Fujairah Bunkering Severely Disrupted as Iranian Attacks Spark Supplier Suspensions and Price Spike
Up to 80% of bunker barges reported offline as VLSFO prices surge $109/mt amid ongoing conflict
Ongoing Iranian attacks targeting the UAE have begun to take a significant toll on bunkering operations at Fujairah — the world’s third-largest marine fuels hub — with multiple suppliers suspending deliveries and fuel prices climbing sharply, according to Ship & Bunker.
Fire at FOIZ Adds to Security Fears
The disruption escalated on Tuesday when debris from a drone intercept ignited a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ), Ship & Bunker reports. The incident has compounded anxiety among market participants, with industry sources telling the publication that a number of bunker orders have been cancelled since the conflict first erupted over the weekend.
While port operations in Fujairah are reported to be continuing as normal, several suppliers have opted to pause deliveries as a precautionary measure. Ship & Bunker notes that some traders have gone as far as declining to issue price quotes entirely in response to the security situation.
Barge Activity Collapses
Data from analytics firm Spotbarge, which tracks bunkering movements through AIS data and additional sources, points to a dramatic pullback in activity at the port. Sebastiaan Kosman, founder of Spotbarge, told Ship & Bunker: “I think 70-80% of the bunker barges went offline.”
The disruption is not confined to Fujairah alone. A trader also told Ship & Bunker that truck-based fuel deliveries in the nearby port of Khor Fakkan have been encountering difficulties.
VLSFO Prices Surge
The conflict has also left a clear mark on fuel pricing. According to Ship & Bunker’s pricing data, Fujairah’s VLSFO rate climbed by $109 per metric tonne between Friday and Tuesday, reaching $629/mt. The publication attributes the rise largely to a concurrent increase in underlying crude oil values.
Sources cited by Ship & Bunker have expressed concern that a prolongation of the conflict could deepen the disruption across the region’s bunkering network.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
Article link: https://shipandbunker.com
Published: March 4, 2026
WORD COUNT: 320
CATEGORY: Bunkering / Regional Security / Middle East
