Panama, one of the world’s busiest maritime hubs, witnessed a decline in bunker fuel sales during August 2025. According to the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), total bunker sales stood at 419,056 metric tonnes (mt), reflecting an 8.3% drop compared to 457,126 mt in August 2024.
Both the Pacific and Atlantic sides of the country contributed to this decline, with notable reductions in certain fuel categories.
Decline in Pacific-Side Sales
The Pacific side, which handles the bulk of Panama’s bunker operations, recorded sales of 351,419 mt in August 2025. This included 227,644 mt of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), 84,932 mt of RMG 380, 356 mt of Marine Gas Oil (MGO), and 38,487 mt of Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO).
In comparison, sales in August 2024 were higher at 374,507 mt, driven by stronger demand for RMG 380 (140,481 mt) and MGO (4,529 mt). The Pacific-side data highlights that despite growth in VLSFO sales, demand for other fuels declined significantly.
Atlantic-Side Performance
On the Atlantic side, bunker fuel sales totaled 67,637 mt in August 2025. This comprised 53,514 mt of VLSFO, 3,305 mt of RMG 380, 3,168 mt of MGO, and 7,650 mt of LSMGO.
The year before, the same region recorded 82,619 mt, reflecting higher volumes across most categories, especially RMG 380 at 9,591 mt. The sharp year-on-year reduction illustrates a consistent downward trend in demand for residual fuel types in the Atlantic region.
The overall 8.3% decline in Panama’s bunker fuel sales during August 2025 underscores changing fuel preferences and market challenges across both the Pacific and Atlantic sides. While VLSFO continues to dominate the bunker market, the falling demand for RMG 380 and MGO suggests a structural shift in fueling patterns. This trend, if sustained, could reshape Panama’s position as a key global bunkering hub in the years ahead.
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Source: Manifold Time
