Durban and Cape Town VLSFO and HSFO still need 10-15 days notice

Fuel availability in South Africa's two main bunkering ports is still tight. A trader quoted by ENGINE on 16 October said both VLSFO and HSFO in Durban and Cape Town need at least 10 to 15 days of notice.

Prices swung hard in a single session. Durban's VLSFO price fell steeply on the day, which ENGINE linked to a small, lower-priced stem being fixed, while Cape Town's VLSFO dropped even further. Even after the fall, Durban VLSFO still sits well above both Cape Town and Port Louis. LSMGO and HSFO prices in Durban moved higher.

Weather is the other risk. Forecasts point to winds building in Durban on Monday, with gusts reaching 40 knots and waves as high as 5 metres, which could interrupt bunkering at the port.

For a buyer, this means:

• Place South African stems at least 10 to 15 days before arrival where possible.
• Keep some slack in the schedule for possible weather delays in Durban early this week.
• If the route allows, compare Port Louis, since Durban VLSFO is priced well above it.