Regional bunker benchmarks have gained with Brent, and rough weather is causing supplier delays off Malta. 

Changes on the day to 09.00 GMT today:

• VLSFO prices up in Durban ($21/mt), Gibraltar ($13/mt) and Rotterdam ($12/mt)  
• LSMGO prices up in Gibraltar ($19/mt) and Rotterdam ($16/mt)
• HSFO prices up in Gibraltar ($16/mt) and Rotterdam ($11/mt)
• Rotterdam B30-VLSFO at a $189/mt premium over VLSFO

Gibraltar’s LSMGO price has shot up the most compared to other key regional bunker hubs. A higher-priced non-prompt LSMGO stem booked in the past day has supported the port's benchmark. A sharp rise in Gibraltar's LSMGO price has widened its premium over Rotterdam by $3/mt to $77/mt now. Availability of all three grades is good in Gibraltar, with suppliers offering prompt deliveries. Lead times of 3-5 days are advised. 

The Canary Islands' port of Las Palmas is still grappling with supply tightness for very prompt delivery dates across all three grades, a trader said. Lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for optimal coverage. However, Las Palmas' VLSFO and HSFO premiums over Gibraltar have narrowed this week. The port's VLSFO price is currently trading at a $7/mt premium over Gibraltar, while its HSFO price is at a $12/mt premium over Gibraltar.

Rough weather is causing supplier delays off Malta, says MH Bland. Malta Offshore is experiencing strong wind gusts of 22 knots, which will continue over the weekend. Bunker demand is stable off Malta, where availability is good for all grades, a trader said. Lead times of 4-5 days are recommended. 

Brent

The front-month ICE Brent contract has gained $1.84/bbl on the day, to trade at $77.95/bbl at 09.00 GMT.

Upward pressure:

Oil prices have risen, supported by cold conditions in parts of the US and Europe, which have driven up fuel demand.

The US weather bureau predicts below-average temperatures in central and eastern regions of the country. Similarly, many areas in Europe are experiencing extreme cold and are expected to see a colder-than-usual start to the year, boosting demand, Reuters reported citing JPMorgan analysts.

“Sentiment remains positive on the back of colder weather across parts of the Northern Hemisphere, which is likely to boost oil demand,” noted two analysts from ING Bank.

Brent futures were “reinvigorated by a winter storm hitting southern US and sub-zero conditions enveloping much of northern Europe,” Vandana Hari, founder and analyst at VANDA Insights, added.

Concerns over supply disruptions due to potential tightening of sanctions on Russia and Iran have further contributed to upward pressure on prices. Supplies could face more strain as US President Joe Biden is expected to announce new sanctions targeting Russia's economy this week to support Ukraine's war effort against Moscow, Reuters reported.

Uncertainty about President-elect Donald Trump’s policy on Iran has also influenced prices.

“Uncertainty over how hawkish Trump will be with Iran will be providing some support,” the ING Bank analysts added.

Downward pressure:

Brent futures faced some downward pressure despite a decline in US commercial crude oil stocks, due to increases in gasoline and distillate inventories.

According to the latest data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline stockpiles rose by 6.33 million barrels to 237 million barrels last week, while middle distillate inventories grew by 6.07 million barrels to 128 million barrels.

By Manjula Nair and Tuhin Roy

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