HSFO and VLSFO supply improves in the ARA

HSFO tightens in Istanbul

Gibraltar weather clears to ease congestion

PHOTO: Oil products tanker moored at the Port of Gibraltar. Getty Images

Northwestern Europe

VLSFO and LSMGO supplies in ARA hub ports are tight with lead times of around 5-7 days recommended, a trader told ENGINE. HSFO lead times are around 8-10 days.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks averaged 15% lower in March compared to February, according to Insights Global data. At 7.15 million bbls, the region’s fuel oil stocks were at their lowest since October 2023.

The region imported 198,000 b/d of fuel oil in March, down from 298,000 b/d imported in February, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa.

Mexico (18% of the total) emerged as the ARA's topmost import source, followed by the UK (11%), Poland (10%), the Bahamas (9%), France (8%), Lithuania and the US (6% each).

The region’s independent gasoil inventories - which include diesel and heating oil –averaged 13% lower in March. The ARA hub imported 346,000 b/d of gasoil and diesel in March, an increase from 277,000 b/d imported in the previous month, according to Vortexa data.

Prompt bunker supply is good in Germany’s Hamburg port, a trader said. All bunker grades require lead times of 3-5 days, consistent with the last few weeks.

Mediterranean

Gibraltar Strait ports are seeing tight prompt bunker supplies, a trader said. Recommended lead times of 7-9 days are still recommended for all three grades, like last week. Bunkering operations in the three ports continue normally, with slight delays and congestions seen at Gibraltar and Ceuta.

Prompt supply is tight in the Canary Islands’ port of Las Palmas, a trader said. Lead times of 12-14 days are needed for all three grades.

Meanwhile, bunker supply remains relatively stable in the other Mediterranean ports of Istanbul and Piraeus, as well as off Malta Offshore, a trader told ENGINE.

In Turkey's Istanbul, HSFO is tight for prompt delivery, while VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good with lead times of 3-5 days recommended, according to a trader.

The Greek port of Piraeus has good bunker supply for VLSFO and LSMGO, a trader said. While HSFO availability is subject to enquiry, VLSFO and LSMGO require recommended lead times of 3-5 days.

Malta Offshore has good bunker supply with prompt delivery dates available, the trader said.

Africa

The South African ports of Durban and Richards Bay continue to have tight supply for VLSFO with lead times of 7-10 days advised for the grade in both ports, according to a trader.

Durban's LSMGO supply still remains dry, a trader said. The grade has been dry since the last week of January, when suppliers ran out of LSMGO stock.

Port Louis in Mauritius continues to have normal bunker availability. Prompt delivery is available with lead times of 5-7 days advised for all grades.

Off Angola’s Luanda, there is good availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, according to a source.

By Samantha Shaji

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