Panama bunker sales improved in December
Panama's total bunker sales moved 6% higher in December as more vessels arrived for bunkers.
Changes in Panama bunker fuel sales from November to December:
- Total sales up 32,000 mt to 501,000 mt
- HSFO sales up 27,000 mt to 158,000 mt
- VLSFO sales down 4,000 mt to 288,000 mt
- LSMGO sales up 5,000 mt to 44,000 mt
- 0.50% MGO sales up 4,000 mt to 11,000 mt
The number of ships bunkering in Panama’s ports rose by 44 to 661 in December, and that was 160 more ships bunkering than in December 2023.
The average stem size was 757 mt and roughly steady with the 759 mt in November, according to preliminary figures from the Panama Maritime Authority.
Two barges were taken out of operation in Panama, bringing the total count to 32 barges last month.
VLSFO sales dropped by 1% on the month, while LSMGO sales gained by 14%. HSFO sales gained about 17% on the month and were up by a massive 91% on a year-on-year basis.
VLSFO was the most sought-after product in 2024, accounting for 61% of total bunker sales. HSFO sales represented 29% of the total, and combined MGO sales were at 10%.
Product availability was tight across all grades amid strong bunker demand in the Panamanian ports of Balboa, Cristobal and Colon, with most suppliers requiring lead times of more than seven days to secure stems.
By Aparupa Mazumder
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