The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks dropped by 6% in July, according to Insights Global data.

Changes in monthly average ARA stocks from June to July:

• Fuel oil stocks down 392,000 bbls to 6.28 million bbls
• Gasoil stocks down 1.37 million bbls to 13.52 million bbls

At 6.28 million bbls, fuel oil stocks in the ARA bunkering hub are at their lowest monthly average this year.

The region imported 192,000 b/d of fuel oil in July, up from 133,000 b/d imported in June, cargo tracker Vortexa’s data shows. 

The UK was the region’s top fuel oil supplier in July, making up 19% of imports, ahead of France (13%) and Germany (9%).

The region’s fuel oil exports in July came in at 173,000 b/d, almost matching June’s exports of 174,000 b/d, Vortexa data shows.

The largest share of these shipments departed for Singapore (22%), followed by Uruguay and Sweden (9% each).

The region’s independent gasoil inventories - which include diesel and heating oil – dropped 9% in July, compared to June.

The ARA hub imported a total of 185,000 b/d in July, down from June’s 164,000 b/d, Vortexa data noted. Major suppliers included Saudi Arabia (14%), the US (13%) and Qatar (12%).

VLSFO, HSFO and LSMGO bunker availability has improved in ARA, but securing prompt deliveries can be challenging, a trader told ENGINE. Lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for all grades.

By Nachiket Tekawade

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