The fuel shortage in various regions of Europe and Africa, especially in September 2026, is significantly evident due to increased demand and reduced supply. While the volume of fuel reserves in the ARA region (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) has increased by an average of 17 percent compared to August, fuel supply, particularly for immediate delivery dates, has faced challenges.
Fuel Situation in the ARA Region
In recent weeks, fuel supply in ARA has encountered difficulties. In September 2026, this region imported an average of 297,000 barrels per day of heavy fuel oil, down from 342,000 barrels per day in August. The majority of shipments were sourced from Mexico (24 percent), Benin (19 percent), and France (15 percent). Additionally, the independent diesel inventories in this region have also increased by 2 percent compared to August, reaching 141,000 barrels per day.
Read more: Michigan Judge Dismisses Antitrust Lawsuit Against Major Oil Companies
Fuel Shortage in Other European Ports
In the port of Hamburg, fuel supply is stable, but buyers need to forecast at least five days in advance. In other Scandinavian ports such as Skaw and Gothenburg, fuel supply conditions are severely limited, and buyers must forecast 10 to 14 days in advance. In the Mediterranean seas, the fuel supply situation in the ports of the Strait of Gibraltar is also facing restrictions, with lead times for fuel procurement increasing to 10 to 12 days. In the Spanish port of Ceuta, fuel supply by barge and pipeline is being conducted regularly.
Currently, the fuel shortage in Las Palmas is also problematic, and buyers must forecast 10 to 12 days in advance. In the port of Piraeus, Greece, the supply of HSFO, VLSFO, and ULSFO is facing limitations, and lead times for these types of fuels have increased to 5 to 7 days.
Fuel Situation in Africa
In Africa, the fuel supply situation in Dakar, Senegal, is reported to be stable. However, in the port of Lome, Togo, the supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is somewhat limited due to high demand, and buyers need to forecast at least one week in advance. In Lagos, Nigeria, the supply of VLSFO is severely limited, and buyers must forecast at least 9 days in advance. In the port of Walvis Bay, Namibia, the fuel supply conditions are also severely limited, and buyers need to forecast 5 to 7 days in advance.
In South Africa, increased demand has led to supply restrictions in the ports of Durban, Algoa Bay, Richards Bay, and Cape Town. Some suppliers require 10 to 15 days of lead time for HSFO, VLSFO, and LSMGO. Additionally, in the port of Port Louis, the supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is severely limited, and buyers must forecast 10 to 14 days in advance.
Read more: Expand Energy Sees LNG Demand Trends Favorably · Energy Shipping Market Report Week 38
