VLSFO and LSMGO availability good in Port Klang

VLSFO availability improves in Zhoushan

Prompt supply is tight across several Japanese ports

IMAGE: Aerial view of the Port of Brisbane. Getty Images

Singapore and Malaysia

In Singapore, VLSFO lead times remain steady at 7–14 days, slightly shorter than last week's recommended range of 8–15 days. LSMGO lead times have widened to 3–10 days, up from the previous 4–7 days. HSFO lead times continue to show variability, fluctuating between 2–8 days.

At Malaysia’s Port Klang, both VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, with prompt deliveries possible for smaller quantities. However, HSFO supply remains constrained.

East Asia

VLSFO supply in Zhoushan has improved, with most suppliers now recommending lead times of 4–7 days, down from 7–10 days last week. HSFO lead times have also shortened, from 5–7 days to 3–5 days. In contrast, LSMGO lead times have increased from 3–5 days to 4–7 days.

In northern China, both Dalian and Qingdao continue to offer good availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, though HSFO remains limited in Qingdao. Tianjin still faces tight supply for both VLSFO and HSFO, while LSMGO is readily available. In Shanghai, VLSFO and HSFO remain under pressure, but LSMGO is well stocked.

Further south, Fuzhou reports healthy inventories of both VLSFO and LSMGO. Xiamen has adequate VLSFO supply, though LSMGO is tight. Prompt delivery of both VLSFO and LSMGO remains challenging in Yangpu and Guangzhou.

In Hong Kong, lead times for all fuel grades remain consistent at approximately seven days.

Meanwhile, in Taiwan’s ports—Hualien, Keelung, Kaohsiung, and Taichung—VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains stable, with lead times holding steady at around two days, unchanged from the previous week.

Lead times across all fuel grades in several South Korean ports have widened significantly, now ranging between 3–11 days, compared to around two days last week.

Bunker operations may face disruptions due to adverse weather conditions. In Ulsan, Onsan, and Busan, high waves and strong winds are expected to impact operations on 4 June and again from 7–9 June. Similarly, Daesan and Taean may see interruptions on 4 June and between 6–9 June, while Yeosu could be affected on 3 June and from 7–9 June.

VLSFO supply remains strong at several Japanese ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, and Sakai. However, prompt availability is limited in Nagoya and Yokkaichi, and the grade is tight in Mizushima.

LSMGO is generally available, but prompt deliveries are difficult to secure in Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, and Mizushima. HSFO supply is stable overall, though prompt delivery remains constrained in the same ports. In Oita, availability across all fuel grades continues to be tight.

Adverse weather is expected to disrupt bunker deliveries in Thailand’s Koh Sichang on 8 June, and in Laem Chabang between 8–9 June. In Vietnam, rough conditions are likely to affect bunker operations in Ho Chi Minh from 6–8 June. Meanwhile, Subic Bay in the Philippines is also forecast to face weather-related disruptions on 9 June.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available at Kwinana, Fremantle, and Port Kembla, with suppliers advising lead times of 7–8 days. However, the Port Kembla Port Authority has closed the anchorage to shipping today due to severe weather conditions, including high swells and strong winds. While harbour movements remain permitted, pilotage may be affected, with shipping decisions made on a case-by-case basis, according to GAC Hot Port News.

In New South Wales, Sydney has a steady supply of LSMGO, though prompt deliveries of HSFO remain difficult.

Victoria’s ports of Melbourne and Geelong report good availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO, but HSFO continues to be limited, particularly for immediate delivery.

In Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone are well-supplied with VLSFO and LSMGO, also requiring lead times of 7–8 days. However, HSFO availability in Brisbane remains tight.

In New Zealand, VLSFO is sufficiently stocked in Tauranga and Auckland. However, bunker operations may be disrupted by adverse weather forecast between 4–5 June.

South Asia

VLSFO supply continues to be tight at several Indian ports—namely Mundra, Kandla, Mumbai, Tuticorin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Cochin—extending the shortage seen in recent weeks. In Haldia and Paradip, one supplier is reportedly nearing a stockout. LSMGO availability across most Indian ports remains subject to enquiry.

Additionally, adverse weather is forecast to impact bunker operations in Visakhapatnam on 4 June.

Middle East

In Fujairah, bunker availability remains constrained, with lead times for all fuel grades holding steady at 5–7 days. Similar lead times are required in Khor Fakkan. In Iraq’s Basrah, both VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, though HSFO supply remains limited.

At Egypt’s Suez port, stocks of all three conventional bunker grades are nearly depleted. Qatar’s Ras Laffan is also experiencing tight availability of VLSFO and LSMGO. In Saudi Arabia, Jeddah maintains adequate LSMGO supply, but VLSFO remains limited.

Bunker supply is under significant pressure in Djibouti, where VLSFO and HSFO are nearly exhausted and LSMGO levels are low. Adverse weather on 4 June may further disrupt bunker operations there.

Meanwhile, Omani ports—Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm—continue to offer steady availability of LSMGO.

By Tuhin Roy

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