Northwest Europe
Overall demand has been slow at ARA ports so far this week. Securing LSMGO for very fast dates (0-2 days) can be difficult, with lead times of at least five days recommended to ensure full supplier coverage.
Some argue that LSMGO supply is normal with fast supply dates available. Recommended delivery times for VLSFO and HSFO are around 4-7 days.
Independent ARA diesel inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – were on average 2% higher in May than in April as a whole. Diesel inventories averaged 17.95 million bbl in May, a massive 54% increase from year-ago inventory levels.
Stock building has been largely supported by higher diesel and diesel imports from Middle East and Asian countries. Saudi Arabia and India have been the main sources of ARA diesel and diesel imports since the EU ban on Russian imports began on February 5, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa.
Barge availability has improved in Skaw after being adjusted last week. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal for delivery to Skaw, according to a source. HSFO supply is comparatively tighter there. Recommended delivery times for all grades range from 7 to 10 days.
Bunker fuel availability is normal at the German ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven, with a recommended lead time of five days.
mediterranean
All grades remain in normal availability in Gibraltar and Algeciras. A lead time of at least five days is generally recommended. Some may supply with a shorter delivery time, but these deliveries depend on the suppliers’ schedules.
VLSFO supply is “super tight” in Ceuta, where one supplier is running out and can only supply on delivery dates after June 15, according to a source. This has added pressure on the stocks of another supplier. LSMGO’s offer is comparatively better in Ceuta.
On Wednesday, there was minimal congestion in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta, according to port agent MH Bland. Two suppliers in Gibraltar and three in Algeciras were delayed.
Availability is normal in the Portuguese ports of Lisbon and Sines, a supplier says. Lead times of up to seven days are recommended for the supply of VLSFO and LSMGO.
Bunker fuel supply at all grades is said to be normal in Malta. Some suppliers may offer deliveries for specific dates outside of Malta, but these deliveries are subject to firm enquiries, according to a source.
Tuesday’s strike action had little or no impact on bunkering operations at the French ports of Le Havre and Donges, a trader says. Availability of LSMGO and VLSFO is said to be normal at both ports.
Meanwhile, workers at the port of Nantes in northern France will continue their strike until Thursday, according to GAC Hot Port News. These strikes take place in shifts, thus limiting the impact on port operations.
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal in the Greek port of Piraeus.
Africa
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal at the South African ports of Durban and Cape Town, and at the Algoa Bay anchorage in Port Elizabeth, where lead times of up to seven days are recommended, according to a source.
Bunkering was progressing as normal in Algoa Bay on Wednesday, according to agency Rennies Ships. But strong winds and high waves are expected to hit the bay on Friday, which could delay bunker operations.
The availability of HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO is good in the port of Nacala in Mozambique. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal for fast delivery in Maputo.
Source: ENGINE, by Nithin Chandran, https://engine.online/news
