popular articles

Demand Drops for Heavy Fuel Oil in Hong Kong in November, Impact on Ex-Wharf Premiums

Contract premiums for 380 CST fuel oil in Hong Kong fell in November due to weak demand and limited supply, influenced by improved weather conditions in China.

Please share:

Demand for high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) in Hong Kong slowed in November, leading to a decline in ex-wharf contract premiums for this fuel, according to several market sources. These premiums, applied to HSFO 380 CST cargoes delivered in November to Hong Kong, ranged from 32 to 40 dollars per metric ton above the FOB (Free on Board) Singapore cargo value, down from a range of 35 to 40 dollars per metric ton in October.

One of the primary reasons for this decrease lies in the weakening demand for HSFO at the Hong Kong port, where market conditions have deteriorated over recent months. Despite stable long-term contracts, spot demand for heavy fuel oil is down, as noted by a Hong Kong-based trader.

Impact of Reduced Production and Increased Costs

In addition to decreasing demand, a reduction in HSFO production has also contributed to the situation. Due to declining profit margins, some refineries have decided to redirect resources to producing other, more profitable refined products, reducing the availability of HSFO. A Hong Kong fuel supplier indicated that the rising production costs discourage producers from continuing to supply the market. This drop in supply could potentially lead to stock shortages in the coming months.

Normalization of Weather Conditions in China

Previously, the Hong Kong HSFO market had benefited from severe weather conditions in China’s Zhoushan hub, which had caused outer anchorages to close and disrupted barging operations at the port. This situation temporarily increased demand for HSFO in Hong Kong as shipowners sought alternatives in southern China for their fuel needs.

However, with improving weather at the end of October and the arrival of fresh HSFO cargoes in Zhoushan, refueling operations were able to resume. This resumption led shipowners back to Zhoushan, reducing pressure on HSFO demand in Hong Kong, as confirmed by another trader in the region.

Premium Fluctuations and Regional Price Differences

According to data from S&P Global Commodity Insights, the average premium for 380 CST HSFO cargoes delivered in Hong Kong compared to the FOB Singapore value reached 40.65 dollars per metric ton in November, marking an 18.2% decrease from October’s average of 49.70 dollars per metric ton. Premium fluctuations indicate varying regional preferences and competition among southern China refueling ports.

The price difference between marine fuel delivered in Hong Kong and that delivered in Zhoushan slightly increased in November, averaging 6 dollars per metric ton versus 3.33 dollars in October, according to the same data. This differential reflects the renewed attractiveness of Zhoushan for shipowners now that conditions have stabilized there.

Recent developments indicate that the HSFO market in Hong Kong is adjusting to regional production and demand dynamics, particularly in response to economic and weather-related shifts in China.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The potential lifting of U.S. sanctions on the Arctic LNG 2 project paves the way for a rapid resumption of Russian liquefied natural gas exports, significantly impacting global markets from the third quarter of 2025.
Prairie Provident Resources closed 2024 with a reorganisation of its assets and a strategic focus on the Basal Quartz formation, backed by capital raises and revised reserve estimates.
Prairie Provident Resources closed 2024 with a reorganisation of its assets and a strategic focus on the Basal Quartz formation, backed by capital raises and revised reserve estimates.
The Republic of Congo enhances its gas capabilities with the floating platform Nguya, which will add 2.4 million annual tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG), solidifying its position in the global market starting in 2025.
The Republic of Congo enhances its gas capabilities with the floating platform Nguya, which will add 2.4 million annual tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG), solidifying its position in the global market starting in 2025.
TotalEnergies welcomed the launch of a criminal investigation in Mozambique into allegations of crimes committed by security forces near its suspended gas project in Cabo Delgado province.
TotalEnergies welcomed the launch of a criminal investigation in Mozambique into allegations of crimes committed by security forces near its suspended gas project in Cabo Delgado province.
Baker Hughes will provide integrated coiled-tubing drilling services to Dubai Petroleum Establishment as part of the Margham gas storage project, reinforcing its role in the emirate’s energy security.
Algeria announces an ambitious goal to increase its annual natural gas production to 200 billion cubic meters within five years, supported by significant investments and strategic infrastructure projects aimed at the international market.
Algeria announces an ambitious goal to increase its annual natural gas production to 200 billion cubic meters within five years, supported by significant investments and strategic infrastructure projects aimed at the international market.
Europe is considering various energy strategies up to 2050, revealing highly variable costs and an uncertain future for natural gas demand amid political pressure to achieve carbon neutrality at lower costs.
Europe is considering various energy strategies up to 2050, revealing highly variable costs and an uncertain future for natural gas demand amid political pressure to achieve carbon neutrality at lower costs.
The global liquefied natural gas engine market is expected to double by 2033, fuelled by energy diversification policies, growing refuelling infrastructure and demand for cost-effective transport solutions.
The global liquefied natural gas engine market is expected to double by 2033, fuelled by energy diversification policies, growing refuelling infrastructure and demand for cost-effective transport solutions.
The $4.7bn financing granted by the US Exim Bank to the Mozambique LNG project reignites tensions in the United States over foreign energy policy and national interests.
A study by Wood Mackenzie concludes that liquefied natural gas exported from the United States to Europe generates on average half the emissions of imported coal, when considering the full lifecycle.
A study by Wood Mackenzie concludes that liquefied natural gas exported from the United States to Europe generates on average half the emissions of imported coal, when considering the full lifecycle.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico acknowledged on 20 March significant technical difficulties obstructing a proposed gas swap deal with Azerbaijan, while reaffirming the urgency of restoring Russian gas transit through Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico acknowledged on 20 March significant technical difficulties obstructing a proposed gas swap deal with Azerbaijan, while reaffirming the urgency of restoring Russian gas transit through Ukraine.
The Canadian government is financially backing the Cedar LNG project, a gas infrastructure led by the Haisla Nation and Pembina, with an investment of up to $200mn.
The Canadian government is financially backing the Cedar LNG project, a gas infrastructure led by the Haisla Nation and Pembina, with an investment of up to $200mn.
In 2025, Europe faces gas reserves well below usual levels, leading to rising prices and increased pressure on industrial competitiveness amid geopolitical and climatic tensions.
Alpha Generation, LLC plans to add 450 MW of power generation capacity across four existing sites in Maryland, New Jersey, and Ohio. This initiative aims to meet the growing energy demand under PJM’s Reliability Resource Initiative.
Alpha Generation, LLC plans to add 450 MW of power generation capacity across four existing sites in Maryland, New Jersey, and Ohio. This initiative aims to meet the growing energy demand under PJM’s Reliability Resource Initiative.
Equinor has begun gas production at Halten East, a NOK 9 billion project in the Norwegian Sea, two years after receiving approval from Norwegian authorities.
Equinor has begun gas production at Halten East, a NOK 9 billion project in the Norwegian Sea, two years after receiving approval from Norwegian authorities.
Siemens Energy has secured a $1.6 billion contract to supply technologies for the Rumah 2 and Nairyah 2 gas power plants in Saudi Arabia. These facilities will add 3.6 gigawatts to the national grid and include 25-year maintenance agreements.
Siemens Energy has secured a $1.6 billion contract to supply technologies for the Rumah 2 and Nairyah 2 gas power plants in Saudi Arabia. These facilities will add 3.6 gigawatts to the national grid and include 25-year maintenance agreements.
BP has confirmed the cessation of a gas leak at the offshore Grand Tortue Ahmeyim field, located between Senegal and Mauritania. The incident, identified on 19 February at one of the site’s wells, required technical interventions to restore the integrity of the installations.
The United States reactivates a major loan for TotalEnergies' Mozambique LNG project, stalled since 2021 due to a jihadist attack. The funding should enable a market-anticipated restart by 2030.
The United States reactivates a major loan for TotalEnergies' Mozambique LNG project, stalled since 2021 due to a jihadist attack. The funding should enable a market-anticipated restart by 2030.
ExxonMobil has signed a 20-year contract with ARC Resources for LNG supply from the Cedar LNG project, linked to JKM. The deal marks a significant step in global LNG pricing.
ExxonMobil has signed a 20-year contract with ARC Resources for LNG supply from the Cedar LNG project, linked to JKM. The deal marks a significant step in global LNG pricing.
Facing a drop in domestic production, Egypt plans to lease a floating natural gas liquefaction unit in Germany to secure its energy supply.
Facing a drop in domestic production, Egypt plans to lease a floating natural gas liquefaction unit in Germany to secure its energy supply.
Under pressure from US sanctions, Iraq explores alternatives to Iranian gas to secure its electricity supply, notably turning to Qatar and Oman, while considering the installation of floating LNG terminals.
In the context of growing trade tensions with the United States, the European Union strengthens its imports of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on Russian gas.
In the context of growing trade tensions with the United States, the European Union strengthens its imports of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on Russian gas.
Qatar has started supplying natural gas to Syria via Jordan in order to alleviate electricity shortages and support the rebuilding of the country's energy infrastructure.
Qatar has started supplying natural gas to Syria via Jordan in order to alleviate electricity shortages and support the rebuilding of the country's energy infrastructure.
Cameroon has announced the upcoming construction of two gas-fired power plants totaling 500 MW in Bekoko and Douala under public-private partnerships, contingent upon gas supply assurances from the National Hydrocarbons Corporation.
Cameroon has announced the upcoming construction of two gas-fired power plants totaling 500 MW in Bekoko and Douala under public-private partnerships, contingent upon gas supply assurances from the National Hydrocarbons Corporation.

Advertising