Bunker prices have continued a moderate upward trend globally during the week.
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MABUX Global Bunker Index for 380 HSFO rose from $254/MT on May 28 up to $274/MT (plus $20) on Jun.04, VLSFO – from $295/MT to $314/MT (plus $19), MGO LS – from $371/MT to $ 385/MT (plus $14).
Bad news came from a number of forecasts saying that global bunker fuel demand is expected to fall by 5%-10% year on year in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic slows trade and impedes shipping and ship crew movements in many countries.
Meantime, initial fears about the escalation of bunker fuel quality issues due to the widespread adoption of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) and blended fuels have been mostly exaggerated. Good news last week was that there was sharp decline registered in non-compliant very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) samples globally.
Around 8% of VLSFO samples tested by VPS (Veritas Petroleum Services) at the end of 2019 had sulfur content over 0.50%, but by March-April 2020 that index had fallen to 1.1%. It means that disputes over the sulfur content of new IMO 2020-compliant fuel blends are likely to be declining.
Source: MABUX
