Panama bunker sales edge lower again in May despite increase in ships bunkering
Panama’s VLSFO sales rose slightly in May, while HSFO and MGO volumes declined, both in total and on a daily average basis.
Changes in Panama bunker fuel sales from April to May:
- Total sales down 6,000 mt to 453,000 mt
- VLSFO sales up 3,000 mt to 277,000 mt
- HSFO sales down 7,000 mt to 126,000 mt
- LSMGO sales down 1,000 mt to 47,000 mt
- 0.50% MGO sales down 400 mt to 3,500 mt
Total sales averaged 14,600 mt/day in May, down slightly from 14,800 mt/day in April. This marks the second consecutive monthly decline, according to preliminary figures from the Panama Maritime Authority.
VLSFO sales rose by 1% on the month, while LSMGO sales declined by 2%. HSFO volumes fell by 6% from April levels.
The number of ships bunkering in Panama’s ports increased by five to 632 in May, 152 more than in the same month last year.
The average stem size dropped to 717 mt this month from 732 mt in April. The number of barges operating in Panama decreased by one to 29 last month.
VLSFO continued to dominate Panama’s bunker market in May, accounting for around 60% of total sales.
HSFO accounted for roughly 29%, while the combined MGO grades contributed about 11%.
The market remains very quiet in Panama. All fuel grades are available for prompt delivery in both Balboa and Cristobal, with suppliers recommending lead times between 5–7 days.
By Gautamee Hazarika
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