Panama's sales of all fuel grades rose in March, both on a total and daily average basis.

Changes in Panama bunker fuel sales from February to March:

• Total sales up 83,000 mt to 499,000 mt
• VLSFO sales up 42,000 mt to 307,000 mt
• HSFO sales up 29,000 mt to 137,000 mt
• LSMGO sales up 12,000 mt to 47,000 mt
• 0.50% MGO sales up 400 mt to 8,000 mt

The country's total bunker sales rose 499,000 mt - their highest level since December, according to preliminary figures from the Panama Maritime Authority.

Total sales averaged 16,000 mt/day in March, up from 15,000 mt/day in the shorter month of February.

VLSFO sales climbed by 16% on the month, while LSMGO sales surged 34% higher. HSFO sales rose by a sharp 27% on the month and by 20% compared to March 2024.

The number of ships bunkering in Panama’s ports rose by 67 from February to 666 in March. That was 181 more ships than in March 2024.

The average stem size was 749 mt, up from 695 mt in February.

Two more barges entered into operation in Panama, bringing the total count to 30 barges last month.

VLSFO continued to dominate with 61% of total bunker sales. HSFO sales contributed to 27%, while combined MGO sales made up 11% of the total.

Bunker fuel availability remains good in Balboa and Cristobal - the country's two biggest ports - with recommended lead times of less than a week.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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