Panama bunker sales slip in April

Sales of VLSFO and HSFO have decreased on both, a total and a daily average basis.

Changes in Panama bunker fuel sales from March to April:

• Total sales down 13,000 mt to 484,000 mt
• VLSFO sales down 1,500 mt to 319,000 mt
• LSMGO sales up 6,000 mt to 53,000 mt
• HSFO sales down 15,000 mt to 105,000 mt
• 0.5% MGO sales down 900 mt to 9,800 mt

Panama’s bunker sales in April have slightly decreased from March, according to preliminary data from the Panama Maritime Authority.

Despite the month-on-month decline, April 2026 has posted the highest bunker sales volume for the month of April compared to the past 5 years.

HSFO sales have fallen by about 13% in April, while VLSFO sales have remained broadly steady, slipping marginally by less than 1%.

In contrast, LSMGO volumes have increased by around 13% month-on-month.

Total bunker sales have averaged about 16,150 mt/day in April, compared to around 16,060 mt/day in March.

Panama's ports saw 679 ships call for bunkers in April, down from 696 ships in March, while the number of barges operating remains steady at 31.

The average stem size has eased slightly to around 713 mt in April, from 715 mt in the previous month.

VLSFO has remained the dominant grade in Panama’s bunker market in April, accounting for about 66% of total sales volumes.

HSFO has made up roughly 22% of total sales, while total MGO volumes, have accounted for around 13% of overall bunker sales.

Panama’s bunker demand is high and fuel availability across the region is generally normal.

In Balboa and Cristobal, HSFO and VLSFO have typically required lead times of 4–7 days over the past week. LSMGO can be delivered within 3–6 days, depending on stem size and delivery port, a source said.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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