In the second quarter of 2025, major marine fuel (bunker) hubs recorded a 3.9% increase in demand compared with Q2 2024, reports Sea and Job.
This marked a rebound from a 3.1% drop in Q1. On a sequential basis, Q2 volumes rose by 2.6% over Q1. For the first half of the year as a whole, sales were up 0.3% year-on-year. If the trend continues, 2025 could close with the highest global bunker-sales volume since 2019.
Global coverage of survey
The survey, from Ship & Bunker and 2050 Marine Energy, covers 17 major locations representing about 61.6% of the 233.1 million metric tons of global bunker demand reported by the IMO in 2023. Key hubs in Asia and Europe such as Singapore, ARA (Amsterdam–Rotterdam–Antwerp), and Fujairah saw improvements in Q2, with Singapore and ARA recovering from earlier downturns.
Market sentiment varied by region. In North America, demand dropped significantly in Q2, largely attributed to uncertainty and new tariff policies. Some Asian ports experienced temporary demand spikes as cargoes were moved quickly ahead of tariff hikes. The introduction of the Mediterranean Emission Control Area (Med ECA) in May also influenced demand in regions such as Gibraltar and Turkey.
Industry voices describe a mixed picture. Some bunker suppliers report stagnation in new inquiries, especially in Asia. Others highlight diversification strategies—such as expanding into Africa or adapting to altered trade routes—as ways to offset demand volatility. Still, margin pressures, weaker U.S. inventories, and wider macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges remain.
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Source: Sea and Job
