Panama's total bunker sales dropped by 6% in September as fewer vessels arrived for bunkers.

Changes in Panama bunker fuel sales from August to September:

• Total sales down 29,000 mt to 428,000 mt
• HSFO sales down 33,000 mt to 117,000 mt
• LSMGO sales up 3,000 mt to 38,000 mt
• VLSFO sales up 3,000 mt to 267,000 mt
• 0.50% MGO sales down 3,000 mt to 5,000 mt

The number of ships bunkering in Panama’s ports dropped by 16 to 601 in September. The average stem size was roughly 712 mt in September, down from 741 mt in August, according to preliminary figures from the Panama Maritime Authority.

VLSFO sales grew by 1% on the month, while LSMGO sales rose by 9%. However, HSFO sales dropped by 22% on the month, recording their lowest monthly sales since June.

Four barges were added in Panama, bringing the total count to 35 in September.

Despite the monthly drop in sales in September, bunker-only calls rose by 13%, or 70 calls, compared to September last year. HSFO sales rose by a massive 23% on a year-on-year basis.

VLSFO continued to be the most sought-after product, accounting for 61% of total bunker sales in Panama in the first nine months of this year. HSFO sales represented 29% of the total and combined MGO sales at 10%.

Demand for VLSFO and LSMGO was good in Panama’s ports of Balboa and Cristobal last month. Product availability was also normal, and most suppliers were able to supply both fuel grades with a lead time of 3-5 days.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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