ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Europe and Africa face tight availability for bunker fuel, according to a trader. Prompt fuel availability in ARA ports is particularly tight, requiring lead times of 5-7 days for all deliveries, according to a trader. B100 has seen significant price discounts to LSMGO in Rotterdam, boosting demand for the latter. ARA's fuel oil stocks grew 18% in September compared to August, according to Insights Global data.

The region's fuel imports totaled 266,000 b/d in September, down from August's 342,000 b/d, said Vortexa cargo flows data. Nearly half of the cargo came from Mexico, Colombia and Benin. Gasoil inventories in the region rose 4% in September compared to August, and imports increased to 197,000 b/d from 155,000 b/d in August, according to Vortexa data.

In Hamburg, suppliers quote earliest delivery dates five days out for most fuel, while Denmark and Sweden require lead times of around 10 days. Mediterranean ports have tight prompt availability, with lead times of 7-10 days recommended. In Algeciras, barge supplies are delayed by 4-8 hours, while ex-pipe deliveries are on time.

Barcelona needs a 7-day lead time for all fuel grades. Las Palmas has tight prompt supplies, requiring 7-8 day lead times for good coverage. Mediterranean and African ports are experiencing tight availability for prompt deliveries. In Togo's Lome, buyers should allow a week for VLSFO and LSMGO supplies, while Nigeria's Lagos anchorage needs a 5-day lead time.

Namibia's Walvis Bay and South Africa's Durban also have tight availability, with 5-7 and 10-15 day lead times recommended, respectively. Mozambique's Nacala and Maputo ports require 5-7 day lead times for prompt supplies.