Bunker calls at Gibraltar climbed 17.2% year-on-year in June, according to Ship & Bunker, as the ongoing Iran war continued to alter global shipping routes and bunker demand patterns.
Gibraltar recorded 553 calls for bunkers in June, up from 472 during the same month last year, Ship & Bunker reports, citing data from the Gibraltar Port Authority. However, June’s figure fell short of the record 599 calls logged in May.
Looking at the broader trend, Ship & Bunker notes that the first half of 2026 averaged 478 monthly bunker calls, compared to an average of 425 over the same period in 2025.
Tonnage and Pricing Trends
Gross tonnage calling at Gibraltar’s western anchorage, where bunkering activity takes place, totaled 20.4 million GT in June. According to Ship & Bunker, this was down from 22 million GT in May but still higher than the 18.5 million GT recorded a year earlier.
On pricing, Gibraltar’s VLSFO averaged $672.5 per metric ton in June, easing from $783/mt in May, Ship & Bunker reports. Despite the monthly decline, the price remained well above the $542.5/mt recorded in June 2025.
For broader context, Ship & Bunker’s G20-VLSFO Index, which tracks average prices across 20 major bunkering ports, stood at $782/mt in June. That compares to $900/mt in May and $554/mt in June of last year.
Does This Matter to You?
The sustained rise in bunker calls and elevated fuel prices at Gibraltar reflects how the Iran war has continued to influence vessel routing and fuel procurement decisions in the region, according to Ship & Bunker. Vessel operators and bunker traders monitoring EMEA fuel availability and pricing trends may find the port’s call volume and pricing data useful for understanding regional demand shifts.
The year-over-year increase in tonnage and call frequency, despite a slight month-on-month pullback from May’s record, suggests Gibraltar continues to see elevated activity levels tied to the broader geopolitical situation, as reported by Ship & Bunker. The report does not specify further details on how individual operators are adjusting routes or procurement strategies in response.
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
