Average bunker demand in Singapore

Prompt availability is tight across all grades in Zhoushan

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good across several Australian and Kiwi ports

PHOTO: Aerial view of the Port Botany in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images

Singapore and Malaysia

VLSFO availability has become more constrained in Singapore, despite average demand. Several suppliers are now suggesting lead times of 7-13 days, slightly longer than the 6-10 days reported last week.

HSFO supply is also under pressure in the port, which has resulted in longer lead times of 8-11 days, compared to last week's 6-10 days. Conversely, LSMGO remains more readily available, with lead times of 3-6 days.

According to the latest data from Enterprise Singapore, residual fuel oil stocks in Singapore have decreased by an average of 1% in April compared to March. Singapore has experienced a notable 21% decrease in net fuel oil imports so far in April. Both fuel oil imports and exports have declined this month, with imports seeing a significant drop of 927,000 bbls, surpassing the modest decrease of 49,000 bbls in exports. This steep decline in imports has contributed to the reduction in stocks for April. On the other side, the port's middle distillate stocks have shown an average increase of 6% for the month.

At Malaysia's Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO grades remain readily available, with some suppliers offering prompt deliveries for smaller parcel sizes. HSFO remains tight in the port due to limited supply from suppliers.

China, East Asia and Oceania

Prompt availability remains under pressure across all grades in Zhoushan, with recommended lead times of around eight days, unchanged from last week.

In northern China, Dalian port has ample VLSFO and LSMGO available. Both grades are also easily available in Qingdao and Tianjin, but HSFO supply is tight in both ports. In Shanghai, VLSFO and LSMGO have improved, while HSFO remains constrained. In Fuzhou and Yangpu, both VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available. However, in Guangzhou, prompt delivery dates for low-sulphur fuel grades are limited. VLSFO availability is tight in Xiamen, while LSMGO supply remains normal.

In the Taiwanese ports of Hualien, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Keelung, VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains mostly steady, with lead times of four days recommended, similar to last week.

All bunker grades are available in Hong Kong, typically with lead times of seven days.

In South Korean ports, all grades are readily available. Most suppliers are recommending lead times of approximately four days for all grades, which remains consistent with last week.

There are weather warnings for high winds and waves expected to affect operations in southern South Korean ports such as Busan, Ulsan, Onsan, and Yeosu starting on Wednesday. Bad weather could potentially impact bunker operations until Sunday. Additionally, western South Korean ports like Daesan and Taean may experience disruptions in bunker services this week due to the forecast of high waves and strong wind gusts, especially on Sunday.

In western Australia, both Kwinana and Fremantle ports offer good supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO, with recommended lead times of 7-8 days. Moving to New South Wales, LSMGO is readily available in Sydney, while HSFO availability is subject to enquiry. In Victoria, Melbourne has ample stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, alongside ample VLSFO supply available in Geelong. However, prompt HSFO supply can be tight in both ports.

In Queensland, both Brisbane and Gladstone ports boast sufficient stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, with suggested lead times of 7-8 days. HSFO availability remains limited in Brisbane.

In New Zealand's Kiwi ports of Tauranga and Auckland, LSMGO availability is good, and VLSFO supply is also ample in Auckland. Unfavourable weather conditions are expected in Tauranga on Wednesday and Thursday, potentially affecting bunker operations.

Similarly, rough weather is forecasted in the Thai ports of Koh Sichang and Leam Chabang intermittently throughout the week, posing potential challenges for bunker deliveries in these areas.

South Asia

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO continues to be constrained in several Indian ports, with most suppliers encountering supply shortages. Ports such as Mumbai, Kandla, Tuticorin, Chennai, Cochin, Visakhapatnam, and Haldia are facing shortages of VLSFO and LSMGO, and deliveries are subject to availability. In Paradip, located on the eastern coast of India, one supplier has nearly run out of both grades.

Middle East

Overall, bunker demand in Fujairah has been low. Despite lower demand, prompt availability remains tight across all grades in Fujairah, with most suppliers recommending unchanged lead times of around 7-10 days.

In the UAE port of Khor Fakkan, most suppliers are recommending lead times of 7-10 days, similar to Fujairah.

At Saudi Arabia's Jeddah port, the supply of VLSFO and LSMGO continues to be sufficient. Meanwhile, in Djibouti, certain suppliers 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

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