Europe & Africa Fuel Availability Outlook 26 Nov

Prompt supply remains tight in the ARA hub

Demand in Istanbul is at average levels

HSFO supplies remain tight in Lome and Walvis Bay

IMAGE: The Europoort area in the Port of Rotterdam. Getty Images

Northwest Europe

Prompt fuel supply is tight in the ARA bunkering hub, and most buyers are requested to give a 5-7-day notice to get competitive offers from a wider selection of suppliers, a trader told ENGINE.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have surged by 17% in November to date, according to Insights Global data. The region has imported 157,000 b/d of fuel oil in November so far, up from the 127,000 b/d imported in October, according to cargo tracker Vortexa. France (16%), the US and UK (13% each) have been the top suppliers.

The region’s independent gasoil inventories - which include diesel and heating oil – have dipped 1% lower this month compared to October, according to the Insights Global data. The ARA has imported 199,000 b/d of gasoil, down from the 259,000 b/d in October, according to Vortexa data. Most of the volumes have come from India (19%), Qatar (17%) and the UAE (16%).

Availability is normal In Germany’s Hamburg, and a notice of 3-5 days is advised for delivery of all fuel grades, a trader told ENGINE.

Availability is tight in Sweden’s Gothenburg and off Denmark’s Skaw and buyers are advised to book around 10 days ahead, a trader said.

Mediterranean

Availability is tight in the Gibraltar strait for prompt dates, with deliveries of all fuel grades possible with a lead time of between 5-10 days, a trader told ENGINE.

In both, Gibraltar and Algeciras, suppliers are running around a day or two behind schedule, port agent MH Bland said.

In Ceuta, some barges have suspended service, which has caused disruptions at the anchorage, while deliveries at berth may be delayed by around five hours, shipping agent Jose Salama said.

Availability in Las Palmas is tight for prompt deliveries, with HSFO deliveries taking up to 10 days, while VLSFO and LSMGO need around 5-7 days of notice, a trader told ENGINE.

In Barcelona, VLSFO supplies may take up to 10 days, while LSMGO and HSFO also require around 5-7 days of notice, a trader said.

Fuel availability is stable in Portugal’s Lisbon, a source said.

Demand off Malta remains weak, with very few enquiries, a trader said. Availability is stable but tight for prompt supplies, with some VLSFO and LSMGO supplies possible earliest by 1 December, a trader told ENGINE. Rough southerly winds of more than 25 knots and forecast in the area, which could suspend operations and lead to further delays in deliveries.

Fuel availability is stable in Piraeus, but buyers are advised to enquire about all fuel grades with around 5-7 days of lead time to get good coverage from suppliers, a trader said.

In Turkey’s Istanbul, bunker demand from ships passing through the Bosphorus strait is at average levels, while fuel availability is good, a local supplier said. Lead times of 2-3 days are sufficient for VLSFO, ULSFO and LSMGO deliveries, while HSFO can require more time, a trader said.

Africa

HSFO fuel availability is improving in Togo's Lome anchorage, but still tight for prompt supply, a trader said. VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries also require around 5-7 days of notice, the trader added.

VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries at Nigeria’s Lagos anchorage require around 5-7 days of notice, a source told ENGINE.

Off Walvis Bay, HSFO supply is very tight, with most suppliers still struggling to load cargoes, while buyers can get good VLSFO and LSMGO offers with around 5-7 days of notice, a trader said.

A domestic supplier in Sao Tome said they can provide LSMGO deliveries by barge at the Neves bunkering terminal, and at the Ana Chavez Commercial Port by trucks, but the latter can come with a higher premium due to transport costs.

In South Africa’s Durban, HSFO supplies require around seven days of notice, while VLSFO deliveries are possible within 2-4 days, a trader told ENGINE.

In Mauritius’ Port Louis, fuel availability is tight and buyers are advised lead times of more than two weeks for HSFO supplies, while VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries can take around 5-7 days, a trader said.

By Nachiket Tekawade

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