VLSFO and LSMGO availability good in Taiwanese ports

Prompt HSFO supply tight across several Japanese ports

Bunker demand low in Fujairah

PHOTO Aerial daytime view of Tokyo port, Japan. Getty Images

Singapore and Malaysia

VLSFO availability in Singapore has tightened, with most suppliers now advising lead times of 5–12 days for deliveries, up from 2–10 days last week. LSMGO lead times have also increased, rising from 2–4 days to 5–9 days. In contrast, HSFO supply has improved, with lead times decreasing from 2–10 days last week to 3–7 days now.

Data from Enterprise Singapore shows that Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks averaged 6% lower in February compared to January. The port's fuel oil stocks fell below 19 million bbls last month, driven by a 28% drop in net fuel oil imports. Imports declined by 1.56 million bbls, a sharper fall than the 532,000 bbls decrease in exports. Meanwhile, middle distillate stocks in Singapore rose, averaging 9% higher than the previous month.

In Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies remain abundant, with prompt small-quantity deliveries readily available. However, HSFO supply remains limited.

East Asia

VLSFO availability in Zhoushan has tightened, with lead times extending from 4–6 days last week to around eight days now. In contrast, LSMGO and HSFO availability has improved, and lead times have shortened from 4–6 days and 5–8 days, respectively, to about two days.

Bunker operations at Zhoushan’s outer and inner anchorages have been suspended since Friday due to rough weather, but they are expected to fully resume on Wednesday when calmer conditions are forecast to return, according to a source.

In northern China, suppliers in Dalian and Qingdao have ample stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, though HSFO supply remains scarce in Qingdao. In Tianjin, VLSFO and HSFO supply is tight, while LSMGO availability remains stable.

Availability of VLSFO and HSFO grades is under pressure in Shanghai, but LSMGO is readily available. Fuzhou has good availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO, whereas in Xiamen, VLSFO supply is abundant, but LSMGO is constrained. Meanwhile, securing prompt deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO remain difficult in Yangpu and Guangzhou.

In Taiwanese ports, including Taichung, Kaohsiung, Keelung and Hualien, VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries require lead times of about two days, largely unchanged from last week.

In Hong Kong, lead times for all fuel grades remain steady at around seven days, consistent with recent weeks. However, bunker deliveries may be disrupted by adverse weather conditions on 5–6 March.

All fuel grades are readily available at several South Korean ports, with multiple suppliers advising lead times of 4–7 days. However, bunker operations at Ulsan, Onsan, Busan and Yeosu could face intermittent disruptions due to potential adverse weather conditions between today and 10 March. Daesan and Taean are expected to experience similar interruptions today and on 10 March.

In Japan, VLSFO is readily available at multiple ports, including Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya and Yokkaichi. However, prompt supply remains tight in Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki and Mizushima.

LSMGO availability is stable, though securing prompt deliveries can be challenging in Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi and Mizushima. Similarly, prompt HSFO supply remains constrained across several Japanese ports. In Oita, all fuel grades are subject to availability.

Subic Bay in the Philippines may face inclement weather from 7–10 March, potentially disrupting bunkering operations. Similarly, adverse weather could impact bunker deliveries in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh from 6–10 March.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available at Kwinana, Fremantle and Kembla, with standard lead times of 7–8 days. In New South Wales, LSMGO supply remains stable in Sydney, though HSFO may require longer lead times.

Victoria’s ports of Melbourne and Geelong have sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, but securing prompt HSFO deliveries can be challenging. In Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone, suppliers maintain adequate VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, with lead times of 7–8 days, while HSFO availability in Brisbane is tight.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred has intensified into a Category 2 cyclone today. It is expected maintain its strength as it nears southeast Queensland late Thursday. Maritime Safety Queensland is coordinating with the Port of Brisbane to manage weather impacts on large vessels. Strong swells have already disrupted marine pilot boarding and vessel transits through Moreton Bay. The port may close on Thursday and Friday, according to GAC Hot Port News.

In New Zealand, suppliers in Tauranga have ample VLSFO stocks. Suppliers in Auckland have good supplies of both VLSFO and LSMGO. However, rough weather in Tauranga on 5 March and from 9–10 March could disrupt bunker operations.

South Asia

At several Indian ports, including Kandla, Mumbai, Tuticorin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Cochin, VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains subject to enquiry, consistent with recent weeks. Meanwhile, a supplier in Paradip and Haldia is nearing stock depletion.

Adverse weather conditions in Sikka port may disrupt bunker operations on 5 March.

In Sri Lanka, suppliers in Colombo have good supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO, though lead times have increased from four days last week to around six days now. Similarly, in Hambantota, lead times have risen from about four days to six days.

Middle East

In Fujairah, prompt availability remains tight despite weak demand, with lead times for all fuel grades holding steady at 5–7 days, unchanged from last week. Suppliers in Khor Fakkan are also maintaining lead times of 5–7 days for all grades.

In contrast, Jeddah port in Saudi Arabia has sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO stocks. In Djibouti, VLSFO supply remains under pressure, while LSMGO is more readily available.

Adverse weather is expected to disrupt bunker operations in the port on 5 March.

At Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat and Duqm, LSMGO supplies are ample, with prompt deliveries available.

By Tuhin Roy

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