Prompt supply is tight in Zhoushan

Low demand in South Korean ports

Steady VLSFO and LSMGO supply across several Australian ports

PHOTO: An old wooden small ship setting out from Port Klang, Malaysia. Getty Images



Singapore and Malaysia

Bunker demand in Singapore has risen this week. Lead times for VLSFO in Singapore have exhibited significant fluctuations recently. Presently, most suppliers recommend lead times of up to 10 days for this grade, while some can accommodate stems within five days.

HSFO supply remains limited in the port, with recommended lead times unchanged at 8-12 days. Lead times for LSMGO vary widely, ranging from 2-8 days.

According to Enterprise Singapore, Singapore's residual fuel oil stocks have remained relatively stable this month compared to April levels. Despite a 9% increase in the port's net fuel imports, Singapore's fuel oil stocks have remained below 20 million bbls. Both imports and exports have seen a rise this month, with fuel oil imports increasing by 620,000 bbls, more than a double from the 307,000-bbl rise noted in exports.

On the contrary, Singapore's middle distillate stocks have decreased and averaged 4% lower so far this month.

In Malaysia's Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available, and certain suppliers can offer prompt deliveries for smaller parcel sizes. However, HSFO remains scarce at the port.

China, East Asia, and Oceania

Prompt bunker fuel availability in Zhoushan continues to be limited due to the suspension of the Dading oil terminal, according to a source. Most suppliers recommend unchanged lead times of 5-7 days.

In Northern China, the Dalian port offers ample availability of VLSFO and LSMGO. Similarly, both grades are easily accessible in Qingdao and Tianjin, although HSFO supply is restricted in these ports. In Shanghai, there has been some improvement in the availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, while HSFO remains scarce. In Fuzhou and Xiamen, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily obtainable. However, in Guangzhou and Yangpu, prompt availability for both low-sulphur fuel grades remains limited.

In the Taiwanese ports of Hualien, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Keelung, the availability of VLSFO and LSMGO remains consistent, with recommended lead times of 2-4 days, virtually unchanged from last week.

All grades remain in good supply in Hong Kong. Lead times remain at seven days, consistent with last week.

In South Korean ports, all grades continue to have ample availability amid sluggish bunker demand. Most suppliers are recommending lead times of approximately five days for all grades, which is consistent with last week.

This week, strong winds and high waves could potentially affect bunker operations at the South Korean ports of Ulsan, Onsan, Busan, Daesan, Taean and Yeosu.

Lead times vary across major Japanese ports, ranging from approximately seven days in Tokyo, Chiba, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, and Yokkaichi, to longer periods of 11-15 days in Mizushima and Oita.

In Western Australia, both Kwinana and Fremantle ports offer VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times typically ranging from 7-8 days. In New South Wales, LSMGO is readily available in Sydney, while HSFO supply is mostly subject to enquiry. In Victoria, Melbourne has good availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, with ample VLSFO supply also available in Geelong. However, prompt HSFO supply can be limited in both Victorian ports. In Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone ports maintain sufficient stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times of 7-8 days. However, HSFO availability remains constrained in Brisbane.

LSMGO supply in Tauranga and VLSFO supply in Auckland are good in New Zealand. Adverse weather conditions are anticipated in Tauranga on Wednesday and over the weekend, which could impact bunker operations.

Similarly, rough weather is forecasted in the Thai ports of Koh Sichang and Leam Chabang on Friday and Saturday, potentially presenting challenges for bunker deliveries in these regions.

South Asia

In several Indian ports, including Mumbai, Kandla, Tuticorin, Chennai, Cochin, Visakhapatnam and Haldia, VLSFO and LSMGO availability has been constrained due to supply shortages. One supplier is almost out of VLSFO and LSMGO stocks in Paradip.

Sikka, Kandla, and Cochin ports in India are expected to experience adverse weather conditions intermittently over the next two weeks, potentially disrupting bunker operations.

On the other hand, the Sri Lankan port of Colombo boasts ample VLSFO and LSMGO supply. However, adverse weather conditions are anticipated to affect bunker deliveries at the port throughout the week.

Middle East

Bunker demand for all grades remains subdued at the UAE port of Fujairah. Despite low demand, availability for very prompt dates remains limited for all grades, with most suppliers indicating lead times ranging from 5-7 days.

Also, in the UAE port of Khor Fakkan, most suppliers are suggesting similar lead times of 5-7 days.

In Saudi Arabia's Jeddah port, there is sufficient supply of VLSFO and LSMGO. Meanwhile, certain suppliers in Djibouti are experiencing shortages of VLSFO, although LSMGO supply remains unaffected.

LSMGO is readily available in Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm.

By Tuhin Roy

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online