Bunker prices across major global ports have inched higher, while rough weather conditions in the ARA bunkering hub could complicate deliveries.

IMAGE: Huge container ship being unloaded with cranes at a container terminal in Antwerp, Belgium. Getty Images

Changes on the day to 09.00 GMT today:

• VLSFO prices up in Gibraltar ($4/mt), Rotterdam, Houston, Fujairah ($3/mt) and Singapore ($2/mt)
• LSMGO prices up in Rotterdam, Gibraltar ($6/mt), Singapore ($5/mt), Fujairah and Houston ($3/mt)
• HSFO prices up in Gibraltar ($3/mt), Rotterdam, Houston and Singapore ($1/mt), and unchanged in Fujairah
• B30-VLSFO at a $261/mt premium over VLSFO in Singapore
• B30-VLSFO at a $292/mt premium over VLSFO in Fujairah
• B30-VLSFO at a $355/mt premium over VLSFO in Gibraltar

Rotterdam’s VLSFO price is around $19/mt lower than Gibraltar's benchmark, while its HSFO price is around $25/mt cheaper. Rotterdam's LSMGO price is at a $34/mt discount to Gibraltar.

Fuel availability in the ARA bunkering hub remains tight for prompt supplies, with buyers requested to book around 5-7 days in advance to get competitive offers from a wider selection of suppliers.

Rough weather with winds of more than 25 knots and waves of over 2.5 metres are forecast in the ARA region between 2-4 January, which could disrupt bunkering operations.

Some pilot stations in Antwerp port area have suspended operations due to the adverse weather, shipping agent VertomCory Antwerp said.

Houston’s VLSFO price has gained more than the port’s HSFO price in the past day, widening the port’s Hi5 spread to $50/mt today.

Negative tide levels have been observed in the Houston Ship Channel and Galveston Bay, and a low water advisory is currently in effect until today evening. This can lead to some delays in ship transits, a source said.

In South Korea, Busan’s VLSFO is priced at premiums of $15/mt over Fujairah and $10/mt over Singapore. Bunker availability across all grades remains good in South Korea, with suppliers advising lead times of 4–6 days.

In Hong Kong, lead times are unchanged at around seven days for all grades.

Brent

The front-month ICE Brent contract has declined by $0.42/bbl on the day from Wednesday, to trade at $60.72/bbl at 09.00 GMT.

Upward pressure:

Brent futures have gained some support following the release of the US Energy Information Administration's (EIA) weekly oil inventory report.

Commercial US crude oil inventories decreased by 1.9 million bbls to around 423 million bbls in the week ending 26 December, according to data from the EIA.

A decline in US crude stocks usually signals stronger demand and can offer some support to Brent’s price.

Downward pressure:

Brent crude’s price has inched lower on the first trading day of 2026.

US crude oil production hit a record high of 13.87 million b/d in October last year, Reuters reported citing data from the EIA.

The record-high output in the world’s largest oil consumer has reinforced downside pressure on Brent, as rising production signals ample supply in a market that is already grappling with concerns of oversupply.

The total number of rigs drilling for crude oil in the US rose by three to 409 units last week, according to Baker Hughes.

The US oil rig count is seen as an indicator of future oil production. It reflects how much oil drilling activity is happening or expected to happen in the shale sector.

By Nachiket Tekawade, Gautamee Hazarika, Tuhin Roy and Aparupa Mazumder

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