ENGINE: Europe and Africa Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 18/06/2026 Northwest Europe Prompt HSFO and VLSFO availability remains tight in the ARA bunkering hub, because of loading delays at the terminals, a trader said. Lead times of around 7-8 days are recommended for both grades. LSMGO stems in the ARA require around six days of notice, the trader added. The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks remain unchanged in June so far, compared to May’s monthly average, according to Insights Global data. Fuel oil stocks in the ARA hub remain almost equal to May’s inventory levels, which were the lowest seen in more than a decade. The ARA hub has imported 172,000 b/d of fuel oil in the first week of June, lower from May’s monthly average of 230,000 b/d, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa. Around 48% imports came from Venzuela, while U.S. Virgin Islands sent around 14% of the June cargoes. The region’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – have dropped 70,000 bbl this month so far compared to May. Gasoil inventories have fallen to their lowest level in two and a half years. The ARA hub imported 226,000 b/d of gasoil in June, up from 204,000 b/d imported in May, Vortexa data showed. Around 33% of June’s shipments have come from the U.S., while Brazil (14%) and Saudi Arabia (12%) have also sent cargoes. Gasoil shipments coming from the Middle East have fallen considerably over the last few months. Fuel availability is normal in Germany’s Hamburg, with buyers advised to inquire about supplies around five days ahead to get deliveries of any fuel grade, a trader told ENGINE. Marine fuel availability is normal off Denmark’s Skaw and in Sweden’s Gothenburg, but buyers may need to provide a notice of around 10 days to arrange deliveries of any fuel grade, according to a trader. Mediterranean Fuel availability remains tight for prompt delivery dates in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta, with buyers recommended to b