serves as a pioneering example of the fuel-supply framework that will be required for the widespread adoption of ammonia-fuelled vessels.

The AFMGC is currently in the final stage of construction and is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

“The successful completion of this operation marks a significant milestone toward the broader commercial use of fuel ammonia and the practical deployment of ammonia-fuelled vessels. It also represents an important step forward in establishing an ammonia supply chain,” the company added.

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The company said the agreement represents an important step in establishing a reliable ammonia supply chain to support the maritime sector’s transition towards lower-emission operations.

“The agreement strengthens the ammonia value chain and supports Azane’s ambition to deliver reliable and scalable ammonia solutions for the shipping industry,” it said in a statement.

Under the agreement, Yara will supply ammonia to Azane through its established production and logistics network, and Azane will sell the ammonia to end clients in the maritime fuel market – such as the recently announced agreement with Equinor.

“Securing access to ammonia from a leading global producer is a key milestone for Azane,” said Steinar Kostøl, CEO of Azane Fuel Solutions.

“As interest in ammonia as a marine fuel continues to grow, strong partnerships across the value chain are essential to ensuring a safe, reliable and commercially viable fuel supply.”

“Ammonia is recognized as a promising low-emission fuel alternative for shipping and offshore operations, and we are pleased to support Azane’s efforts to pilot ammonia supply solutions,” said Gunner Sørensen, Senior Sales Manager, Yara Industrial Solutions.

“As a leading global producer and supplier of ammonia, Yara is well positioned to provide reliable supply to customers across a range of industries, including emerging applications such as maritime fuel.”

Photo credit: Azane Fuel Solutions
Published: 21 September, 2026