Panama's bunker sales dropped in April

Despite more vessels arriving for bunkers, Panama's total bunker sales dropped by 4% in April.

Changes in Panama bunker fuel sales from March to April:

• Total sales down 15,000 mt to 376,000 mt
• HSFO sales steady at 114,000 mt
• VLSFO sales down 9,000 mt to 226,000 mt
• LSMGO sales up 2,000 mt to 30,000 mt
• 0.50% MGO sales down 8,000 mt to 6,000 mt

The number of ships bunkering in Panama’s ports increased from 485 vessels in March to 500 in April – the highest since December 2023. The average stem size was roughly 752 mt in April, down from 806 mt in March, according to preliminary figures from the Panama Maritime Authority.

VLSFO sales dropped by 4% on the month. Combined 0.50% MGO and LSMGO sales dropped by 14% in April, while HSFO sales remained almost unchanged.

Six barges were taken offline in Panama, bringing the total count to 26 barges in April.

Bunker-only calls fell by 16% in April, or 94 calls less, compared to April last year. This reduction can be attributed to fewer vessel transits through the Panama Canal, primarily due to low water levels in Gatun Lake.

However, after months of increasing restrictions due to falling water levels in its reservoir, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is now raising its transit capacity. Booking slots will be raised from 27 to 32 starting on 16 May, signalling a positive turnaround in Panama’s battle against drought conditions caused by El Nino.

Bunker fuel availability was mostly good in Panamanian ports last month. VLSFO and LSMGO lead times were around 5-7 days, while HSFO lead times ranged between 7-9 days, a source said.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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