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Odessa bunker operations normal amid Ukraine-Russia conflict: sources
25th February 2022 07:36 GMT

  • Bunker operations unaffected
  • Regional port bunker demand is expected to rise
  • Maersk issue customer advisory

Ukrainian Odessa port bunker fuel oil operations have been normal Feb. 24 following Russian's invasion of the country.

“For now, bunkering is going ahead and passage is still open," a Ukrainian bunker trader told S&P Global Platts. "Some smaller ships are delaying their passage to Ukraine as they are waiting to see what happens, but cargo operations in ports seem to be operating as normal.”

The Port Authority of Odessa did not respond to repeated inquiries for comment.

The delivered MF 0.5% sulfur bunker price for the Odesa port was trading Feb. 24 at $845/mt and gasoil was trading $1,050/mt, Platts Bunkerworld data showed.

Bunker demand is expected to rise in nearby Skagen, Georgian and Turkish ports.

“Bunker demand in Istanbul so far is normal," an Istanbul-bunker supplier said. "We expect bunker demand to rise in the coming days due to the possibility of bunker operations getting affected in Ukraine."

The supplier added: “As of now, everybody is waiting to get a clear picture. We are hearing Russian and Ukrainian suppliers asking cash in advance because they feel payments can be at risk."

Russia had earlier suspended shipping in the Sea of Azov following its move to launch military operations in the Donbas region of Ukraine. The suspension covers the whole of the Sea of Azov, a spokesperson for the country's Agency for Maritime and River Transport (Rosmorrechflot) told Platts.

Due to the escalation of the conflict, Platts received a Maersk customer advisory Feb.24. stating the company has decided not to call any ports in Ukraine and to stop acceptance of orders to and from Ukraine. Service in Russia currently remains available but is potentially subject to change as the situation develops.


Platts ,
25th February 2022 07:36 GMT