Northwest Europe
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO are normal in ARA ports, while HSFO is tight for prompt deliveries, sources say.
Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are 3-5 days in ARA, but some suppliers can offer LSMGO on prompt dates, sources say. HSFO requires a longer lead time of 5-7 days
Independently held gasoil stocks in the ARA increased last week and scaled to their bulkiest level so far in June, while fuel stocks declined slightly.
Gasoil stocks increased by 720,000 bbls to 11.33 million bbls in the week to 23 June, and fuel oil inventories decreased by 90,000 bbls to 7.93 million bbls, according to Insights Global data.
Fuel oil stocks in the ARA have gradually been increasing since a slump in April. The inventory buildup was supported by continuous flows from Russia.
VLSFO and LSMGO availability in Hamburg are normal, but HSFO supply is tight as suppliers have limited stock, sources say.
LSMGO availability is normal in Bremerhaven, but VLSFO and HSFO prompt deliveries are more difficult to find.
Mediterranean
HSFO supply is tight in the Gibraltar Strait ports, while VLSFO and LSMGO are more readily available for prompt deliveries, sources say.
Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are 3-4 days in Gibraltar and Algeciras, while HSFO stems are mostly subject to enquiries, a source says.
Some suppliers in Gibraltar Strait can offer HSFO in limited quantities.
Congestion in Gibraltar has reportedly increased to seven vessels on Wednesday from just two in the past day, port agent MH Bland says. Two suppliers were running 2-4 hours behind schedule on Wednesday morning.
Strong wind and gusts are forecasted on Friday, which could possibly trigger suspension or delays in Gibraltar.
In Ceuta, all port operations are running normally and no congestion has been reported today, according to shipping agent Jose Salama & Cia. Eight vessels are due to arrive today.
LSMGO and VLSFO availability are normal in Ceuta, and some suppliers can offer deliveries for prompt dates, sources say.
In Malta, all bunkering areas have been open for supply this week amid conducive weather conditions, Seatrans Shipping agency says.
Africa
VLSFO and LSMGO availability have improved in Durban and some suppliers can offer prompt deliveries, sources say. VLSFO has been tight in past few weeks, but with the arrival of replenishment stocks, the pressure has eased a bit.
VLSFO price in Durban has decreased by $51/mt since the start of this week.
Availability of VLSFO is normal in Port of Elizabeth and suppliers can offer prompt deliveries, but LSMGO is tight for prompt dates, a source says.
No congestion has been reported in Port of Elizabeth on Friday, according to Rennies Ships Agency. However, bad weather is forecast on Friday that could trigger suspension or delays until Sunday.
Source: ENGINE (https://engine.online/)