Singapore and Malaysia
In Singapore, VLSFO lead times have increased from 6–13 days last week to 9–14 days now. LSMGO lead times have also risen from 3–7 days to 5–9 days, while HSFO lead times remain steady at around 5–9 days.
According to Enterprise Singapore, the port's residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 13% lower so far in May compared to April. Fuel oil inventories have fallen below 20 million bbls, driven by a sharp 68% drop in net fuel imports this month. Imports have declined by 1.80 million bbls so far this month, while exports have risen by 1.61 million bbls. In contrast, middle distillate stocks in Singapore have increased, averaging 3% higher than last month.
At Malaysia's Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO remain readily available, with prompt deliveries possible for smaller quantities. However, HSFO supply continues to be tight.
East Asia
In Zhoushan, VLSFO lead times remain steady at around 4–7 days amid weak demand. LSMGO lead times have shortened from roughly seven days last week to 3–5 days now. HSFO lead times have also improved, reducing from around seven days to 3–5 days.
In northern China, both Dalian and Qingdao have healthy supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO. However, HSFO remains limited in Qingdao. Tianjin continues to face tight availability of both VLSFO and HSFO, while LSMGO supply is stable there.
In Shanghai, supply of both VLSFO and HSFO is under pressure, but LSMGO is readily available. Further south, Fuzhou has ample availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO. Xiamen has good VLSFO supply, though LSMGO is tight there.
Securing prompt deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO remain difficult in both Yangpu and Guangzhou.
In Hong Kong, lead times for all fuel grades remain consistent with previous weeks, at approximately seven days.
In Taiwan’s Taichung, recommended lead times for both VLSFO and LSMGO are around three days. Hualien, Kaohsiung and Keelung continue to maintain stable supplies of both grades, with lead times steady at around two days.
Fuel availability has improved across all grades in several South Korean ports amid subdued demand. Lead times of around 2–3 days are recommended now, significantly lower than 4–11 days advised last week.
However, bunker operations may face disruptions in Ulsan, Onsan and Busan between 22–26 May due to high waves and strong winds. Yeosu is also likely to see interruptions between 24–26 May.
Prompt VLSFO supply continues to be tight at several Japanese ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi and Mizushima.
LSMGO is generally available, but arranging prompt deliveries can be difficult in Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi and Mizushima. HSFO supply is also stable, but prompt deliveries can be difficult in Nagoya, Yokkaichi, and Mizushima.
All fuel grades are available in Oita, subject to enquiry.
Adverse weather conditions may impact bunker deliveries in Koh Sichang and Leam Chabang, Thailand, on 23 May. In Vietnam, similar disruptions are expected in Hai Phong between 20–21 May due to rough weather.
Oceania
In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available at Kwinana, Fremantle and Port Kembla, with recommended lead times of 7–8 days. In New South Wales, Sydney has a strong supply of LSMGO, but prompt HSFO deliveries remain difficult.
In Victoria, both Melbourne and Geelong ports have robust availability of VLSFO and LSMGO grades, though HSFO is still tight for prompt delivery.
In Queensland, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are well-stocked in Brisbane and Gladstone, with lead times of 7–8 days. However, HSFO remains in short supply in Brisbane.
In New Zealand, VLSFO availability is adequate in both Tauranga and Auckland.
South Asia
VLSFO supply remains tight at several Indian ports—including Mundra, Kandla, Mumbai, Tuticorin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Cochin—mirroring the trends seen in recent weeks. In Haldia and Paradip, a supplier is close to running out of stock. LSMGO availability across most Indian ports remains subject to enquiry.
Adverse weather is expected to impact bunker operations at multiple Indian ports: Mumbai between 22–26 May, Kandla from 23–25 May, and Sikka from 23–27 May.
In contrast, fuel availability at Sri Lanka's Colombo and Hambantota ports remains stable across all grades, with recommended lead times of around four days — nearly unchanged from last week.
Middle East
In Fujairah, bunker availability remains tight, with lead times for all fuel grades steady at 5–7 days. Bunker deliveries in Khor Fakkar require similar lead times.
In Egypt, bunker deliveries at Port Said may face disruptions due to adverse weather on 23 May.
In Saudi Arabia, Jeddah has sufficient LSMGO supply but limited VLSFO availability. Adverse weather could impact bunker operations in Jeddah on 23 May, while similar disruptions are expected in Yanbu on 22 May, and again from 23–24 May.
Bunker supply is under pressure in Djibouti, with VLSFO and HSFO stocks nearly depleted and LSMGO running low. The port is forecast to face rough weather conditions on 23–24 May, which could disrupt bunker operations.
Meanwhile, Omani ports—Sohar, Salalah, Muscat and Duqm—continue to have strong LSMGO availability.
Source: ENGINE, By Tuhin Roy, https://engine.online/news