Bunker sales volume at the port of Singapore fell 9% on year during August 2018, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.
The port recorded total marine fuel sales of 3.96 million metric tonnes (mt) in August 2018, compared to 4.36 million mt in August last year, and down 1.8% from 4.04 million mt in July.
Singapore’s bunker sales have dropped for two consecutive months on a year-on-year basis.
Trade sources expected lower sales in July and August as a number of shipowners decided to take bunkers in Japan, South Korea and China because of fuel quality issues in Singapore, even though North Asian bunker prices were higher.
“Instead of taking 3,000 mt, my customers would enquire for 1,500 mt or they would take enough to get them to their desired port,” a Singapore-based trader said.
Japanese bunker sources said demand for bunker in the first and second quarter was languid, reported a pickup in July.
Shipowners preferred to lift bunkers from Japanese and South Korean refiners because they could be assured of quality fuel, North Asian bunker sources added.
Sales of 500 centistokes (cSt), 380 cSt and 180 cSt grade, in August 2018 compared to August 2017), were respectively posted at 876,600 mt (-1.75.5%), 2.8 million mt (-12.9%), and 20,100 mt (6.5%).
Low sulphur 500 cSt, 380 cSt and 180 cSt grades saw sales of 0.0 (0% change), 1,400 mt (-71.9% on year fall), and 20,300 mt (735.2% on year increase)
Low sulfur marine gas oil (LSMGO) sales were recorded at 125,600 mt in August 2018, up 14.7% year on year, while 1.5% MGO sales fell 18.6% on year to 49,300 mt last month.
In August 3,128 vessels called Singapore port for bunkers, down 6.2% from 3,334 vessels which called at the city-port the same month last year.
Related: Singapore June bunker volume up on year
Related: Singapore: 380 cSt sales continue downward on year in May
Related: Singapore: Sales of 380 cSt grade down 5% on year in April
Related: Singapore’s March bunker volume marginally down by 4%
Related: Singapore February bunker volume up 7.5% on year
Related: Singapore: Strong start to January bunker sales volume
Photo: Pixabay
Published: 13 September, 2018
