Northwest Europe
In the ARA hub, HSFO and VLSFO lead times have come down slightly from last week to 6-8 days now, while LSMGO requires 5-6 days ahead, a trader told ENGINE.
The ARA's independently held fuel oil stocks averaged 7% in June than in May, according to Insights Global data. At 6.67 million bbls in June, the region's fuel oil stocks were at their lowest monthly average this year. This was also considerably lower than their five-year-average.
The region imported 102,000 b/d of fuel oil in June, a considerable dip from May's 176,000 b/d, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa. The UK emerged as the region's topmost import source in June, accounting for 29% of total imports, followed by Poland (16%), the US (13%) and Lithuania (11%).
The ARA’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – fell by 6% from May to June. The ARA hub imported a total of 165,000 b/d, a considerable decrease from May's 315,000 b/d, Vortexa data shows.
Rough weather conditions off Skaw and in Gothenburg between 2-5 May could disrupt bunkering, according to a trader.
Mediterranean
Consistent with last week, availability of fuel grades is tight in Gibraltar Strait ports, according to a trader. Lead times of 8-9 days are recommended for HSFO and LSMGO, 10-12 days for VLSFO.
Congestion has eased in Gibraltar, according to local port agent MH Bland, with four vessels awaiting bunkers on Wednesday, down from 10 vessels on Tuesday.
Suppliers in Algeciras continue to be 2-12 hours behind schedule, MH Bland said.
Similar to last week, Las Palmas has good bunker availability, with recommended lead times consistently at 5-7 days, according to a trader.
In Barcelona, all grades are readily available, with recommended lead times unchanged at 5-7 days, a trader said.
Lisbon continues to have good bunker supply, consistent with the last few weeks, and recommended lead times remain at 3-5 days, according to a trader.
Off Malta, prompt VLSFO supply is tight, according to a trader.
In the Greek port of Piraeus, HSFO and ULSFO grades are readily available, while VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries are strained, according to a trader. Possible weather-related disruptions have been forecast for the port.
Prompt supplies of all fuel grades is good in Istanbul, with recommended lead times of 1-2 days, according to a trader.
Africa
HSFO availability remains under pressure in Port Louis, according to a trader. VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available in the port. The port is also forecast to face inconsistent weather conditions in the coming days that could impact supplies, according to a source.
Durban has good bunker supply, with 2-4 days of lead time advised, consistent with the last few weeks, a trader said. LSMGO supply remains dry.
In Luanda, VLSFO and LSGMO supply is good with lead times of 3-4 days advised for both grades, according to a trader.
HSFO prompt availability is tight in Walvis Bay. Lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for VLSFO and LSMGO, which is longer than the 3-6 days recommended over the past few weeks.
HSFO is also tight in Togo's Lome, according to a trader. Unsuitable weather conditions could result in near-term bunker delays.
Source: ENGINE, By Samantha Shaji, https://engine.online/news