Petrobras has begun selling high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) as a marine fuel at the Port of Rio de Janeiro, according to an announcement from the company's bunkering division on 28 September.

The Brazilian state-controlled oil firm said the product is available for prompt delivery, expanding its existing bunker fuel portfolio at the port.

Petrobras noted that, as with all bunker products it supplies in Brazil, HSFO is produced at its own refineries, helping to ensure "consistent, high-quality specifications". It added that the fuel is free from petrochemical residues.

Referring to the VLSFO premium over HSFO — commonly known as the 'scrubber spread', since vessels fitted with exhaust-gas scrubbers can continue burning higher-sulphur fuel while remaining compliant with International Maritime Organization sulphur limits under MARPOL Annex VI — the supplier said indicative HSFO pricing in Rio de Janeiro was a little more than $80 per tonne below VLSFO.

Customers seeking a firm offer were advised to contact their designated trader at the company.