Availability improves in Zhoushan

Bunker demand is low in South Korean ports

Availability good in Sri Lankan ports

PHOTO: Container ship at Colombo port, Sri Lanka. Getty Images

Singapore and Malaysia

VLSFO lead times in Singapore now range from 2–10 days, narrowing from last week’s 3–12 days. HSFO and LSMGO supply remains stable, with lead times of 2–4 days and 6–9 days, respectively—almost unchanged from last week.

However, adverse weather is forecast at the port from 19–21 March, which could impact bunker deliveries.

According to Enterprise Singapore, residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 11% lower so far in March compared to February, dropping below 17 million bbls, despite a 32% increase in net fuel imports this month. Imports rose by 819,000 barrels, while exports declined slightly by 37,000 barrels. In contrast, middle distillate stocks at the port have increased, averaging 10% higher than last month.

Meanwhile, at Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are abundant, with small-quantity prompt deliveries readily available, but HSFO supply remains limited.

East Asia

VLSFO availability in Zhoushan remains strong, with lead times improving from 4–6 days last week to around 3–5 days now. LSMGO and HSFO lead times have also shortened from 4–6 days to 3–5 days.

In Hong Kong, the advised lead times for all fuel grades remain at around seven days, unchanged from last week.

In Taiwan, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies in Hualien, Taichung, and Keelung remain stable, with lead times of about two days, the same as last week. In Kaohsiung, deliveries for both VLSFO and LSMGO require lead times of three days.

Availability of all bunker grades has improved across several South Korean ports amid low demand, with lead times shortening to around three days, down from 3–8 days last week.

However, bunker operations in Ulsan, Onsan, Busan, Daesan, Taean, and Yeosu may face intermittent disruptions from 18–24 March due to high waves and strong winds.

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

LSMGO availability is stable, but securing prompt deliveries can be challenging in Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, and Mizushima. Similarly, HSFO supply remains constrained across multiple Japanese ports.

In Oita, all fuel grades are subject to availability.

Subic Bay in the Philippines may experience inclement weather from 19–21 March, which could disrupt bunkering operations. Similarly, bunker deliveries in Thailand’s Koh Sichang and Laem Chabang ports may be affected by adverse weather from 19–20 March.

Oceania

In Western Australia, Kwinana, Fremantle, and Kembla have good supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times of 7–8 days. In New South Wales, Sydney offers ample LSMGO availability, though HSFO may require longer lead times.

In Victoria, Melbourne and Geelong have abundant stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, but securing prompt HSFO deliveries can be challenging. In Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone maintain sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO supplies, also with lead times of 7–8 days, though HSFO availability in Brisbane remains limited.

In New Zealand, Tauranga and Auckland have adequate VLSFO stocks, with Auckland also offering sufficient LSMGO supplies.

South Asia

At several Indian ports, including Mundra, Kandla, Mumbai, Tuticorin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Cochin, and Haldia, VLSFO availability remains tight, consistent with recent weeks. Additionally, a supplier in Paradip is nearing stock depletion. LSMGO supply is also tight across most Indian ports.

Adverse weather at Kandla port may disrupt bunker operations between 19–20 March.

In Sri Lanka, suppliers in Colombo have good stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times of around five days. Similarly, in Hambantota, lead times of around five days are required for both grades.

Middle East

In Fujairah, bunker availability remains tight, with lead times for all grades holding steady at 5–7 days, unchanged from last week. Khor Fakkan has similar lead time recommendations.

In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, LSMGO supply is sufficient, but VLSFO remains limited. Adverse weather may impact bunkering operations in Jeddah on 22 March, while bunker deliveries in Yanbu could be affected by bad weather on 20–21 March.

In Djibouti, bunker supply is under pressure, with VLSFO and HSFO stocks nearly exhausted, while LSMGO supply is running low.

At Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm, LSMGO supply remains ample.

By Tuhin Roy

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