ARA fuel oil stocks up 18%, but prompt stems still tight
What it means for buyers
Even with higher ARA stocks, book Rotterdam stems about a week ahead - fuel oil loading friction persists.
Independent fuel oil inventories across the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub averaged 18% higher in September than in August, Insights Global figures compiled by ENGINE show. Stocks rose by 851,000 barrels to a monthly average of 5.47 million barrels. That is a 51% rebound from May's multi-decade low, though levels remain 15% under February, before the Middle East conflict intensified.
Fuel oil imports into the hub slowed to 266,000 barrels per day in September from 342,000 barrels per day in August, according to Vortexa flow data. Exports rose to 177,000 barrels per day from 144,000, with Singapore, Spain and Saudi Arabia among the main discharge destinations. Independent gasoil stocks, covering diesel and heating oil, gained 4% on the month and stood at 12.59 million barrels.
Despite the inventory rebuild, prompt bunker cover in ARA ports remains constrained. Traders recommend allowing five to seven days of notice for reliable stems, and report loading friction on fuel oil grades. Operators calling Rotterdam or nearby ARA ports should plan nominations early rather than rely on same-week availability.
Sources
- ENGINE engine.online
Roadstead is a bunker broker. We arrange supply through suppliers we have checked and do not run our own barges.
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