Europe & Africa Fuel Availability Outlook 19 Nov 2025

Gibraltar faces supply backlog after disruption

Malta sees muted demand

5-7-day lead times advised for Dakar

IMAGE: Tankers during a bunker operation off Malta. Getty Images

Northwest Europe

Fuel availability is stable in the ARA, but prompt supplies can be challenging. Buyers are advised to enquire with a 5-7-day lead time for all fuel grades, a trader told ENGINE.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have surged 16% in November to date, according to Insights Global data. Fuel oil stocks have increased considerably from last month, when the lowest monthly average of the year was recorded.

The region has imported 173,000 b/d of fuel oil in November so far, up from the 127,000 b/d imported in October, according to cargo tracker Vortexa. The US (19%), Ireland (13%) and France (12%) have been the top suppliers this month.

Meanwhile, the region’s independent gasoil inventories - which include diesel and heating oil – have remained largely stable in November compared to October, according to the Insights Global data.

The ARA has imported 297,000 b/d of gasoil this month, up from the 259,000 b/d received in October, according to Vortexa data. The US has been the region’s top supplier in November, making up around 45% of cargo volumes, followed by Qatar and the UAE (16% each).

In Germany’s Hamburg, availability remains normal and a lead time of 3-5 days is advised for delivery of all fuel grades, a trader told ENGINE.

Availability remains tight in Sweden’s Gothenburg and off Denmark’s Skaw, with a notice of more than 10 days recommended for all deliveries, a trader said. Strong winds are forecast in both locations between 20-21 November.

Mediterranean

Demand remains stable in the Gibraltar Strait, with traders reporting a good number of enquiries this week. Fuel availability is normal, but prompt supplies are challenging. Most suppliers are requesting around a week of lead time for deliveries of any fuel grade, a trader told ENGINE.

Suppliers in Gibraltar are facing backlogs from a suspension forced by Storm Claudia. Most suppliers are running around a day behind schedule and there were around 14 vessels awaiting bunkers in the morning on 19 November, down slightly from 18 vessels a day before, port agent MH Bland said.  

In neighbouring Algeciras, some suppliers are running around 12-18 hours late on deliveries, while in Ceuta, some supplies at anchorage are delayed by around 8-10 hours, MH Bland added.

Supplies in Las Palmas are also tight for prompt dates, with HSFO deliveries taking up to 10 days, while VLSFO and LSMGO need around 5-7 days of notice, a trader told ENGINE. Between 21-22 November, high swells above 2 metres could suspend all deliveries at the outer anchorage. Deliveries may still continue at the inner anchorage and at berth, but likely with increased wait times due to a lack of space.

In Barcelona, LSMGO and HSFO deliveries require around 5-7 days of notice, while VLSFO supplies may take up to 10 days, a trader told ENGINE.

Malta’s offshore bunkering is seeing muted demand this week, with very few enquiries, a trader said. Fuel availability remains stable and lead times of 1-3 days are sufficient for delivery of any fuel grade, the trader added. Rough winds of more than 25 knots and waves of more than 2.5 metres are forecast in the area on 22 November, which may disrupt operations in some bunkering areas and cause delays.

VLSFO availability has tightened in Piraeus, a trader said.

In Istanbul, ULSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal and lead times of 1-3 days are sufficient to secure supplies, a local supplier told ENGINE.

Africa

In the Senegalese port of Dakar, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is stable, and buyers are advised to book around 5-7 days ahead, a source told ENGINE.

HSFO availability remains tight at Togo’s Lome anchorage, while VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries require at least a week’s notice, a trader said.

VLSFO and LSMGO supplies at Nigeria’s Lagos anchorage require around 5-8 days of notice, a source told ENGINE.

Off Walvis Bay, HSFO supply is very tight, while VLSFO and LSMGO supplies require around a week of lead time, a trader told ENGINE. High swells of more than 2 metres may limit all operations to the anchorage there.

LSMGO supplies are available within 1-2 days of enquiry at Sao Tome’s Neves bunkering terminal, and at the country’s Ana Chavez Commercial Port by trucks, a local supplier informed ENGINE.

In South Africa’s Durban and Richards Bay, HSFO supplies require around seven days of notice, while VLSFO deliveries are possible within 2-4 days, a trader told ENGINE.

Rough wind gusts of more than 40 knots and waves above 4 metres are forecast in Durban on 27 November, which may suspend all bunker operations in the port. At least six vessels were expected to call at the port between 18 November and 5 December, shipping agent Trade Ocean said.

In Mauritius’ Port Louis, HSFO supplies can require up to around two weeks of lead time, while buyers are advised to give a lead time of 5-7 days for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries, a trader said.

By Nachiket Tekawade

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