Independently held fuel oil stocks in the ARA bunkering hub have increased by 3% this month, according to Insights Global data.

Changes in monthly average ARA stocks from July to August:

• Fuel oil stocks up 210,000 bbls to 6.52 million bbls
• Gasoil stocks up 560,000 bbls to 14.21 million bbls

ARA's fuel oil stocks have climbed higher this month compared to 2025’s lowest monthly average, recorded in July.

The region has imported 179,000 b/d of fuel oil in August, lower than 192,000 b/d imported in July, according to cargo tracker Vortexa.

Bahamas accounted for around 18% of the imports, followed by Germany (14%) and the UK (11%).

The ARA has exported 203,000 b/d of fuel oil this month, a considerable increase compared to 173,000 b/d in July, Vortexa’s data shows.

Most cargoes departed for the US (41%), followed by Nigeria (17%) and South Korea (12%).

The region’s independent gasoil inventories - which include diesel and heating oil – have grown by 4% in August from July.

The ARA hub has imported 146,000 b/d of gasoil in August, down from 185,000 b/d imported in July, according to Vortexa data.

Saudi Arabia was the top supplier, making up around 40% of the imports, followed by Qatar (15%) and Russia (10%).

All fuel grades remain easily available in ARA, but buyers are advised to enquire about stems with 5-7 days of lead time as supply is tighter for prompt deliveries, a trader told ENGINE.

By Nachiket Tekawade

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