Bunker port spread pulse: 28 Aug 2026
In this bounded Bulugo snapshot, MGO showed the widest selected-port spread, while ARA VLSFO sat tightly compared with the wider East Med and Strait set. Use the spread to choose which port questions to ask, not to declare a cheapest stem.
Prices checked 28 Aug 2026, 08:00 UTC. Coverage: 7 supported major bunker ports, 3 core bunker grades and 20 current port-grade indications. Indications are planning context only and are not firm supplier quotes.
MGO was the widest selected spread in this pulse
The decision-useful signal is not "buy at the lowest shown port". It is which port pairs deserve a live comparison and a like-for-like supplier quote for the same grade, quantity, vessel and delivery window.
| Grade | Low shown | High shown | Spread | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLSFO | Antwerp $655.00/MT | Istanbul $821.83/MT | $166.83/MT | Useful for ARA, Strait and East Med route flexibility checks, but not a global cheapest claim. |
| MGO | Rotterdam $1,234.67/MT | Algeciras $1,517.50/MT | $282.83/MT | Use this to question ECA or auxiliary-fuel assumptions where delivery window and port call can move. |
| IFO380 | Antwerp $520.50/MT | Istanbul $722.75/MT | $202.25/MT | Relevant only for scrubber-fitted or otherwise compliant stems, with supplier availability checked directly. |
Selected port and grade indications
This chart shows the bounded data used for the pulse. Missing cells mean no current indication was included in the selected snapshot, not that a supplier cannot quote that grade.
| Port | VLSFO | MGO | IFO380 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antwerp Belgium | $655.00/MT | $1,242.00/MT | $520.50/MT |
| Rotterdam Netherlands | $660.25/MT | $1,234.67/MT | $534.38/MT |
| Gibraltar Gibraltar | $721.75/MT | $1,413.13/MT | $577.83/MT |
| Algeciras Spain | $773.00/MT | $1,517.50/MT | No current indication |
| Fujairah UAE | $778.13/MT | $1,416.17/MT | $616.75/MT |
| Singapore Singapore | $786.38/MT | $1,258.94/MT | $632.90/MT |
| Istanbul Turkey | $821.83/MT | $1,441.25/MT | $722.75/MT |
Methodology
- Snapshot uses Bulugo public price indications available at publication time from the current website price export and live app database evidence.
- Rows are restricted to selected major supported ports where current VLSFO, MGO or IFO380 indications were present in the 72-hour freshness window.
- Each spread is high minus low inside this bounded set only. It is not a cheapest-port, savings, forward curve or firm delivered quote claim.
- Final bunker buying still depends on grade specification, MT quantity, vessel details, delivery mode, delivery window, credit, supplier availability and local port constraints.
What it does not mean
The pulse does not rank global bunker ports, promise savings, predict tomorrow's market or replace supplier quotes. It only highlights where this dated selected-port spread was large enough to justify a live comparison and a structured quote request.
Distribution note
A manual pitch pack was prepared for Ship & Bunker, ENGINE, Seatrade Maritime, IBIA and LinkedIn maritime audiences. No publisher or social outreach is sent from this page.
Why this experiment is bounded
Ship & Bunker
Maintains current world and port bunker price tables by grade, proving search demand for live port-price and spread-style references.
ENGINE
Publishes timely bunker market stories around port and grade differences, including Istanbul/Gibraltar and Antwerp/Rotterdam style comparisons.
Bunker Index
Owns long-running bunker price index visibility and reinforces buyer familiarity with benchmark-style port tables.
Seatrade Maritime
Relevant maritime trade outlet for practical operator context when the angle is decision workflow rather than raw price redistribution.
IBIA
Relevant industry audience for bunker-market education and caveated methodology, especially when the page avoids firm quote or savings claims.
Next step
Open the live comparison for the four selected ports, then start the chat quote with the grade, quantity, vessel and delivery-window prompts already carried forward.