Panama bunker sales rebound in July

Sales of VLSFO and LSMGO increased both on a total and daily average basis, according to preliminary data from the Panama Maritime Authority.

Changes in Panama bunker fuel sales from June to July:

• Total sales up 43,000 mt to 428,000 mt
• VLSFO sales up 31,000 mt to 278,000 mt
• LSMGO sales up 100 mt to 36,000 mt
• HSFO sales up 11,000 mt to 106,000 mt
• 0.5% MGO sales up 2,000 mt to 8,000 mt

Panama's bunker sales increased 11% in July from June, according to the Panama Maritime Authority.

HSFO sales rose by around 11% month-on-month, while total MGO sales increased by about 6%. LSMGO sales edged up by less than 1%. VLSFO sales increased by around 13% from June.

Total bunker sales averaged about 13,800 mt/day in July, compared to around 12,800 mt/day in June.

Panama's ports saw 629 ships call for bunkers in July, up from 545 ships in June, while the number of barges operating increased to 32 from 30.

The average stem size decreased to around 680 mt in July, from 707 mt the previous month.

VLSFO retained its position as Panama's most widely sold bunker fuel in July, accounting for approximately 65% of total bunker sales.

HSFO accounted for around 25% of total sales, while total MGO volumes represented about 10% of overall bunker sales.

In Panama, bunker demand has dropped compared to the past few weeks, a trader said.

On the supply side, Balboa and Cristobal report steady availability, with all three fuel grades of HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO requiring 5–7 days of lead time.

By Gautamee Hazarika

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online