ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 14/05/2026 Northwest Europe Availability of all bunker fuel grades is stable in the ARA hub, with buyers advised to book around 4-5 days ahead to get good coverage from suppliers, a trader said. The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have averaged 4% lower in May so far than in April, according to Insights Global data. The region’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – have averaged 7% lower this month. Gasoil stocks are at their lowest since December 2023. In Germany’s Hamburg, suppliers require around five days of lead time to arrange deliveries of any fuel grade, a trader told ENGINE. Off Denmark’s Skaw and in Sweden’s Gothenburg, buyers require around 10 days of notice for delivery of any fuel grade, according to a trader. Mediterranean Bunker availability is tight for prompt delivery dates in the Gibraltar Strait ports, a trader said. Suppliers need around 7-10 days of notice on average to arrange deliveries, according to a trader. Suppliers in Gibraltar are running around 12 hours after schedule on deliveries, port agent MH Bland said. In neighbouring Algeciras, suppliers may be anywhere between 4-24 hours behind schedule on deliveries, the port agent added. Las Palmas is seeing tight availability, and buyers are advised to book stems at least 7-10 days before delivery dates to get competitive offers from a wide selection of suppliers, a trader said. In Spain’s Huelva, buyers can source supplies easily with a lead time of around five days, according to a trader. In Spain’s Valencia all fuel grades are readily available, and a lead time of around 5-7 days is required for delivery of HSFO, ULSFO and LSMGO grades, a trader said. Weather-related disruptions off Malta have complicated bunkering in the area, a trader told ENGINE. Availability is tight and loading delays can increase lead times, the trader added. Bunker operations have b