Zhoushan VLSFO and HSFO lead times stretch to 15 days as prices fall

Bunker prices in Zhoushan dropped across VLSFO, HSFO and LSMGO on Monday, according to the Engine East of Suez update. Zhoushan posted the steepest VLSFO fall of the three big Asian hubs and now sits at a discount to both Singapore and Fujairah.

Cheaper fuel does not mean easy fuel. Engine reports that VLSFO and HSFO lead times in Zhoushan rose to 15 days, up from 12 days a week earlier, even though demand is low. A source cited low stocks, bad weather and customs paperwork as the reasons supply schedules are slipping.

LSMGO is the exception. Availability of the distillate is good, and lead times have come down to about two days from four last week.

What this means for a buyer:

• If a vessel will call Zhoushan in the next two weeks and needs VLSFO or HSFO, start the enquiry now rather than on arrival.
• Keep some flexibility on the delivery window, since weather and customs can still push stems back.
• If timing is tight, check whether a Singapore stem or a top-up of LSMGO in Zhoushan fits the voyage better.