Conflict Reaches World’s Third-Largest Bunker Hub
Bunkering operations at Fujairah, the world’s third-largest marine fuels hub, are facing serious disruption following Iranian attacks on the UAE, with multiple suppliers declaring force majeure and halting deliveries as of Wednesday, according to Ship & Bunker.
The escalation reached a critical point on Tuesday when falling drone intercept debris ignited a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ), as reported by Ship & Bunker. The incident compounded growing supply concerns that have mounted since hostilities broke out over the preceding weekend, with a number of bunker orders already cancelled in that period.
Suppliers Halt or Scale Back Operations
While Fujairah’s port infrastructure continues to function, several fuel suppliers have stepped back from the market citing safety concerns. Ship & Bunker sources indicate that Sinopec, Bakri International Energy, and Mediterranean Eastern Enterprise have fully suspended operations, while OMTI and ABC Bunkering are reported to be operating with constrained supply availability.
Despite the disruptions, some deliveries are still taking place. A local trader told Ship & Bunker: “However, overall we are still executing supplies safely, both by barge and truck, albeit at remarkably high prices.”
Ship & Bunker also reports that truck-based fuel deliveries at the nearby port of Khor Fakkan have encountered difficulties.
Barge Activity Collapses, Prices Surge
Data from maritime analytics firm Spotbarge, which tracks bunkering movements via AIS signals and other sources, points to a dramatic fall in barge operations at the port. Sebastiaan Kosman, founder of Spotbarge, told Ship & Bunker on Tuesday: “I think 70-80% of the bunker barges went offline.”
On the pricing front, Ship & Bunker data shows Fujairah’s VLSFO price climbed by $109/mt between Friday and Tuesday, reaching $629/mt — a move attributed largely to rising underlying crude values.
Outlook Uncertain as Conflict Continues
Sources cited by Ship & Bunker have expressed concern that a prolonged conflict could deepen supply disruptions across the region. For now, operators relying on Fujairah for bunkering face a significantly tighter and more expensive market.
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/news/emea/
Published: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
WORD COUNT: 355
CATEGORY: Bunker Market | Middle East | Security & Risk
