Fuel Lead Times Extend Across Europe and Africa
Bunker lead times in the ARA region have extended to 5-7 days as September imports fall sharply from August averages.
Lead times for prompt fuel deliveries in the ARA region have extended to five to seven days. This marks a significant increase in logistical friction compared to previous weeks. Independent fuel oil stocks in the ARA hub are currently 15% higher than the August monthly average. Despite this stock build-up, physical availability remains constrained for immediate delivery.
Fuel demand in Northwest Europe is rising relative to prior periods. The ARA hub imported 276,000 barrels per day of fuel oil in September. This figure is lower than the August average of 342,000 barrels per day. Mexico supplied 51% of these shipments, while Poland and Finland provided 23% and 13% respectively. Gasoil imports increased to 271,000 barrels per day from 155,000 barrels per day in August.
Stocks Rise While Imports Fall
Independent gasoil inventories in the region have remained broadly steady since August. These levels sit near the lowest point recorded in four years. The Netherlands supplied 74% of the imported gasoil, with Belgium providing the remaining 26%. In Germany’s Hamburg port, availability is normal with five-day lead times. However, conditions off Denmark’s Skaw and in Gothenburg remain tight. Buyers in these areas face 10-14 day notice periods for all fuel grades.
Mediterranean Ports Face Congestion
Marine fuel availability at Gibraltar Strait ports is tight for prompt deliveries. Lead times have stretched to 10-12 days to secure good coverage. Approximately 24 vessels are currently awaiting supplies in Gibraltar. Port agents attribute this congestion to a shortage of bunker barges and lack of space. Suppliers in Algeciras report delays ranging from six to 24 hours.
Buyers in Barcelona should book supplies at least one week in advance. In Las Palmas, lead times of 10-12 days are recommended to avoid high premiums. Malta’s offshore markets show tight availability for prompt supplies. A five-to-seven-day notice is required to secure competitive pricing. In Greece’s Piraeus, heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil require seven days’ notice. Ultra-low sulfur fuel oil requires a five-day notice. Increased cruise demand is cited as a factor in this tightening.
African Markets Show Mixed Availability
Fuel availability in Senegal’s Dakar is normal, with VLSFO and LSMGO available promptly. In Togo’s Lome, tight conditions persist for VLSFO and LSMGO. Buyers are advised to allow one week for deliveries of both grades. VLSFO remains available in Angola’s Luanda, while LSMGO requires a three-to-four-day notice. Off Namibia’s Walvis Bay, prompt supplies are tight. Lead times of five to seven days are necessary for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries.
Prompt fuel availability in Nigeria’s Lagos anchorage is tight. Local suppliers advise lead times of five to seven days. In South Africa’s Durban, all three fuel grades are tight for prompt supplies. A one-week notice is advised for any grade. Bunker availability in Mauritius’ Port Louis is very tight. Suppliers report lead times of 10-14 days for VLSFO and LSMGO. This data was reported by Hellenic Shipping News based on trader and supplier inputs.
