China’s VLSFO production dips slightly in February - JLC

Chinese refiners produced 1.24 million mt of VLSFO in February, a slight decrease from around 1.33 million mt in January, market intelligence provider JLC says.

PHOTO: Aerial view Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. Getty Images

An eight-day holiday period owing to China’s Spring Festival, which began on 10 February, dragged the country's VLSFO production down. Low margins for producing and exporting VLSFO also contributed to pull the output down.

The country's average daily VLSFO output fell marginally by around 1% on the month, while it declined by almost 2% year-on-year.

Sinopec’s VLSFO production declined to 553,000 mt in February from 582,000 mt in January.

The modest fall in VLSFO production has not impacted bunker fuel availability in Zhoushan, with most suppliers recommending short lead times of 2-5 days. Zhoushan’s VLSFO discount to Singapore currently stands at $21/mt.

By Tuhin Roy

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