BUNKER FUEL prices, which have risen dramatically in the past three months, took their first downward turn of the year last week, when they dropped US$7 per metric ton in Durban and US$8 per metric ton in Cape Town. According to fuel suppliers, this is the result of an accumulation of factors, both in international pricing structures and the fact that the Engen refinery in Durban, which was partly under repair, is now back in full operation. International fuel oil prices in Singapore led the downward pattern, which was followed by a large drop in Mediterranean prices during the previous week's supply period.
