Panama bunker sales fall in August

Sales of VLSFO and LSMGO decreased both on a total and daily average basis, while HSFO volumes rose.

Changes in Panama bunker fuel sales from July to August:

• Total sales down 17,000 mt to 411,000 mt
• VLSFO sales down 31,000 mt to 247,000 mt
• LSMGO sales down 600 mt to 36,000 mt
• HSFO sales up 15,000 mt to 121,000 mt
• 0.5% MGO sales down 600 mt to 7,000 mt

Panama's bunker sales fell by around 4% in August from July, according to preliminary data from the Panama Maritime Authority.

VLSFO sales dropped by about 11% month-on-month to their lowest level since September last year. LSMGO volumes edged down by around 2%, while 0.5% MGO sales fell by roughly 8%.

In contrast, HSFO sales rose by around 15% to about 121,000 mt, which is the grade's highest monthly volume since December last year.

Total bunker sales averaged about 13,270 mt/day in August, compared to around 13,800 mt/day in July.

Panama's ports saw 566 ships call for bunkers in August, down from 629 ships in July, and the number of barges operating declined to 28 from 32.

The average stem size increased to around 727 mt in August, from 680 mt the previous month.

VLSFO retained its position as Panama's most widely sold bunker fuel in August, accounting for approximately 60% of total bunker sales.

HSFO accounted for around 30% of total sales, while total MGO volumes represented about 10% of overall bunker sales.

Compared with August last year, total sales were down by around 2%.

VLSFO sales fell by about 12% and LSMGO volumes by around 22%, while HSFO sales were up by approximately 38% and 0.5% MGO sales more than doubled.

Transits through the Panama Canal are currently subject to waiting times of 3–4 days, the source said.

Bunker availability is steady at Balboa and Cristobal, with VLSFO, LSMGO and HSFO all deliverable within 3–4 days from most suppliers, the source said.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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