Bunker calls at Gibraltar fell to their lowest level since February, according to data released by the Gibraltar Port Authority and reported by Ship & Bunker.
The port recorded 464 bunker calls in July, marking a decline of 3.8% compared to the 447 calls seen in the same month last year, and a notable drop from the 553 calls recorded in June, Ship & Bunker reports.
Year-to-Date Trends Remain Positive
Despite the July dip, the broader picture for 2026 still shows growth. According to Ship & Bunker, the average number of monthly bunker calls for the January-July period rose to 476, up from an average of 428 during the same seven months last year.
Gross tonnage calling at the western side of Gibraltar, where bunkering operations are based, totalled 19.63 million GT in July. That figure was down from June’s 20.44 million GT, but Ship & Bunker notes it remained higher than the 18.07 million GT recorded in July of the previous year.
Fuel Prices Ease Slightly but Stay Elevated
On the pricing side, Gibraltar’s VLSFO averaged $664 per metric ton in July, according to Ship & Bunker price data. That was a decrease from June’s average of $672.50/mt, though still substantially above the $540/mt level recorded a year earlier.
For broader context, Ship & Bunker’s own G20-VLSFO Index, which tracks average prices across 20 major bunkering ports, stood at $760/mt in July. That compares to $782/mt the previous month and $553/mt in July 2025, reflecting a wider industry trend of elevated fuel costs compared to the prior year.
Does This Matter to You?
For vessel operators and bunker traders monitoring activity at key Mediterranean bunkering hubs, Gibraltar’s monthly call volumes and tonnage figures offer a useful indicator of regional shipping traffic and fuel demand patterns. A dip to a five-month low in call numbers, even as year-to-date averages remain higher than last year, suggests some month-to-month volatility that those planning bunker stems or port calls may want to factor into scheduling.
The pricing data is also relevant for anyone tracking fuel cost trends. While Gibraltar’s VLSFO price eased slightly from June, it remains well above year-ago levels, mirroring the broader trend seen in Ship & Bunker’s G20 index. This continued price elevation compared to 2025 could factor into voyage cost calculations and bunkering location decisions for operators transiting the Strait of Gibraltar corridor.
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 (data credit: Gibraltar Port Authority)
