The UAE recorded no Sudanese crude imports in August, ending a pattern of one to two monthly cargoes of Nile or Dar Blend since early 2025, according to Kpler shipment-tracking data. Market sources say purchases were paused, though no official reason has been disclosed.
With less feedstock for Fujairah refiners that produce ultra-low-sulfur fuel oil (ULSFO) used in ship bunkering, spot supply tightened. Prompt ULSFO offers for Fujairah were heard around $15 per ton above Singapore benchmarks five days ago, while forward offers ranged between $10 and $13 per ton, signaling continued pressure on the local market.
Cargo insurance premiums also climbed to their highest levels this year last week after an extended period of low, stable rates—an indication of mounting concerns over volatility and logistics.
Fujairah, the world’s third-largest bunkering hub after Singapore and Rotterdam, is central to maritime fuel trade. The pause in Sudanese flows comes amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the SAF and RSF since April 2023, which has disrupted exports and unsettled regional energy supply chains.
