Shipping lines warned of bunker fuel shortage

Durban refinery shutdown sparks crisis BUNKER FUEL shortages in both Durban and Cape Town harbours are causing a temporary crisis in the shipping industry, according to a spokesman for the bunker fuel industry. Vessels arriving from the East have been warned to take on stocks in Singapore or Mombasa, while those from the West are advised to take on additional supplies from their port of disembarkation. In Durban no supplies will be available until August 12 when the price is expected to be US$176 per metric ton. The shortage has been brought about by the shutdown at the Shell/BP refinery which is undergoing repairs. This has left the Engen refinery in a state of total commitment of stock in hand, and stating it has no product available for new enquiries. The Caltex refinery in Cape Town has stated it will address no new business enquiries until August 16, when the price is expected to be US$175 per metric ton. This is because vessels have switched from Durban to Cape Town and drained existing stocks.