Sales of VLSFO and LSMGO rose in August, both on a total and daily average basis.

Changes in Panama bunker fuel sales from July to August:

• Total sales up 32,000 mt to 419,000 mt
• VLSFO sales up 22,000 mt to 281,000 mt
• HSFO380 sales up 1,000 mt to 88,000 mt
• LSMGO sales up 10,000 mt to 46,000 mt
• 0.5% MGO sales down 800 mt to 3,500 mt

VLSFO sales rose by 8% on the month, while LSMGO volumes jumped by 26%. HSFO sales were slightly higher in August, up by 2% from July levels.

This rebound came after July’s slump, according to preliminary figures from the Panama Maritime Authority.

Total sales averaged 13,500 mt/day in August, up from 12,500 mt/day in July.

The number of ships bunkering in Panama’s ports increased by 23 to 598, compared to 575 in July, and also higher than 617 in the same month last year.

The average stem size grew to 701 mt in August, from 673 mt in July. The number of barges operating held steady at 28.

VLSFO continues to dominate Panama’s bunker market in August, accounting for around 67% of total sales.

HSFO made up roughly 21%, while MGO volumes contributed about 12%.

HSFO has been tight at the port, with suppliers currently advising lead times of more than a week, though availability is anticipated to improve. In Balboa and Cristobal, VLSFO and LSMGO are generally available within 4–5 days.

By Gautamee Hazarika

Please get in touch with comments or additional info at news@engine.online