Bunker Fuel Availability Tightens as Refiners Prioritise Diesel Production

Global supplies of fuel oil for the maritime sector are tightening significantly as refineries adjust operational yields to favour diesel. The reallocation of refining capacity has been triggered by war-related disruptions across middle distillate markets, with bunker buyers in Asia expected to feel the steepest supply constraints.

Projections from consultancy Energy Aspects indicate that the marine fuel sector faces an estimated deficit of 218,000 barrels per day throughout the current quarter. This shortfall marks the first quarterly supply deficit recorded for shipping fuel since 2025.

The anticipated gap in supply represents a sharp escalation from the previous deficit period in 2025, when the shortfall stood at just 6,000 barrels daily. Extended supply disruptions continue to strain production balances across regional refining hubs.