ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Northwest Europe's fuel oil supplies, particularly in the ARA hub, are tight for immediate delivery, prompting traders to recommend lead times of 5-7 days to secure competitive prices. September imports have decreased to around 297,000 b/d, down from August's 342,000 b/d. Most fuel oil shipments have arrived from Mexico (24%), Benin (19%), and France (15%).

Meanwhile, gasoil inventories in the region have risen by 2% in September compared to August, with imports down to around 141,000 b/d, mainly from the US (28%), Germany (13%), and the UK (11%). Hamburg's fuel availability remains steady, but buyers should expect lead times of 5-7 days for any grade. Off Skaw and Gothenburg, fuel availability is tight, requiring around 10-14 days' notice for delivery.

Mediterranean ports are experiencing tight fuel availability, with lead times of 10-12 days recommended in the Gibraltar Strait. Algeciras may face delays of 18-24 hours. Ceuta's barge and ex-pipe deliveries are on schedule, and LSMGO demand in Las Palmas is high, requiring 10-12 days' notice for deliveries. Greek ports like Piraeus are tight for HSFO, VLSFO, and ULSFO, with lead times of 5-7 days recommended.

Istanbul's fuel availability is stable, with most grades obtainable within 1-4 days of notice. In Africa, Senegal's Dakar and Nigeria's Lagos anchorage have stable fuel availability, but Togo's Lome port is experiencing tight VLSFO and LSMGO supplies, requiring a week's notice. Across South African hubs, increasing demand has tightened fuel availability, with lead times of 10-15 days recommended for HSFO, VLSFO, and LSMGO deliveries.

In Mozambique's Maputo and Nacala ports, VLSFO availability is tight, and buyers should expect lead times of seven days.