VLSFO availability improves in Singapore

Bunker demand is low in Zhoushan

Several East Asian ports could face weather disruptions

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



Singapore and Malaysia

VLSFO availability in Singapore has improved, with lead times dropping from 10 days last week to about seven days now. In contrast, HSFO availability has tightened, as several suppliers have limited stock available, with recommended lead times increasing to around 11 days from 2–6 days last week. LSMGO availability remains stable, with lead times steady at 2–3 days.

Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks averaged 3% higher in November compared to October, according to Enterprise Singapore. The port imported 4.79 million bbls of fuel oil in November, down by 2.76 million bbls from the 7.55 million bbls imported in October. Fuel oil exports also declined, falling from 3.05 million bbls in October to 2.07 million bbls in November. Meanwhile, Singapore’s middle distillate stocks rose by 5% month-on-month in November.

At Malaysia's Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are abundant, with some suppliers offering prompt deliveries for smaller quantities. However, HSFO availability remains largely limited.

East Asia

In Zhoushan, all bunker grades remain readily available amid low demand, with most suppliers suggesting lead times of 4-6 days.

In Hong Kong, lead times are steady at seven days for all grades, though adverse weather forecasted over the weekend may disrupt deliveries.

Taiwan’s ports, including Hualien, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Keelung, have stable availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, with recommended lead times of 2–3 days unchanged from last week.

In South Korea, bunker demand remains “super low,” and availability is steady across ports, with lead times of 5–8 days for VLSFO and LSMGO and around five days for HSFO. However, rough weather expected from 14–16 December may impact bunkering operations at Ulsan, Onsan, Busan, Daesan, Taean, and Yeosu.

In Japan, LSMGO supply remains robust across major ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, and Mizushima. VLSFO availability is generally stable, though prompt deliveries are constrained in Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, and Mizushima. HSFO is widely available across all ports, while all grades are subject to availability in Oita.

Subic Bay in the Philippines is expecting inclement weather from 10-16 December, potentially disrupting bunkering operations. Similarly, adverse weather may affect bunkering at Thailand’s Koh Sichang and Laem Chabang ports on 15 December, as well as Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh port from 11-16 December and Hai Phong port on 14 December.

Oceania

In Western Australia, the ports of Kwinana, Fremantle, and Kembla offer VLSFO and LSMGO, typically with lead times of 7-8 days. New South Wales' Sydney has ample LSMGO supplies, though HSFO may require longer lead times.

In Victoria, both Melbourne and Geelong have abundant stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, while prompt HSFO deliveries can be more challenging to secure. Queensland’s Brisbane and Gladstone ports have sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO, also with lead times of 7-8 days, though HSFO availability in Brisbane is limited.

In New Zealand, Tauranga and Auckland both have adequate VLSFO supplies, with Auckland also well-stocked with LSMGO.

South Asia

Supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO at Indian ports, including Mumbai, Kandla, Tuticorin, Cochin, and Chennai, remain limited, consistent with recent trends.

In contrast, Sri Lanka’s ports of Colombo and Hambantota have good availability of VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO, with lead times of approximately five days. However, adverse weather is expected in Colombo on Wednesday, which could impact bunker deliveries.

Middle East

Availability remains tight in Fujairah, with lead times for all grades steady at 5-7 days, similar to last week. Similar lead times are recommended for all grades in Khor Fakkan.

In contrast, Jeddah port in Saudi Arabia has sufficient supplies of both VLSFO and LSMGO. Djibouti, however, continues to face shortages of VLSFO, while LSMGO is more readily available.

By Tuhin Roy

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