Bunker demand good in Singapore

VLSFO and LSMGO availability good in Port Klang

VLSFO and LSMGO availability good in Oceanic ports

IMAGE: Yangshan harbour of Shanghai, China. Getty Images



Singapore and Malaysia

Bunker demand in Singapore has been good so far this week, according to a source. VLSFO delivery times now vary significantly by supplier — some can meet orders within eight days, while others require bookings nearly two weeks in advance. This marks a tightening from last week’s 8–11-day range.

HSFO availability has tightened slightly, with lead times extending to 8–12 days compared with 7–11 days a week earlier. LSMGO supply is also tight, with delivery window lengthening to 5–10 days from 4–9 days previously.

At Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO remain readily available, with prompt delivery possible for smaller volumes. HSFO, however, continues to face supply constraints.

East Asia

Bunker supply in Zhoushan has improved amid weak demand, with VLSFO lead times shortening to 4–7 days from last week’s 7–10 days. HSFO and LSMGO deliveries are also readily available, with recommended lead times of 3–5 days compared with 7–10 days previously.

In northern China, fuel availability is mixed. Dalian and Qingdao have healthy stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, while HSFO remains scarce in Qingdao. Tianjin faces tight supply across all three grades. In Shanghai, VLSFO and HSFO supply is under pressure, while LSMGO availability is comparatively steady.

Further south, market conditions vary by port. VLSFO and LSMGO supply is constrained in Fuzhou; VLSFO is readily available in Xiamen, but LSMGO is tight; and delivery options for both grades are limited at Yangpu and Guangzhou.

In Hong Kong, lead times remain stable at around seven days for all fuel types.

In Taiwan, lead times of about two days are recommended for VLSFO and LSMGO in Kaohsiung, Hualien and Keelung, and around three days in Taichung.

In South Korea, bunker demand has eased slightly from last week, with lead times now ranging between 3–9 days for all grades, almost unchanged from 4–8 days earlier. Market sources caution that heavy rainfall expected between 11–13 September could disrupt supply operations at several ports there.

Japan continues to experience tight prompt VLSFO availability across key ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Mizushima, Nagoya and Yokkaichi. LSMGO supply is generally adequate nationwide, though prompt deliveries in Mizushima may still face delays.

B24-VLSFO availability in Tokyo, Chiba, Kawasaki and Yokohama remains on an enquiry basis. HSFO supply is stable at most ports, but Oita is currently experiencing shortages across all grades — VLSFO, LSMGO and HSFO.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available at Kwinana, Fremantle and Port Kembla, with most suppliers quoting lead times of 7–8 days.

In New South Wales, LSMGO and HSFO supply remains steady in Sydney, though HSFO deliveries depend on barge schedules, as the port is served by only one barge.

Victoria’s ports of Melbourne and Geelong are well stocked with VLSFO and LSMGO, but HSFO availability remains limited, particularly for prompt demand.

Further north, Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone have sufficient volumes of VLSFO and LSMGO, with average lead times of about seven days. HSFO in Brisbane, however, is only available on enquiry.

In New Zealand, prompt VLSFO deliveries at Tauranga and Auckland can be difficult due to rough weather and barge scheduling, according to a trader.

South Asia

Sri Lanka has ample bunker availability, with a supplier covering both Colombo and Hambantota able to provide all fuel grades on short lead times of around three days.

Middle East

Prompt bunker supply remains tight across all grades in Fujairah, with lead times of 5–7 days recommended. Some suppliers can handle urgent requests, but these typically come at a premium. Similar supply constraints are reported in the nearby Khor Fakkan port.

In Iraq’s Basrah, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, though HSFO availability is still limited. Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah continues to see restricted supply of both VLSFO and LSMGO.

By contrast, Oman’s ports — including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat and Duqm — have prompt LSMGO availability.

By Tuhin Roy

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