The fuel access situation in European and African ports is clearly influenced by seasonal changes and global demand. In Northwest Europe, particularly at the ARA port, access to fuel is severely limited, and buyers should allow 5 to 7 days for adequate fuel supply.
Situation in Northwest European Ports
According to Insights Global data, independent oil fuel stocks in ARA increased by 17 percent in September compared to the August average. This port has imported approximately 256,000 barrels of oil fuel daily in September so far, down from 342,000 barrels the previous month. Most of these shipments have come from Mexico (32 percent), Colombia (28 percent), and the United States (14 percent). Additionally, independent diesel inventories in this region have increased by 2 percent compared to August.
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Fuel Access in the Mediterranean and Africa
In Mediterranean ports, fuel access in the Strait of Gibraltar ports is limited, and buyers should allow 10 to 12 days for creditworthy fuel supply. Additionally, there are delays in fuel delivery at this port due to heavy traffic. In the port of Barcelona, buyers must order at least 7 days in advance of delivery.
In Africa, the fuel access situation in Lome, Togo, and Luanda, Angola, is also limited, and buyers should allow 7 to 10 days for VLSFO and LSMGO delivery. Furthermore, in Walvis Bay, Namibia, and Durban, South Africa, it is recommended that buyers allow one week for any type of fuel supply.
This situation reflects the challenges in the fuel supply chain, which can have significant impacts on the maritime transport industry and global fuel prices. As a result, buyers and suppliers must carefully manage their timelines to avoid potential issues.
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